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About Operation New Uniform

Founded in 2014, Operation New Uniform (ONU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering transitioning Servicemembers from all branches of the military to find their “new uniform”—a fulfilling career in the business world.

What began as a single opportunity for one Veteran in Jacksonville, Florida, to attend a Sandler Training class and develop sales skills has grown into a nationally recognized program that has transformed the lives of more than 600 Veterans and Military Spouses across the United States.

ONU’s proprietary approach meets each student where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally—on their transition journey. For Veterans, we help uncover their unique value and worth, empowering them to see themselves beyond the team-first mentality ingrained during their military service. For Military Spouses, we provide the tools and support they need to define their own identity and pursue their personal and professional goals. This life-changing, person-centered methodology makes Operation New Uniform a truly one-of-a-kind program.

We proudly offer in-person classes for Servicemembers and Veterans at our headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, and at our satellite location in Tampa, Florida. For Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Spouses seeking a flexible option, we also offer online, self-paced programs available throughout the year. Detailed schedules for classes and graduations can be found on this website.

At Operation New Uniform, we believe those who have served our country deserve the very best support as they transition to civilian life. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of our corporate partners and donors, all of our transformative programs are provided free of charge to qualifying applicants, ensuring that no Servicemember, Veteran, or Military Spouse faces this journey alone.

Our Mission: Operation New Uniform is a free, comprehensive Career Development Program dedicated to addressing the challenges of unemployment, underemployment, and career transitions faced by Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Spouses. Through tailored training, one-on-one coaching, and a lifelong support network, we empower participants with the skills, confidence, and professional tools necessary to navigate the competitive job market and secure meaningful, stable careers that honor their potential and contributions.

Our Vision: To produce confident graduates who are coveted and embraced by the community.

Our Values: Teamwork, Ambition, Compassion, Talent, Integrity, Community, and Service (TACTICS)

Operation New Uniform Team

Michele McManamon

Chief Executive Officer &
Co-Founder

Char Miller

Chief Marketing Officer
U.S. Army Veteran Spouse

Lavender Morrison

Director, Sponsorships & Partnerships

Tracey Bradley, Sr.

Director, Career Placement U.S. Navy Veteran

Breanna DeLong

Program Manager
U.S. Army Veteran Spouse

Jay Lugg

Executive Assistant &
Office Manager

Olivia Fisher

Olivia Fisher

Program Coordinator
U.S. Navy Veteran

Rich Possert

Outreach Coordinator
U.S. Navy Veteran

Board Officers

Chair

Bob Buehn

U.S. Navy Veteran

Treasurer

Dayton Warfle

Patriot Consulting Group
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Secretary

Daniel Starratt

ICE
U.S. Army Veteran

Immediate Past Chair

David Trenholm

Bank of America
U.S. Navy Veteran

Board Members

Blace Albert

First Command Financial
U.S. Army Veteran

Abraham Blocker

J.P. Morgan Private Bank
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

LaSandra Boykin

CSX

Jeff Brown

Swisher

Melissa Circelli

Fidelity National Financial

Scott Hausman

Auto Crane
U.S. Army Veteran

Richard Hill

Swisher
U.S. Army Veteran

Jenay McKinney

Ascendo Resources
U.S. Navy Veteran

Johnny McManamon

CDZ

Simone Ridgell

U.S. Navy Veteran

Mark Vlaun

American Roll-On Roll-Off Carrier Group
U.S. Coast Guard Veteran

Raymond Theiss

First Citizens
U.S. Army Veteran

Advisory Council

Ryan Smith

JAX Executive Jet Center

Leigh Jacobs

USI Insurance Services

Jake Ammon

Jake Ammon

Franklin Street
U.S. Marine Corps Veteran

Hon. Board Member

Allen West

Retired U.S. Army LT Col

Veterans Graduated

0

gain employment within 4 months

0 %

economic impact of graduates in the workplace

$ 0 M

average starting salary of graduates

$ 0 K

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