Michele McManamon may look familiar to you. On any given day she can be found at a Rotary meeting, a JAX Chamber event, a Red Coat gathering at THE PLAYERS, meeting with area business leaders and lobbying in Tallahassee for funding to support the mission of an organization she co-founded, Operation New Uniform (ONU). The mission of ONU is to empower veterans and military spouses to successfully transition from military service to a purposeful, stable career.
How did this Ponte Vedra Beach resident, wife, mother of two and recent grandmother find her passion to serve veterans? If you ask her, she will tell you it was a happy accident and a blessing from God.
Michele and her husband Pat met nearly 30 years ago at a hot dog stand in New Jersey, and the rest, as they say, is history. Pat owned Sandler Training of NE Florida, a sales training company, and recently sold his franchise to the Ruby Group/Sandler in his home state of Ohio. His career prior to owning the Sandler franchise meant moving every few years until one day the couple found themselves in Jacksonville. Fast forward to 2013 when Pat and Michele extended an offer to a veteran in the area to undergo Sandler training at no charge.
“That first veteran taught us so much,” said Michele. “We didn’t realize that transitioning from the military meant finding yourself, building your confidence and leaving the team mentality behind. We learned that they need help taking off their military uniform and finding their new uniform, their new identity in the business world. Within four months of graduating, nearly 90% of our students find employment.”
Each branch of service has its own transition program for veterans, but Operation New Uniform’s recipe for success is proprietary.
“We leverage the success of Sandler training to equip our students with the tools they need,” said Michele. “Our staff partners with area business leaders to teach our students how to write a successful resume that doesn’t include military acronyms, how to prepare for an interview, how to be interviewed and how to market themselves. This is an intensive and transformational process, with the result being students become part of our family for life.”
Pursuing your passion with a purpose means being tireless, and if you know Michele, that is a good descriptor for her personality. Under her leadership, Operation New Uniform recently expanded to Tampa, Florida, added an after-hours program for active duty and military spouses, and is working on a new iteration of their self-paced, E-learning program that mirrors their in-person training. Their goal is to meet students where they are mentally, emotionally and physically.
“We are on the mission field at ONU,” said Michele. “Our team has helped nearly 500 veterans find their next mission after life in the military. Our company tagline is ‘Building Veterans’ Futures. Saving Veterans’ Lives’ and if you speak with our graduates, they will tell you it is fitting. We are God’s hands and feet, and I will continue to relentlessly pursue my passion to serve those who raised their hand in service to our great nation in His name.”
To learn more, go to ONUVets.org, check the calendar of events, attend a graduation ceremony, donate to ONU’s non-profit mission and purchase a table for Operation New Uniform’s signature fundraiser, the 10th Annual Heroes Gala on Dec. 2, 2023, at Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa. The theme for this year’s star-studded event is Denim & Diamonds, and you won’t want to miss the nationally acclaimed keynote speaker, master of ceremonies, and other VIP guests.
