New Alliance Will Help Military Personnel Transition To Civilian, Professional Life
(L-R) Darren Seys, Dave McKean and Matt Weiss of Entrepreneurs’ Organization South Florida
Homestead Air Reserve Base recently welcomed a force of about 50 business owners and members of Entrepreneurs’ Organization South Florida to tour the facility and to help military personnel prepare for their transition into civilian and professional life.
Lt. Colonel Ryan Ley, who commands more than 150 pilots and other air base flight and ground staff with the 482nd Fighter Wing, led the tour. He said most of the men and women serving at the base are very young, and without much experience or perspective outside of military life. They need mentoring in getting a job, managing finances, starting a business and other areas of civilian living.
Successful business owners such as the visiting EO SOFLO team, Ley said, are excellent partners to provide such guidance, assistance and expertise.
“Our organization is excited for the opportunity to share our broad expertise and resources with base leadership in this important mission,” said Darren Seys, founder of Peak Seven Advertising and board member of EO SOFLO.
EO SOFLO is one of the world’s largest EO chapters with about 190 members who run businesses that account for approximately 10,000 jobs and $2 billion in annual revenues in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.
“As members of the South Florida business community, we’re proud to be the tip of the spear in helping military personnel thrive during and after their service to the nation,” Seys said.
EO SOFLO member David McKean, for example, has launched a series of presentations and other events to assist the airmen and their families. McKean is owner of Dairy Queen of Miami-Dade County including Dairy Queen Grill & Chill in Homestead and serves on the base’s Military Affairs Committee(MAC).
In May, McKean will lead the MAC in hosting the “Nashville’s Hit Men” country music concert inside the Seminole Theatre in downtown Homestead, in conjunction with South Dade Chamber of Commerce. All proceeds will benefit the military.
“The young men and women who bravely serve our country deserve our help and so much more,” McKean said. “We hope businesses and residents throughout the community will support this concert and the overall effort.”
For details on the concert, visit www.seminoletheatre.org.
Go to www.eosoflo.com for more information on EO SOFLO.
