Mission: Boots to Briefcases Bridges Gap for Veterans Transitioning to Civilian Life

​For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life presents a unique set of challenges. The structured, mission-oriented environment of the armed forces is often replaced by a world that speaks a different language, particularly when it comes to employment. A local nonprofit, Mission: Boots to Briefcases, is dedicated to bridging this gap with a holistic and free-of-charge approach for veterans and their families.
Founded by Navy veteran and former State Representative Camille Vella-Wilkinson, the organization was born from a recognized need to provide more comprehensive support than what is often available. "When you join the military, you go through boot camp, which is designed to fast-track your transition to being a military member," Vella-Wilkinson explained. "But the process is not repeated when you leave the service."
While the military offers a Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Vella-Wilkinson notes it's an optional workshop that provides basic skills but lacks follow-through. "You get your discharge papers, and then you're basically on your own," she said. This lack of ongoing support can lead to floundering, underemployment, and even depression.
Mission: Boots to Briefcases distinguishes itself by offering a "holistic" approach that extends support beyond the veteran to include their spouse and children. "The veteran is not going to be clear-minded to launch into a new career if the spouse is not gainfully employed as well," Vella-Wilkinson stated. The organization also has educators who serve as advocates for military children, helping them secure necessary services in their new schools.
A key service is translating military experience into civilian terms. Ed Viveros, the organization’s Veterans Service Officer and a fellow veteran, emphasized the difficulty many face.
The organization provides one-on-one career counseling, resume building, and mock interviews tailored to a veteran's desired field. Vella-Wilkinson recounted meeting a young veteran who had paid $350 for an AI-generated resume that was little more than a work history and had yielded no interviews. Mission: Boots to Briefcases connects clients with industry professionals to provide relevant interview practice and helps them identify transferable skills they may not have recognized.
"Just because you're good at something doesn't mean you want to do it for the rest of your life," Vella-Wilkinson pointed out. "We help them find what their key strengths are and what they enjoy doing."
Viveros also highlighted the underlying issues the organization addresses, such as food and housing insecurity. "Even if you have a job... you're working two jobs and you're barely getting by," he said, describing the risk of homelessness many face. By helping veterans find not just jobs, but well-paying careers, they tackle these root problems.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all services are provided free of charge to veterans and their immediate families. The organization sustains itself through donations, grants, and community partnerships. They host fundraising events, like their annual table tennis tournament, and collaborate with other veteran service organizations and state departments.
For veterans who feel lost in their transition, Vella-Wilkinson has a clear message: you are not alone. "They can come as many times as they need to. It's not as if it's one and done," she said, emphasizing their commitment to long-term support.
Veterans and their families can connect with Mission: Boots to Briefcases through their website, missionbootstobriefcases.com, or by calling their Warwick office. The office is family-friendly, ensuring that childcare is not a barrier to accessing their vital services.