A “Salute From The Chief”

September 14, 2016

Spencer Kympton, center, addresses Charlie Class 2014 Fellows at their orientation in Los Angeles.

General Mark A. Milley, 39th Chief of Staff of the Army, will recognize Spencer Kympton, president of The Mission Continues, with the Outstanding Civilian Service Award for his leadership of the national nonprofit organization and dedication to supporting our veterans and military families. The award is the third-highest public service honor the Army can bestow upon a civilian.

The Mission Continues is a national non-profit that connects veterans to opportunities to serve again—here at home. It’s a unique model that empowers veterans to build new skills and networks that help them successfully reintegrate to life after the military while making long-term, sustainable transformations in communities and inspiring future generations to serve.

Since taking helm of the organization as president in 2014, Kympton—an US Army veteran—has seen The Mission Continues continue its growth in scale and impact with nearly 10,000 veterans participating in community service across the country. Operations in cities nationwide now deploy veteran volunteers alongside non-profit partners and community leaders to solve some of the most challenging issues facing our communities. More than 60 teams of veterans and community volunteers have mobilized across the country through our Service Platoon Program, and thousands more have been engaged to date through the The Mission Continues Fellowship Program.

“[The Mission Continues] means a new lease on life,” one veteran recently wrote. “It means becoming active again. It means claiming my identity as a veteran. It means discovering who I am.”

This feeling is shared across our operations, according to recent program evaluations.

Among Mission Continues Fellows, it was found that 93% of participants were employed full-time, enrolled in school or engaging in a continuing role of service at the conclusion of their fellowship. Furthermore, 90% reported the fellowship improving their chances of finding a job.

Following our inaugural mass deployment in Detroit this June, 97% of veteran volunteers reported feeling a sense of camaraderie among their peers. This feeling of goodwill extended into the neighborhoods our volunteers worked in too – 94% of community respondents reported feeling proud of their community after serving as part of the operation alongside the team of veterans.

Veterans of all branches of the military are now reporting for duty in their communities, and our cities and neighborhoods are stronger because of their continued service.

The award ceremony will take place Thursday, September 15, 2016 at a special “Salute From The Chief” Twilight Tattoo just outside our nation’s capital at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Gen. Milley will also recognize Trace Adkins, American country music singer and actor; John G. Bunch, founder of Operation Open Arms; and Briana S. Nelson Goff, Ph.D., professors at the School of Family Studies and Human Services and director of the Institute for the Health and Security of Military Families at Kansas State University.

Report for duty in your community with The Mission Continues. You can learn more about our how to get involved on our website and stay updated on the latest news and announcements on Facebook and twitter.