Several military veterans will take the next step in a new career path this week in Springfield, Virginia. Through a partnership with the Washington Commanders, the “soldier coaches” will lead a free skills clinic for more than 60 high school football players.
The two-day event at the St. James sports complex is being organized by Soldiers to Sidelines, a nonprofit that has helped members of the military community earn more than 1,900 coaching certifications.
On Thursday, Soldier to Sidelines will provide free training for active service members and military veterans looking to further their coaching careers.
Those coaches will put their new skills to the test on Friday as they lead two high school football teams through a series of drills.
“Soldiers to Sidelines is dedicated to providing a renewed sense of purpose to the military community,” said Harrison Bernstein, the organization’s founder and executive director. “We do that by educating them, developing them, certifying them to become character-based coaches and then connecting them to coaching opportunities in their communities.”
People outside the military often hear about the “broken soldier,” he noted. Media depictions of veterans focus on PTSD, depression and suicide. While these challenges exist, Bernstein said they don’t represent a service member’s full life.
“The public is used to hearing bad things about military service, not all of the great things our veterans possess,” Bernstein said, noting the “selfless service” of veterans. “By educating veterans to become coaches in their community, we’re closing that military gap.”
Life after the military can be a daunting prospect for service members. After years in a highly structured environment, they form close bonds with their brothers and sisters in arms.
Then it ends.
Many veterans report feeling rudderless as they enter the civilian world.
“Everybody is looking for a new sense of purpose. When you’re a transitioning service member, it’s ever-present,” Bernstein said. “It’s a pretty big adjustment, military service provides that sense of purpose, like something bigger than yourself.”
That was the case for Terry Carter. He spent 10 years in the Air Force before entering the civilian workforce last year.
“It was time to get into coaching,” Carter said.
Soldiers to Sidelines helped the Georgia native land a job at Friendship Collegiate Academy in the District. He started as a running backs coach and is now an offensive coordinator.
“It’s important to be able to give back, which is why I coach,” he said. “It’s something that I really take pride in doing, to be able to show them that there’s life after football.”
On Thursday, Carter and nine other veterans will hone their skills as coaches at the workshop. Some, like Carter, already boast a wealth of experience. Others are just starting their coaching journey.
After refining their strategies, the “soldier coaches” will host a football skills clinic for players from the District’s H.D. Woodson High School and Dunbar High School on Friday.
The Soldiers to Sidelines clinic focuses on more than just football X’s and O’s.
“Professional development isn’t just football related,” Carter, an Air Force veteran said. “You’re getting to learn how to be a better person, a better leader. You’re learning how to build culture.
“These are things that aren’t talked about at coaching clinics. It’s a lot deeper than football and it puts that into perspective.”
Commanders officials said they’re going for two by supporting the Soldiers to Sidelines event. As Carter notes, the skills clinic offers a unique opportunity for young athletes. But giving back to the military community is also a focus for the Commanders.
“This is right in line with everything we want to do with our military and veteran community … it reiterates the Commanders’ commitment to the community,” said Chris Bailey, who handles military and veteran relations for the team. “It’s a great opportunity for both the soldier coaches learning a new trade and the young athletes to take part in this event as well.”
Bernstein said the veterans have each committed to using the skills they learn this week to host a free football clinic in their communities.
“Our soldier coaches get to practice all of the great lessons they learned through this workshop, so they can go and replicate it in their community,” the former NFL strength coach said. “It’s intended to have a ripple effect throughout our country.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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