The below article from Lt. Col. Kevin Schmiegel, USMC (Ret), MOAA Life Member and CEO of ZeroMils, has been republished with the author's permission. MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret) will speak at the 2nd Annual Military Thriving Change Forum on June 12 at 1:15 p.m. Eastern; the event will stream live on YouTube.

A dozen years ago I left a nonprofit I founded and loved called Hiring Our Heroes. I left HOH after leading the organization for three years, because I was mentally and physically exhausted. But leaving made things worse. I struggled with severe depression and spiraled to the lowest point in my life. In and out of hospitals, I was barely surviving. 

Today I am thriving again not only because I got the right treatment, but because I asked myself and found answers to these 5 questions, with the support of my wife and caregiver, my family, and fellow Veterans who never let me walk alone:

1. Are you employed in meaningful ways that empower you to thrive outside of work, too?
2. Do you have purpose in your life? When did you last volunteer at a community service project and felt like you made a difference? 
3. Are you connected to a new tribe?
4. Are you happy with your health — in mind, body, and spirit? 
5. Are you achieving your full potential through education, training, certifications and the help of mentors?

If you’re finding it difficult to answer any (or all) of these questions, then it’s time for a change. And that change starts TOMORROW.  

Join us virtually from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 12, when ZeroMils, Georgetown University, and dozens of corporate, nonprofit, and community partners share their commitment to going beyond “military friendly” to create Military Thriving cultures and communities. 

The truth is: servicemembers, veterans, military and Gold Star spouses, caregivers, and their families need more than just meaningful employment to thrive in the workplace and in society. We need to find purpose through continued service. We need to be part of a connected community. We need to take care of our health — physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally.  And we need to fill our “kit bags” with tools and resources that enable us to constantly seek self improvement and reach our full potential. 

The 2nd Annual Military Thriving Change Forum will spotlight best practices from corporations and nonprofits that are collaborating to provide Veterans and their families with these 5 things. They are also helping change the “broken veteran” narrative through positive messaging, and by demonstrating a vast majority of us are thriving as a result of our service, not in spite of it. 

For those of us who served in the all volunteer force, we earned the title: Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Guardian, or Sentinel. It’s on us to earn the title “Veteran,” too. It’s on us to shatter misperceptions about service in the military, so the next generation will carry the torch. It’s on us to create a Military Thriving movement and change how we are seen and heard. 

Join us June 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Eastern as we livestream the entire Change Forum from our nation’s capital. Find your pathway to purpose, connection and community and start thriving again! 

Lt. Col. Kevin Schmiegel, USMC (Ret), previously founded Hiring Our Heroes and led two other national military nonprofits.