How One Warrior Worked with Wounded Warrior Project and Dog Tag to Spark Entrepreneurship
Transitioning from the military to civilian life is often one of the most challenging and isolating times for veterans. They must navigate a massive change in structure and way of life – all while trying to find their next mission with passion and purpose.
Maurice Sloan, like so many others, struggled to find himself in this new, foreign world, while also caring for his family – he decided to simply keep pushing through. “The military environment is truly unique and cannot be duplicated,” said Maurice. “So, going to civilian life is hard. You understand the language for the most part, but the methods are foreign. You’re looking for some semblance of the world that you just left, but it’s nowhere to be found. So, frustration sets in.”
In 2020, amid a global pandemic, the Army veteran began to reassess what mattered most to him. Maurice reached out to Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and requested support from the Warriors to Work™ program.
After discussing his goals and interests, WWP encouraged Maurice to attend an information session with one of WWP’s enduring community partners, Dog Tag Inc. Immediately, he became interested in the Dog Tag Fellowship Program – an intensive, five-month program to help veterans build a strong entrepreneurial foundation through educational partnerships with Georgetown University and Loyola University.
As a founding partner, WWP has proudly supported this program since 2015. The program expands the resources available to help improve the financial well-being of post-9/11 veterans, military spouses, and caregivers.
The transition assistance between WWP and Dog Tag forever changed my life. It gave me the confidence to live life on my terms.
“The transition assistance between WWP and Dog Tag forever changed my life,” Maurice said. “It gave me the confidence to live life on my terms.”
Dog Tag cohorts learn foundational skills to achieve goals like building a business, earning a business certificate, and establishing a sense of community with one another. They also learn skills to help balance their personal and professional endeavors in the future.
“I admittedly had neglected myself for the sake of mission, goals, and pursuits for the majority of my adult life,” Maurice said. “The reality was that it had made me unhealthy and unhappy. Though I would convince myself otherwise, there was no way I was performing my best in such an unhealthy state. I prioritize self-care in my life since my Dog Tag experience.”
After graduating from Cohort 13 in 2021, Maurice co-founded LIV Strategic Consulting, which focuses on human resources and healthcare management. The company helps create culturally impactful and economically valuable organizations that set the standard of excellence in their industries.
He is also working with the Veterans Benefits Administration this year as deputy director of human resources program management operations. In this role, he manages hiring events that connect other veterans with opportunities in the federal government. With the new career opportunities these veterans are supporting PACT Act initiatives to help more veterans, families, and caregivers gain valuable access to resources and information.
Maurice says he wouldn’t be where he is today without Dog Tag and WWP. His new mission is to help other veterans gain access to the opportunities and information they need to be successful in their endeavors. His advice is simple.
“Put your pride to the side and realize that you don’t know everything,” he said. “Strongly consider Dog Tag as it is truly a life-changing experience.”
Wounded Warrior Project empowers leading military and veterans organizations to reduce suicide risks and build strong families. Since 2012, WWP has invested almost $388 million in 215 organizations that help wounded veterans and families across the country. Together, we improve the quality of life for veterans, families, and caregivers to strengthen communities.
Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.870.1964
About Wounded Warrior Project
Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more.