Wounded Warrior Project Shares Military Transition Expertise with Global Special Operations Community
JACKSONVILLE, FL (May 18, 2026) – Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) joined global leaders during Special Operations Forces (SOF) Week — the premier international gathering of the special operations community — to share expertise on navigating the transition from military to civilian life.
WWP® National Service Officer, Jessica (Root) Baltazar, participated in the “SOF For Life – Tactical Transition to Civilian Life” panel, sharing insight into the unique challenges many special operations service members face during transition.
Those challenges often include navigating the VA claims and benefits process — especially during the first year after service, a period widely recognized as critical due to increased risk factors associated with changes in identity, support systems, and access to care.
“Transition is one of the most significant inflection points in a service member’s life, especially within the special operations community,” said (Root) Baltazar, “Connecting early with an accredited veterans service organization, such as Wounded Warrior Project, empowers service members with the knowledge, guidance, and support needed to successfully navigate the VA claims process.”
WWP National Service Officer Jessica (Root) Baltazar participated in the “SOF For Life – Tactical Transition to Civilian Life” panel at SOF Week in Tampa, Florida.
SOF Week, held annually in Tampa, Florida, is the central convening for both United States and international special operations forces, senior government officials, and industry-leading stakeholders. With over 19,000 attendees in 2025, representing dozens of nations across the globe, the annual event provides a global platform to share insights on issues impacting the special operations community across all stages of service.
As the nation’s leading veterans service organization, WWP provides expert support through accredited national service officers, like (Root) Baltazar, who help veterans fully understand and navigate the benefits they have earned, in a manner that honors their service.
WWP recognizes that the transition from military to civilian life is one of the most critical—and often vulnerable—periods in a veteran’s journey. Yet many veterans wait multiple years before seeking help, delaying access to the support and benefits they deserve. By engaging in events like SOF Week, WWP aims to connect with service members earlier, helping ensure veterans, active-duty service members, and their families are supported from the beginning of their transition journey.
“The transition from active duty to civilian life can be complex, particularly for the SOF community, due to physical demands of service, cumulative injuries, and the unique nature of SOF careers,” said (Root) Baltazar. “In the SOF for Life session, Wounded Warrior Project highlighted how important it is to help service members prepare for transitioning to civilian life by highlighting the importance of connecting early so service members can plan ahead, make informed choices, and use trusted, accredited support resources.”
By contributing to conversations at SOF Week, WWP reinforced its commitment to supporting the long‑term success of those who have served, ensuring that veterans truly thrive for a lifetime.
*The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoW) visual information does not imply or constitute DoW endorsement.
Contact: Kaitlyn McCue, Public Relations, kmccue@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.870.1964
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) is the nation’s leading veterans service organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.