Transitioning from Military Life, PhD Program Prompts One Veteran to Launch New Organization

It’s 7:30 a.m. on a spring morning, and Lee DeRemer is surrounded by 20 teenage boys, each full of nervous energy. Scattered around the edges of the group are bikes, helmets, and other gear. In front of them are 72 miles of Pennsylvania backroads.

They’ll be in Philadelphia by the end of the day, but they’re not riding just to reach a destination; they’re riding to learn they’re capable of the impossible.

DeRemer, a retired US Air Force Colonel, is the founder of Lifecycles, a two-year old nonprofit that mentors teenage boys from challenging environments, through the sport of cycling. Read more ….

DeRemer’s story is featured this month on the blog for The Mission Continues, a national organization that empowers veterans who are adjusting to life at home to find purpose through community impact. The Mission Continues deploys veterans on new missions in their communities, alongside non-profit partners and community leaders to solve challenging issues: improving community education resources, eliminating food deserts, mentoring at-risk youth and more.

The intent is to help veterans successfully reintegrate to life after the military while making long-term, sustainable transformations in communities and inspiring future generations to serve.

Learn More about the Research that Inspired the Launch of Lifecycles

As military officer Lee DeRemer planned his own transition out of the Air Force and into civilian life, he sought out resources for avoiding a midlife crisis, and instead making a successful midlife transition. Finding no resources that met his needs, DeRemer decided to create his own. And so, as a doctoral student with the Center for Values-Driven Leadership, he made this the focus of his dissertation research.

Now a graduate, Dr. DeRemer continues to share what he has learned with midlife leaders looking to make a mindful transition to new opportunities. He shares his findings in this short video.

Ph.D. Program for Military Officers & Veterans

Benedictine University’s Ph.D./D.B.A. Program in Values-Driven Leadership welcomes active duty and retired military officers, whose life experiences have strengthened their capacity to lead strategically and with a strong ethical focus. Find more research and insights drawn from the experiences of our veteran graduates at this link.

Then learn more about the doctoral program in values-driven leadership.

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Looking to grow your own leadership capacity while leading your company? Learn more about our M.S. in values-driven leadership – designed for executives.