Mike Roger: Army Veteran, The US Patriot Chamber of Commerce Founder: Bridging the Gap for Veterans in the Workforce

In this episode of the Wake Up with Patti Katter podcast, host Patti Katter sat down with Mike Roger, executive director of the Patriot Chamber, to discuss how this non-profit organization is transforming the lives of veterans transitioning into the civilian workforce.

The Patriot Chamber, founded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, was created by civilians to address the unique challenges many veterans face when re-entering the job market. Mike, a military veteran himself, explained that the Chamber’s mission is to build a supportive community of businesses eager to welcome veterans and help them thrive as entrepreneurs, executives, or in other leadership roles.

A flagship initiative of the Patriot Chamber is the Veterans Transition and Leadership Conference (VTLC). This full-day event equips senior military leaders with the tools needed to mentally and professionally transition into private-sector leadership roles.

What sets the VTLC apart is its emphasis on civilian-led sessions. Instead of veterans presenting, the conference features civilian speakers who provide insights into what employers expect from veteran hires. According to Mike, this approach is essential because many civilian employers lack experience working with veterans and don’t fully understand the value they bring, such as unmatched leadership and operational efficiency.

The US Patriot Chamber of Commerce offers more than conferences. Veterans, military members, first responders, and other heroes can access free resume review services, helping translate military experience into language that resonates with civilian employers.

Although headquartered in Florida, the Chamber has a national strategic expansion plan.

Mike emphasized that the US Patriot Chamber of Commerce operates with a collaborative spirit, not a competitive one. The organization partners with other veteran-focused groups to share resources and maximize its reach, ensuring more veterans successfully transition into civilian careers.

Those interested in learning more or supporting the Patriot Chamber can visit their website at patriotchamber.org or follow them on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. For additional training and expertise, explore Service Academy, where Christopher Hayes and Patti Katter continue to serve.

The US Patriot Chamber of Commerce, with the help of dedicated individuals, is bridging the gap between the military and civilian worlds. Together, they are creating meaningful opportunities and empowering veterans to thrive in their post-service careers. Their commitment and collaboration are a testament to the strength and potential of our nation’s heroes.