At Veterans Forward, veterans are not just meeting career coaches – they’re meeting people who understand the military experience firsthand.

Ian Estenor, Veterans Forward Program Navigator, served three years active duty in the U.S. Army. When he transitioned to civilian life, he built a career in corporate communications before eventually finding his way back to serving the veteran community.

In this conversation, we learn more about Ian’s journey, what Veterans Forward offers, and why Ian is passionate about helping other veterans succeed.

Tell us a little about yourself.
I served three years on active duty in the U.S. Army. My Military Occupational Specialty (MOS), or my job, was Fire Support Specialist (13F) or Forward Observer. I was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and served under 3rd Corps Artillery. After leaving the military, I used my GI Bill to earn my bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University in communications, with a focus on journalism and marketing communications.

My career focused on corporate communications and marketing. I worked for national companies in the relocation industry as well as higher education.

Around 2017, with encouragement from another veteran, I started working in veteran services through a U.S. Department of Labor-funded program that supported veterans experiencing homelessness. We helped connect people with housing, employment, transportation, and other resources.

For a long time, I tried to distance myself from being a veteran. I wanted to assimilate and just be a “regular guy.” But once I started working alongside other veterans again, I realized how meaningful those connections were. There was an immediate understanding, we didn’t have to explain our experiences to each other.

What brought you to Veterans Forward?
Part of it is simply because this is my community.

I’ve experienced many of the same challenges that other veterans face after leaving the military. Being able to come back and help people through those experiences is incredibly rewarding.

Another thing that excited me was the opportunity to help build Veterans Forward from the ground up. We had the chance to shape the program, contribute ideas, and create something that could truly make a difference. Being part of that process has been motivating from day one.

Tell us about the Veterans Forward program.
At its core, Veterans Forward helps veterans who are ready for their next career move.

Some are looking for meaningful employment. Others want to switch careers or even start their own business. Our job is to provide the training, education, career guidance, and supportive services that help them reach those goals.

What makes Veterans Forward different from other employment programs?
One of the biggest differences is that many of us are veterans ourselves.

There’s an instant level of trust and familiarity because we’ve lived through military life. No matter where someone served or what branch they were in, there’s usually a shared experience that creates a connection almost immediately.

Veterans don’t have to explain military culture to us—we understand it. That makes conversations feel more natural and allows us to focus on helping them move forward.

What would you want every veteran to know before enrolling?
I want veterans to know that they’re not doing this alone.

There are people here whose entire job is to help them succeed. Whether someone knows exactly what career they want or they’re still trying to figure it out, we’ll meet them where they are and help them navigate the process.

We’re committed to doing everything we can to support our participants. The veterans who see the greatest success are the ones who come in with an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a strong commitment to achieving their goals.

What’s your message to veterans who are thinking about their next step?
Take advantage of the resources that exist today.

When I left the military in the early 1990s, there weren’t nearly as many opportunities available as there are now. Today’s veterans have access to incredible programs, services, and organizations that genuinely want to help them succeed.

If you’re motivated and willing to ask for help, those resources are there. And that’s exactly why Veterans Forward exists.

We’re here to help veterans navigate what’s next, and remind them that they don’t have to do it alone.