For many veterans, leaving the military can mean losing the structure, camaraderie, and sense of purpose that shaped their lives. On this episode of Untold Valor, we welcome Tamara Moore and Walter Matthews, co-founders of From Service to Self, to explore the often-overlooked challenges of transitioning to civilian life. They share how their organization is helping veterans navigate employment, access valuable resources, and rebuild meaningful connections while empowering families and employers to better support those who served.
Here’s some of what we discuss in this episode:
- Why leaving the military can feel so isolating
- Rebuilding identity and purpose after service
- Bridging the gap between veterans and available resources
- How families can better support transitioning veterans
- Overcoming employment barriers and translating military skills
- Why veterans need community, not just benefits
0:00 – Intro
1:28 – Unexpected challenges after service
5:36 – Why From Service to Self was created
10:15 – Overlooked veteran benefits
12:26 – Support through STS
18:41 – Thriving after service
22:28 – Helping families understand the transition
26:00 – Practical advice for veterans feeling stuck
30:30 – Why qualified veterans struggle to find employment
40:59 – The future for STS
Tamara Moore
Tamara Moore is a retired U.S. Navy Command Career Counselor with 26 years of military service and co-founder of From Service to Self (STS). Having guided hundreds of Sailors through career decisions and military transitions, Tamara combines professional expertise with her own personal transition experience to help veterans and their families navigate identity, purpose, benefits, employment, and life after military service. Her mission is to ensure no veteran has to face that journey alone.
Walter Matthews
Walter Matthews is a U.S. military veteran, entrepreneur, and co-founder of From Service to Self (STS). After experiencing firsthand the challenges that come with leaving military service, Walter became passionate about helping veterans rediscover purpose, rebuild community, and successfully transition into civilian life. Together with his partner, Tamara Moore, he developed STS to provide practical guidance, connection, and hope for veterans and their families navigating life after the uniform.
EPISODE LINKS
Follow From Service to Self on Social:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fromservicetoself
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/from-service-to-self-sts/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61590729029375
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fromservicetoself/
MORE RESOURCES
Need immediate help? Contact the Veterans Crisis Line via phone, text or online chat. Dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 or use the online chat at https://bit.ly/3OunXzg
Voice & Vision: https://bit.ly/3miwFoy
CompeerCORPS: https://compeerfriends.org/compeercorps
Be a Volunteer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | CompeerCORPS Volunteer Application
Be a Peer for CompeerCORPS: Voice and Vision, Inc | Compeer & CompeerCORPS Referral Application
Information on how to apply for VA Healthcare Benefits from anywhere in the USA: https://bit.ly/40PtrrN or call 877-222-8387 (M-F 8am-8pm EST)
To apply for veteran’s benefits and find resources in Pennsylvania veterans need to contact their County Office of Veterans Affairs as listed in this document: https://bit.ly/3m8PBWS
View more about PA’s resources for veterans: https://bit.ly/416cf0Q
