Dedicated to Service
A life dedicated to service. After 27 years spent serving his country as an Army officer, first in Intelligence, then in Cyber Security, Mark Coffin (pictured above in blue) retired with the goal of continuing to serve, this time, he says, focusing his efforts on “‘bridging the gap between veterans and those who never served.”
With his resume, he could easily have found a high paying position, but he chose to apply for a fellowship with The Mission Continues (TMC), a nonprofit that pairs post 9-11 veterans with other nonprofits, providing opportunities for them to use skills gained in the military to benefit the community while determining how to transition to civilian life.
Mark volunteered with Habitat for Humanity of Omaha before he retired and chose to fulfill his fellowship with them, speaking to groups about volunteer opportunities as well as the Roof and Repair program and interest-free mortgages (many enlisted service members qualify as the “working poor”).
He also introduces them to TMC, encouraging them to check out all nonprofits in the area to find one that appeals to them.
“During Omaha Gives, over 300 organizations participated,” he points out, adding vets across the country have received fellowships with over 500 different nonprofits. “This is about finding your passion.”
Veterans accepted as fellows are paid a stipend by TMC and serve 20 hours a week for 26 weeks while following a curriculum designed to help them clarify and move toward their personal goals.
“I served my country, now I want to serve my community.” Mark believes most vets share that philosophy and those are the ones he’s trying to reach, he says, adding there are some who may have “physical, mental or emotional issues but still want to serve.”
Mark deployed many times during his career and continues looking out for ‘those to my left, those to my right, those in front and those behind me.” Right now, TMC is active in approximately 25 cities on both coasts and in Texas. In the Midwest, there currently are only 2 other fellowship recipients. His long term goal is to change that.