Standing as a beacon of support for Veterans transitioning from active duty to civilian life is central to our mission. We believe that the skills, discipline, and leadership cultivated during military service—especially in the Special Operations Forces (SOF)—remain invaluable assets to society. Encouraging Veterans to continue serving, whether in public service, leadership roles, or their communities, is central to SOAA’s advocacy.
SOF Veterans, in particular, possess unique qualities that set them apart. Having operated in ambiguous environments, they are masters at finding common ground among diverse perspectives. This ability to adapt, critically analyze complex situations, and craft solutions under pressure differentiates SOF Veterans from others. These traits are not only beneficial during military service but are also desperately needed in today’s rapidly changing and polarized world. For these reasons, we proudly endorse SOF Veterans who once again answer the call to serve this great nation.
In addition to the many SOF Veterans who ran for Congress and won, we’d like to highlight SOF Veterans embodying this call to continued service—Ron Johnson, who President-elect Donald Trump recently nominated for the position of Ambassador to Mexico, and to endorse Dr. Omar Hamada to serve in the Veterans Affairs Administration. Both have carried their SOF ethos into their post-military careers, demonstrating the profound impact Veterans can have beyond the battlefield.
Ron Johnson
A retired US Army Colonel, serving in multiple Special Forces Groups from the 70s to the 90s, Johnson also served for 20 years in the CIA as a senior and para-military operations officer. He is fluent in Spanish and completed multiple tours in Central and South America. He went on to serve as the Ambassador to El Salvador from 2019 to 2021. He has exemplified the SOF values of diplomacy and critical thinking throughout his career. Johnson’s experience operating in complex and uncertain environments have prepared him to navigate the multifaceted challenges of international relations. His ability to build trust and forge partnerships mirrors the foundational principles of SOF’s mission to unify diverse groups toward a common goal. Johnson’s nomination reflects the vital role Veterans can play in shaping foreign policy and fostering global alliances.
Dr. Omar Hamada
Dr. Hamada is an exceptional leader who embodies the values of service, sacrifice, and patriotism. As a Special Forces Flight Surgeon and Diving Medical Officer, Dr. Hamada served with distinction during a pivotal moment in our nation’s history—the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Mobilized with the 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), he assumed the critical responsibility of overseeing unit-level medical readiness, advising the Commander on pertinent battlefield medical intelligence, and providing medical guidance and oversight to Special Forces Medics. Dr. Hamada has been a doctor of family medicine for over 30 years and is a Board Certified OB/GYN who has delivered well over 2 thousand babies. His dedication to serving humanity highlights how Veterans can apply their training to diverse fields and leave an indelible mark on society.
Dr. Hamada is an exceptional leader who embodies the values of service, sacrifice, and patriotism. As a Special Forces Flight Surgeon and Diving Medical Officer, Dr. Hamada served with distinction during a pivotal moment in our nation’s history—the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Mobilized with the 1st Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group (Airborne), he assumed the critical responsibility of overseeing unit-level medical readiness, advising the Commander on pertinent battlefield medical intelligence, and providing medical guidance and oversight to Special Forces Medics. Dr. Hamada has been a doctor of family medicine for over 30 years and is a Board Certified OB/GYN who has delivered well over 2 thousand babies. His dedication to serving humanity highlights how Veterans can apply their training to diverse fields and leave an indelible mark on society.
We are at a crossroads, grappling with geopolitical tensions and an ever-evolving global landscape. The qualities that define SOF—critical thinking, adaptability, and an unyielding commitment to mission success—are precisely what the country needs to address these challenges. SOF veterans, trained to operate effectively in high-stakes, ambiguous environments, bring a perspective that is both pragmatic and visionary. They know how to find common ground and drive progress where others see gridlock.
Our endorsement of continued service by Veterans stems from a recognition that their contributions are far from over when they hang up their uniforms. By stepping into roles in government, healthcare, education, and beyond, Veterans can continue to uphold their oath to serve and protect, leveraging their unique experiences to benefit their communities and our nation at large.
We continue to urge all Veterans, particularly those from the SOF community, to consider how their skills and experiences can be applied in civilian life. Whether through public service, entrepreneurship, or advocacy, the opportunities to make a difference are endless. Leaders like Ron Johnson and Dr. Omar Hamada serve as powerful examples of what’s possible when Veterans bring their SOF training and values into new arenas.
America needs critical thinkers, bridge-builders, and leaders who thrive in uncertainty. Our message is clear: the mission doesn’t end after active duty—it evolves. For Veterans ready to take the next step, America stands to benefit immeasurably from their continued service.
