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U.S. Army Combat Engineer to Military Community Philanthropist: Meet Brian Wick
November is Veterans and Families Month—a time to honor the courage, resilience, and ongoing contributions of those who have served our nation and the loved ones who stand beside them. For Brian Wick, that recognition carries deep personal meaning. His journey began when he left college to join the U.S. Army as a Combat Engineer—a decision that would take him from peacetime service to the frontlines of the Gulf War within months. The lessons forged in that crucible—perseverance, teamwork, and purpose—have guided every step of his path since: from student and journalist to corporate communicator and, ultimately, an advocate for the military community. Today, Brian channels those experiences into helping veterans and their families navigate new opportunities, believing that when we support those who’ve served, we strengthen not only their futures but the very fabric of our democracy.
Tell us about your personal journey.
I've had an unusual career path and a wonderful learning journey. I dropped out of college in my first year and joined the US Army, as a Combat Engineer--in peacetime. Within 8 months, the first Gulf War started up and I was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait. I completed two campaigns--one clearing bunkers in the Republican Guard in Western Iraq, and the second in the oil fields of Kuwait. Returning stateside I completed my enlistment and returned to school, working my way through college as a journalist and speechwriter. This led to a successful career in marketing and communications with Fortune 100s. I eventually followed my passion to work in military-community philanthropy.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
Mentors and positive influencers from my youth helped to shape my character and drive, and the chaos of war forced me into facing my own mortality at a young age--when many think they are invincible. THis combination helped me in the challenges of collaborative projects, marriage and raising a family, entrepreneurship and advocating for the underserved--especially those from the military community.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned through your work?
It is important to listen to others, especially those who are older and more experienced--it is almost like guidance from the future. I've also learned that opportunities often lie within the gray areas and the uncomfortable challenges that come before us.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
While I am more than 30 years out of the military, the challenges, barriers and rough road in transition to quality civilian employment seem very recent. I will not forget the path that was not defined, the struggle to overcome the unknown and the joy in accomplishing goals. There is more support, thank goodness, for veterans though there are still many barriers for them to overcome. I am driven by that experience and a desire to help others find an easier path to their goals.
5. What are your highest hopes for democracy to unite, uplift and inspire?
The government cannot do any of this alone, though it can influence and provide resources. My highest hopes are that private/public partnerships increase such that funding, government leadership, individuals and public industry can come together to leverage resources, increase efficiency and produce real outcomes.
6. How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
My hope is that the military community is met with educated employers who can provide a hand up in the employment space, not a hand out. Increased awareness is key, and to do that, combined resources are required. More importantly, awareness and action are required. Young people can make a difference if this information is shared. The work that GlobalMindED is doing can help that effort.
Contact Brian Wick:
Email: bwick@vetjobs.org
VetJobs Website: https://vetjobs.org/
Instagram
Donate to VetJobs: https://vetjobs.org/donate/
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