About
We Are Your New SEAL Team
From the founder
It started with a failure
Following 12 years in a brotherhood where community, team, and service meant everything, I found myself in one of the most successful investment banking firms where profit trumped purpose. Like most of my brothers, I don’t give up easily. I knew I had skills and talents that were transferable and relevant. My attitude and work ethic were not to be questioned and I was going to be a success. That’s what I told myself and my family—but that’s not what happened. I was lost and, for the first time in a very long time, faced failure. My employer was sympathetic but wasn’t equipped to help me meet the challenges I faced—to be fair, I couldn’t articulate what those challenges were; I just didn’t belong. My family was as supportive throughout my transition as they were throughout the numerous deployments, but even at home, I was lost. I felt like an outsider, and, just like at work, I couldn’t articulate what was going on. There was nothing they could do to help.
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It was, of all places, during a funeral for one of my SEAL brothers that it became clear, my only option was reenlistment. So, after 9 months of civilian life, I was back in the teams. I was happy and content—until I wasn’t.
Two more deployments and I wanted to get back to my family, but I was scared. Why would this transition be any different? I searched for organizations that could relate to my situation, but there were none. Then, during a conversation with my good friend, Brian Martelli, the idea for the SEAL Future Foundation (SFF) was born. Initially our focus was on scholarships, job searches, placement and mentoring. We were the destination to ensure SEALs a successful personal and professional transition, but we also wanted to help them live a life of purpose and fulfillment within their communities. We have expanded our services to include wellness, mental health and family well-being, an all-encompassing approach to ensure the help they need is in one place, from people who understand and have experienced the same challenges.
Founding SFF marked my true transition. I found a purpose and a new way to serve my brothers, by creating an organization where support and community are at their fingertips in a world where this is difficult to find. SFF has helped me recognize where I belong and focus on what’s important. I am back in finance full time and, thanks to the services offered by SFF, I can communicate my needs and expectations with my employer. I am fortunate that they are receptive and interested, and now my success is driven by the same motivators that made me successful in the teams.
SFF’s core, like the core of those it serves, encompasses much more than helping SEALs transition. It provides the support necessary to realize their full potential and to continue to serve our new communities, families and employers with the same passion and commitment we had in the teams. Although some might argue our best days are behind us, SFF helps us realize there are many great days ahead when given the opportunity to shape and continue a life of purpose as we did in the brotherhood.
BE MORE,
Jonathan Wilson
Founder of SEAL Future Foundation
BUD/S Class 252
Our mission
A team devoted to the teams
We work tirelessly to provide Navy SEALs a foundation that supports their well-being, education and career to continue a life of service within their communities.
Core values
We pride ourselves on our
Trust
Transparency
speed
impact
Leadership
Our SFF Family
This is where the SEAL Future Foundation continues to fill the gap. An organization built by SEALs for SEALs to walk alongside these men and support their well-being, education and careers to continue a life of service within their communities. Allowing these men to bring their leadership, discipline, drive and ambition into their next team, career or any environment they choose to operate in.
Partners
helping us make it happen
SFF provides the support necessary for SEALs to realize their full potential and continue to serve their new communities, families and employers with the same passion and commitment they had in the teams.