Veterans Transition Support (VTS) is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer nonprofit based in San Diego County, California, dedicated to empowering active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, military spouses, and base staff as they move from military service to civilian careers. Founded by Russell Levy, J.D., who launched the organization after working inside a veteran homeless shelter and witnessing the gaps in transition support, VTS operates under the motto “From Service to Success.” Levy, an authorized OSHA instructor and President of VTS, brings more than 15 years of hands-on experience helping thousands bridge the military-civilian divide. I have work with and collaborated with Russell Levy since 2012 and have been a staple in my resources for Active duty, Veterans and their spouses. He personally leads free “Russell’s Mission Briefs” (RMBs) live Zoom career resource sessions that deliver straight-talk guidance, proven strategies, and Q&A to help participants avoid common pitfalls like unemployment, homelessness, PTSD-related struggles, and financial instability. Through veteran-led programs, VTS fills critical support voids that traditional resources often miss, providing compassionate, no-cost assistance tailored to the unique challenges of military transition.
At the heart of VTS are its free and low-cost services designed to deliver immediate, marketable credentials and practical career tools. Participants gain no-cost OSHA 10-Hour and low-cost 30-Hour Safety certifications that’s a nationally recognized credential that qualifies veterans for safety supervisor and manager roles starting at $50,000–$80,000 annually along with Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and 5-Day Green Belt certifications focused on process improvement, quality assurance, and risk management. The comprehensive Career Transition Program offers one-on-one coaching for professional resumes, tailored cover letters, LinkedIn optimization, interview preparation, and targeted job searches, while education counseling guides veterans toward higher education and training paths. Additional benefits include a full year of no-cost Coursera specializations and certificates from top universities, VA home loan seminars, disability filing guidance, work-study opportunities, family counseling, employer networking events, and business mixers that connect veterans directly with hiring managers. All trainings are delivered live via Zoom or in-person at locations like Camp Pendleton and San Marcos with flexible weekend and evening schedules to accommodate active-duty schedules.
The real-world impact of VTS shines through veteran success stories shared across its active social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, where alumni report landing roles as corporate safety managers, network engineers, fleet superintendents, and positions at national laboratories after earning VTS credentials and guidance from Levy and the team. By combining job-ready certifications, personalized mentorship, peer support groups, and community advocacy, VTS not only boosts employability and earning potential but also fosters long-term stability, purpose, and reintegration for military families. Veterans, service members, and spouses can explore these life-changing benefits by visiting veteranstransitionsupport.org, registering for upcoming free Zoom briefings, or following @veteranstransitionsupport on social media to stay connected to events, resources, and volunteer opportunities that continue Russell Levy’s mission of turning service into lasting civilian success.