THE FOURBLOCK BRIEF
The Forward View
September marks the start of something extraordinary across the FourBlock community.
This fall, FourBlock is welcoming the largest cohorts in our history — for both veterans and military spouses — as participants across the country begin their next chapter through our Career Readiness Programs.
It is a milestone worth celebrating, but even more importantly, it reflects the growing demand for what comes next: greater clarity, stronger connections, and meaningful pathways into the workforce.
And the momentum extends well beyond the classroom.
This fall, FourBlock is creating more ways for our community to explore where the workforce is going and connect directly with the people shaping it. Industry Pathways Events are opening doors into Healthcare, Biotech, Pharma & Life Sciences and Defense, National Security & Government Contracting, while the 2026 RBC Veterans Transition & Career Symposium brings veterans and industry leaders together in New York City for candid conversations about building meaningful civilian careers.
Across the country, our team is also deepening the employer relationships that make the FourBlock experience different—from participating in Dominion Energy’s Veterans Conference to working alongside employers and partners committed to developing, hiring, and advancing military talent.
More participants. More connections. More opportunity.
Fall 2026 is our biggest yet—and the next chapter for the FourBlock community is already underway.
Thank you!
The FourBlock Team
FourBlock in Motion
Across the country, participants, coaches, employer partners, and the FourBlock team are coming together to launch our largest semester of career readiness, connection, and community in FourBlock's history.
Veteran Career Readiness Programs
participants across the 20 cohorts
employer partners
Where Employers, Community, and Opportunity Come Together
Starting What's Next
Student Spotlight: John S. Wallace
After 22 years in the U.S. Air Force, John S. Wallace—better known by his callsign, “Smalls”— is preparing for a new chapter. Currently serving as Director for Intelligence Operations within the Joint Staff’s Intelligence Directorate, John has spent his career leading teams, solving complex problems, and operating in high-pressure environments. John found FourBlock through fellow service members who had navigated the transition themselves, including his mentor, Luis Adames, who encouraged him to attend an orientation. He quickly knew the program was the right fit. Now part of FourBlock’s Fall National Capital Region Cohort, John is focused on translating his military experience for civilian employers, sharpening his interviewing skills, and building relationships beyond the military. As he puts it, the last time he interviewed for a civilian job was at McDonald’s in high school—so he’s “due for a refresher.” As John prepares to retire in June 2027, he’s looking forward to finding a next chapter where he can continue to lead, solve difficult problems, and contribute to something meaningful.
Upcoming Virtual and In-person Events
The Full-Circle Story
“Everyone has potential, but sometimes they simply need someone who believes in them, challenges them, and helps them see what’s possible. Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about listening, sharing experiences, and helping others gain the confidence to achieve their own goals.”
Carl Faulk
Army Veteran, FourBlock Alumni & Career Readiness Coach, Senior Business Analyst at AIG
Faces of FourBlock
Every FourBlock journey is different, and each one helps tell the story of our community. Recently, we launched Faces of FourBlock, a new series highlighting the veterans, military spouses, alumni, coaches, and supporters who make FourBlock what it is. Through their stories, experiences, and lessons learned, we’ll share a closer look at the people behind FourBlock—and the many paths that can take shape during and after transition.
“FourBlock was the foundation of my transition.”
Ben Gillis participated in FourBlock as a student in the Fall 2021 Veteran Career Readiness Program before retiring from the Marine Corps in 2022. Following his transition, he began his civilian career as a Senior Talent Acquisition Advisor and later moved into his current role as a Senior Advisor, HR Systems at Occidental Petroleum Corporation.
“The coaching relationship I had was extremely valuable.”
Now a Deputy Program Manager at SAIC in the defense industry, David Pasquale joined FourBlock as he prepared for his transition from the military. He was introduced to the program through his spouse, who had participated in the Military Spouse Career Readiness Program and encouraged him to experience the same community and support.
“FourBlock provided so much value for me that I decided to pay it forward."
Today, Hee-Won Yoon serves as Director, Enterprise Business Resiliency at PenFed Credit Union. During his own transition journey, Hee-Won chose FourBlock because of the opportunity to engage directly with employers, build professional skills, and develop meaningful connections.
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Your Next Move
Explore
We support veterans through the personal journey of transition, helping them rediscover purpose, confidence, and a sense of community as they move into civilian life.
Participate
One of the most challenging missions any veteran will face is often the one after the uniform. FourBlock makes sure you don't face it alone.
Give Back
Support FourBlock’s mission by giving, volunteering, partnering, or connecting with our community to help veterans build meaningful careers and lasting opportunities.
Join the FourBlock Scout Community
Stay connected with FourBlock and discover opportunities to learn, engage, and make an impact within our growing military-connected community.
September Events Recap
The FourBlock team was busy in September! Take a look below at a few of the events we attended.
JBSA Luncheon
Veterans on Wall Street
Dominion Energy Conference
RBC Career Symposium
JBSA Workforce & Transition Alliance Luncheon in partnership with FourBlock
FourBlock helped power the luncheon in partnership with the JBSA Workforce & Transition Alliance, USAA, and KPMG. The event focused on community, relationships, workforce collaboration, and career pathways for the military-connected community.
Veterans on Wall Street (VOWS) Charlotte Chapter
George Custodio attended the VOWS Charlotte September Meetup at The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery and invited our incoming Charlotte cohort students, coaches, and CRIs to join me. VOWS events are a great "foot in the door" for our veterans to meet financial-services professionals in the Charlotte area, and the evening helped bring in late enrollments for our Charlotte Fall cohort.
Dominion Energy Veterans Conference
FourBlock was proud to take part in the Dominion Energy Veterans Conference, where team members Karin Childress-Wiley and Gena Pirtle joined leaders, employees, and partners for conversations centered on the value veterans bring to the workplace. As speakers, they shared insights on supporting, engaging, and retaining veteran talent throughout their careers. The conference created an opportunity to strengthen connections, exchange best practices, and identify meaningful ways employers can better support the veteran community.
RBC Veterans Transition & Career Symposium
FourBlock was proud to partner with RBC for its Veterans Career & Transition Symposium in New York City, bringing together veterans, military spouses, industry leaders, and hiring partners for an afternoon of career development and connection. FourBlock helped lead the career readiness conversation, with Kristen Savee sharing the FourBlock story, Karin Childress-Wiley moderating a panel, and NYC Chapter Advisor Nick Iadevaio supporting the event. With more than 200 veterans in attendance, the symposium showcased the power of collaboration in helping service members navigate the transition to meaningful civilian careers.
