News & Insights

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a pivotal moment for many veterans, and programs like Hiring Our Heroes (HoH) play a critical role in bridging that gap. HoH connects service members with industry partners who recognize the value of military leadership, operational expertise, and mission-focused dedication—providing a meaningful pathway beyond the uniform. Linchpin Solutions is proud to support this program and to actively hire veterans, recognizing the unmatched experience they bring to the Defense Industrial Base. One of those veterans is Jason Stewart, a retired Marine Corps Major, whose participation in the HoH program became the catalyst for a smooth and purpose-driven transition. His journey reflects not only the impact of HoH, but also Linchpin’s commitment to empowering veterans and aligning their skills with missions that continue to matter deeply to them.

What branch of the military did you serve in, and what was your title?
Major, United States Marine Corps (Retired)

What inspired you to join the Hiring Our Heroes program?
The Marine Corps taught me to constantly look for opportunities that provide an advantage. Hiring Our Heroes was exactly that. I’d seen several fellow servicemembers—including Linchpin’s own Damian Blalack—successfully leverage the program during their transition from Active Duty. HoH became the ideal path to match the knowledge, skills, and experience I developed over two decades with a civilian organization that aligned with my purpose and values.

How did your military experience prepare you for your current role at Linchpin?
My military career was essentially a 20-year masterclass in leading under pressure. I often told junior officers that leadership begins with making sound, timely decisions based on your best judgment—and owning the outcomes, good or bad. While simple in concept, that mindset drives effective action.

Leadership, at its core, is about assessing situations, taking initiative (often without direct oversight), steering teams toward a shared goal, and embracing accountability. While leadership and management aren’t identical, strong leadership is foundational to effective management.

The soft skills I developed—teamwork, organization, adaptability, strategic planning, critical thinking, and cross-functional collaboration—are equally important and translate directly into my work as the PMO Integration Manager.

What has been the most rewarding part of working at Linchpin Solutions?
Many veterans wonder whether they’ll truly “fit in” after the military. I was fortunate to have a smooth transition, and Linchpin played a major role in that. From day one, even as a Hiring Our Heroes Fellow, I felt trusted and empowered to take on meaningful, challenging work. That trust showed me that Linchpin is not just an organization that calls itself “veteran friendly”—it lives that value. The confidence placed in me early on set the tone for everything I’ve been able to accomplish since.

What advice would you give to other service members transitioning into civilian careers?
Your military experience shaped you, but it didn’t finalize you. You’re not a finished product. Identify the skills that translate well to your new environment and use them confidently—then quickly let go of what no longer serves you. Stay adaptable. Ask thoughtful questions. Actively listen. Seek constructive feedback. There will be setbacks, and it will be uncomfortable at times—but growth comes from struggle.

How does Linchpin’s mission connect with your background and values?
I was drawn to Linchpin because of its mission. We support the Warfighter within the Defense Industrial Base, particularly in the C5ISR arena. In modern conflict, C5ISR is the high ground—it provides command and control, situational awareness, data dominance, and survivability. It’s about delivering systems that keep service members alive and effective.

Every organization has its share of necessary corporate noise—reports, dashboards, policies. But when you strip that away, Linchpin’s purpose is clear: ensure the Warfighter has the C5ISR capabilities needed to fight and win, maintaining all-domain superiority on the battlefield. That work matters.

For me, it’s personal. I relied on the very satellite systems Linchpin manages under the SMC program during combat operations. Supporting those capabilities now is a natural extension of my service, and I’m proud to be part of a team dedicated to enabling no-fail missions worldwide.

What does National Veterans and Military Family Month mean to you?
The Marine Corps says it does three things: fight and win our Nation’s battles, make Marines, and develop better citizens. Every branch has a similar purpose. When I think of veterans, I think of individuals who chose—whether voluntarily or through the draft—to serve something greater than themselves. They swore an oath to the Constitution and were willing to give the last full measure of devotion to protect it. That says a lot about their character.

Military service is rooted in sacrifice. Service members surrender a measure of personal freedom so others can keep theirs. Families share in that sacrifice—missing holidays, milestones, and enduring long periods of uncertainty.

When veterans transition out of uniform, they return to the society they helped safeguard, often with a renewed appreciation for how precious a functioning democracy truly is. Recognizing that service, and the families who supported it, is not only appropriate—it’s necessary.

I’m deeply grateful to all who served and to the families who stood behind them.