Name: Melinda “Mindy” Hill

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised mostly in Butler, PA. My dad was navy and spent his 22-year career flying LCACs (hovercrafts) in Virginia Beach, so I spent a lot of my childhood in the area. I officially moved to Hampton Roads when I was 18 to attend Old Dominion University.

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
My husband received 3-year orders to Stuttgart, Germany in 2011. Moving to another country and living off-base and out in town was a big culture shock. I had a difficult first year adjusting to the lifestyle, managing problems back home, and suffering an injury. However, I eventually learned to embrace our time there by learning a bit of the language, traveling, and making life-long friendships. Looking back now, I wouldn’t change a moment of it.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Be daring. Take chances on things you don’t think you can do or think you don’t deserve. Opportunities don’t happen; they are made.

Your Personal Why?
My WHY is “To set a clear course, so others may navigate safely through chaos.”

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
The Honor Foundation is deeply committed to aiding service members and their spouses as they navigate the inevitable chaos and culture shock of the transition from military to civilian life. Working from behind the scenes in operations, I get to remove barriers for my team on the front lines so they can focus on what they do best: empowering our heroes and their families to navigate the next chapter of their lives with confidence and ease.

Top 5 Strengths Finder Strengths and how they influence you?

Relator
Analytical
Individualization
Harmony
Communication

My strengths allow me to make real connections with people and figure out what drives them. I have a natural tendency to want to problem solve for others.

Military Connection or Why do you respect Special Operators?
My husband is a Navy SWCC (Special Warfare Combat Crewman) Operator. I have previously taken on FRG and Ombudsman roles in the NSW community. Those connections have allowed me to witness Operators and family members enter NSW, go through their 1st, 2nd, 5th+ deployments, transfer duty stations, and transition out of the military. I have seen every joy and heartbreak, struggle and triumph from a very personal level. It’s impossible not to love and respect every person attached to this community.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
My favorite Value is “Practice Artistry”. I love the idea that if we decide something is worth doing, we should be artists at doing it. Strive for excellence, work to improve skills, gather all the knowledge possible, and execute your mission.

Area/Industry of expertise: Operations Management, Curriculum Development and Facilitation, Gallup Strengths Certified Coach, Salesforce and Web Administration.

Contact Mindy directly at melinda@honor.org.