Name: Daniel Snyder

Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Orange, California but grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

What’s a short story around the biggest transition you’ve faced in life?
The biggest transition I have had to face would be retiring from the Navy. After 31 years, 24 of which were in NSW and the Special Boat Teams, I hadn’t known any other way than the military. I was genuinely intimidated of what was on the other side of the fence for my family. Plus, all the VA medical stuff, setting up insurance nets, looking for that next move and feeling completely overwhelmed by all the peripheral chaos that comes with military retirement. It all seemed very daunting and honestly unwelcomed.

However, I was fortunate enough to have some incredible people help me along the way. Amazing teammates and friends who shared their stories of transition and experiences with The Honor Foundation. As a Command Master Chief, I had supported the THF programs for my sailors many times. However, it was as a THF Fellow I discovered my “Why”, my authentic self, and learned how to capture all of that in a manner translatable to the private/public sector. THF helped me to understand my ambitions, strengths, and behaviors while helping me to develop my first ever professional resume. This was a pivotal point in my transition experience and reset my attitude towards what lie beyond the next horizon. My transition journey has come full circle and now I have the privilege to pay it forward as a member of the THF Staff.

What’s the one piece of advice you’d give a younger you?
Slow down and take more pictures.

Your Personal Why?
To serve as a leader who brings calm to the chaos, helping others appreciate the Grace in their lives while preparing them to face challenges with discipline, precision, and professionalism.

How does your Why drive you to be a part of the THF Ecosystem?
The ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus is famous for saying, “the only constant in life is change”. However, change can be difficult and intimidating. Even if we don’t acknowledge so. Transition from the military is just as inevitable as change and my “why” serves as a means to give back to transitioning SOF and help them navigate that change with confidence. Having the power of the THF ecosystem to support that process makes for even more amazing results and its humbling to be part of such an incredible team.

Military Connection or why do you respect Special Operators?
I served 31+ years in the Navy, 20 of which as a Special Warfare Combatant-craft Crewman or SWCC. Furthermore, I have served at every level within the SWCC community and know the amazing accomplishments these people achieve every day. Additionally, I had the privilege of being an instructor at the Joint Special Operations University and deployed with joint SOF to numerous places throughout my career. One of the many things I always respected about my fellow SOF members was their pursuit for constant never-ending improvement. These great Americans are truly inspirational.

Favorite THF Value, and why?
Be You. Aristotle said it best, “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”.

Area/Industry of expertise:
Leadership, coaching, and development. Adult learning.

Contact Daniel directly at dan@honor.org.