From HR in the Air Force to a New Mission in Resilience and Healthcare
Building the Foundation: Human Resources and Operational Readiness
My career began in the U.S. Air Force, where I served as a Human Resources Manager. But my work extended far beyond personnel files and performance reviews—I was deeply involved in building systems that kept operations running under pressure. Whether I was coordinating large-scale deployments, ensuring pay continuity during crises, or developing procedures for personnel accountability, I was focused on readiness.
It was my job to help units stay mission-capable under any conditions. That often meant identifying critical personnel gaps, working through response plans for unplanned absences or relocations, and coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders to keep our operations resilient. At the time, I didn’t realize it, but those experiences built the same muscle that organizations need to manage crises and continue operations today
A New Lens: Business Continuity and Real Impact
Thanks to a scholarship through DRI’s Veteran Outreach Program, I attended their business continuity management course. I went in thinking I was picking up a new credential—but I came out with a new purpose. The course, led by Alan Lake and Chris Bygum and supported by DRI President Al Berman, helped me understand how organizations prepare for and recover from unexpected events. From risk assessments and emergency planning to training staff and maintaining operations under pressure—it clicked. This was the same mindset we lived by in the military, just applied in a broader, more structured way. More importantly, I saw how this work saves lives—especially in healthcare, where continuity planning can determine whether patients receive timely care during a crisis.
Bridging the Gap with SkillBridge
My experience came full circle through the DoD SkillBridge program, where I worked with Elevait Solutions. Unlike other companies that just try to place you in a job, Elevait pushed me to explore different career paths and test them through hands-on experience. They weren’t just interested in what I could do—they helped me figure out what I wanted to do. While supporting internal projects, I found myself naturally falling into roles that involved planning, documentation, and team preparedness. I helped review and refine onboarding materials, coordinated response planning efforts, and worked to improve how we documented critical operations—all things that reflected my military experience and gave me a stronger sense of purpose in the civilian world.
Where I’m Headed Now
Today, I see a future where healthcare, mental health, and continuity planning intersect. Whether I end up in psychiatry or in a hospital systems role focused on resilience, I know that my work will be about supporting people—especially in moments of disruption. I’m deeply grateful to DRI, Elevait, and the mentors who encouraged me to think bigger. They reminded me that the tools and mindset I developed in uniform are still valuable—and needed. My new mission is about building systems that don’t just respond to crisis but protect and care for the people within them.
Final Thoughts
To my fellow veterans: your service has already prepared you for more than you realize. The skills you’ve built in readiness, leadership, adaptability, and response are exactly what industries like healthcare and emergency management need. If you’re looking for your next mission, business continuity might be it.
-Ryland Ochoa
Connect with Ryland on LinkedIn!