Mission Complete Provides Employment and Transition Programs for Veterans of the United States Armed

The Mission Complete website provided employment services to our Veterans at “no” cost to the employers. When the site's domain registration expired the site disappeared from the web. The new owner has chosen to keep the original content from most of the site's archived pages with the hope that someone else will be inspired to continue the work started by Assal Ravand, the Founder and CEO of Mission Complete.

In March 2016 Assal Ravand founded The Academy of United States Veterans which strives to highlight and recognize non-profit organizations that dedicate their selfless service to achieving a positive impact on Veterans' lives across the United States through Public Relations, Media Relations and Community Outreach. We wish her much success.
For more information about the Academy of United States Veterans, go to thier current website at: www.ausvfoundation.org/assal-ravandi.

 

 

My brother served in Afghanistan. He's pretty typical of veterans who have returned home with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. It took years before he was finally able to seek mental health care due to his concern regarding the stigma surrounding mental health issues. It's been a long slog with many ups and downs. The Academy of United States Veterans is awesome in its goals and its founder, Assal Ravandi , is an amazing woman who really is making a difference.

I recently visited my brother who is living on the East Coast. He now works as a webmaster, which has been a positive change for him. In his role, he has discovered numerous schemes attempting to defraud veterans, which has become a cause he's passionate about addressing. One particularly malicious scam is run by black hat SEOs who convince veteran website owners that they can get their sites to rank at the top of Google searches. However, the unethical tactics these black hat operators use often result in the sites being penalized by Google instead. My brother is now working diligently to inform fellow veterans about the need to be wary of outrageous claims made by these unscrupulous individuals. Despite the challenges he's faced, my brother seems much more relaxed and happier than he has been in a long time. He still attends group sessions with other Afghanistan veterans, but he no longer appears withdrawn and jumpy. His progress is a testament to the power of proper support and care. Once again, I want to express my gratitude to the Academy of United States Veterans and the local organizations that help veterans. Their work is invaluable in supporting our servicemen and women as they transition back to civilian life and face the unique challenges that come with that process. Jennie Prichard

 

 

Mission Complete is a philanthropic operation providing employment and transition programs for Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This operation has formed partnerships with government agencies and private sector companies that seek to employ Veterans. Our goal is to foster a commitment to Veterans that will promote reintegration, mentorship and employment security and reaffirm a sense of hope in the future of those who served the United States of America bravely.

Mission Complete provides employment services to our Veterans at “no” cost to the employers. We currently recruit permanent opportunities and work directly with the human resource management staff of various entities.The impeccable level of service is at the core of everything we do. From placing bright lower enlisted Veterans into their first job after the military, to career Veterans, we help businesses thrive and grow with the right people.

"I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again."-Mahatma Gandhi

 

What differentiates us from other recruitment firms?

  • Mission Complete’s services are provided without recruitment fees.
  • Mission Complete operates under non-profit bylaws and all profits go toward Veteran recruitment.
  • Mission Complete’s hallmark is personalized employment training.
  • Mission Complete focuses squarely on the individual needs of employers and Veterans.

OFCCP

Mission Complete is a perfect platform for organizations seeking to comply with Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) regulations. Certain regulations require employers to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain Veterans. Mission Complete has begun processing membership applications for employers that are ready to give back to those who have served this great nation. Mission Complete helps Veterans effectively apply their military training and experience to achieve success in the civilian job market. Veterans are not charged to participate in our program as we believe they have already “paid the price” with their service.

Mission Complete is dedicated to a mission of accountability and employment aid to Veterans. One of the numerous ways we try to expand is to draw attention to our efforts by spreading the word through local and national media.

REINTEGRATION

Since 2001, approximately 2.4 million troops have been deployed to warzones in Iraq and Afghanistan, and over half of these troops have now returned to civilian life (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 2012). Although Veterans often feel a deep sense of relief and joy at the prospect of returning home, the journey back to a civilian life is all but smooth (Demers, 2011; Doyle & Peterson, 2005).

The process of reintegration – that is, the return home, reunification with one’s family and community, and reentry into civilian life – is difficult for Veterans who have spent time in a foreign and life-threatening war zone (Doyle & Peterson, 2005). Although researchers and civilians acknowledge common struggles such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidality, they often fail to recognize the challenges of reintegration, which include a crisis of identity and feelings of alienation (Demers, 2011). These additional stressors make returning home a difficult and even harrowing experience, instead of a welcomed relief.

COACHING

Our coaches will help Veterans discover and determine the right career path. The coaches will review completed assessments to uncover strengths, passion and the right path for transitioning service members.

We will provide direct career coaching services to Veterans. The coaches will utilize career development inventories and assessments and will give instruction in creating and revising resumes, adequately translating military work and experience into civilian language and provide coaching in areas of career networking.

The team of Mission Complete professionals will participate in community activities related to career development and will stay abreast of hiring opportunities. They will be able to develop and implement a personalized coaching plan for each client, with measurable goals.

Our coaching program is designed to offer the following services:

  • Clarification of career goals with a realistic approach
  • Gathering assessment data for our Veterans with disability to cultivate a list of interests and potential skills.
  • Provide on-going job follow-up and retention services
  • Assistance with completing job applications, interviews, understanding benefit packages
  • Provide information on obtaining certificates, training programs and degree programs available to Veterans

Assal Ravandi

Assal Ravandi is the Founder and CEO of Mission Complete.  A former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and language instructor, Ravandi trained as a combat-qualified linguist and cultural affairs adviser and served for 9 months in Afghanistan.

Among her military honors and awards were the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.  However, Ravandi would say that her proudest distinction was simply serving with the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment.

A successful immigrant herself, Ravandi knows something about the difficulties of integrating into a new society. Identifying with the troops with whom she served, Ravandi realized that her new mission was to help Veterans from all backgrounds “connect the dots” between an honorable discharge and securing meaningful employment.   Through a range of contacts, connections, and cajoling – with the help of a series of business professionals, executives, and educational institutions –Ravandi coordinates the steps necessary to help every Veteran of any branch of the U.S. military ultimately transition, both socially and economically, into a fulfilling civilian career.

“I have an old-fashioned conviction that public service is about helping people solve their problems and live their dreams.
— Hilary Clinton

Opportunity=Career=Sustainability=Prosperity

Mission Complete is an operation that believes in direct response to the growing number of unemployed Veterans that are either falling through the cracks or have not received adequate education and information to set them up for success. The goal of the program is to identify Veterans who are going to have a turbulent transition to the civilian sector and offer constructive coaching through experts to avoid the pitfalls that can disrupt their lives and the lives of their families. The emphasis is marginally different at each level but the goal remains the same; reintegrate, coach and employ every Veteran.

The commitment of Mission Complete is to “recognize the unique problems regarding the issue of reintegration and employment among our Veterans. By the power of collaboration with all federal, state, and local agencies and organizations, we implement solutions through our programs to address those unique problems.”

 

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More Background On TheVettys.org

 

TheVettys.org is the official online home of the Veterans Awards, widely known as the Vettys—a national program established to honor individuals, nonprofits, and organizations that make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of United States veterans and their families. Over the past decade, the Vettys have grown from a local recognition effort into a high-profile national awards ceremony featuring notable hosts, distinguished honorees, and nationwide participation from veteran-serving organizations.

The website serves as the central hub for information about the awards: categories, nominations, past winners, the ceremony itself, press activity, and the broader mission of celebrating veteran advocacy. It provides visibility for extraordinary efforts in mental health care, homelessness, employment, education, leadership, community service, innovation, and other areas vital to veterans’ reintegration and well-being.

This article provides a detailed examination of TheVettys.org—its mission, history, ownership, audience, cultural importance, public reception, and the role it plays within the veteran-support ecosystem.

Ownership and Organizational Background

TheVettys.org is operated by the Academy of United States Veterans (AUSV), an organization founded to promote unity, strength, and collaboration among groups that serve veterans. The awards were created to highlight excellence across the veteran-service community and to help honor those who succeed in improving the lives of veterans in measurable and meaningful ways.

The founder of AUSV is Assal Ravandi, a former U.S. Army intelligence analyst and combat-qualified linguist who served in Afghanistan. Her military service shaped her commitment to supporting veterans after they return to civilian life. She has long emphasized issues such as reintegration, employment support, mental health, and community involvement. The creation of the Vettys reflects her belief that the work of veteran-focused organizations deserves greater national attention.

Ravandi's earlier efforts in veteran advocacy included building employment and transition programs designed to help veterans translate their military experience into civilian success. Her work focused on coaching, mentorship, resume translation, and helping veterans overcome the unique challenges of adjusting to civilian workforce norms. This background laid the foundation for a broader awards program that would spotlight similar contributions from organizations nationwide.

Mission and Purpose of the Website

The mission of TheVettys.org is to:

  • Recognize excellence in veteran-serving individuals and organizations

  • Promote awareness of veteran issues and the ongoing need for support

  • Highlight innovative programs that address reintegration, mental health, education, and employment

  • Inspire community involvement and strengthen the nationwide network of veteran-focused nonprofits

  • Provide visibility and legitimacy to organizations that may otherwise operate with limited resources

  • Create a unifying space where veteran advocacy intersects with media, politics, philanthropy, and community engagement

The website operates as the digital centerpiece of the program. It introduces award categories, shares honoree profiles, explains the nomination process, and provides updates about ceremonies, speakers, and press features. Its tone is celebratory, professional, and geared toward acknowledging serious contributions that often go unrecognized.

History and Evolution of the Veterans Awards

Early Years

The Veterans Awards were established in 2015, originally envisioned as a non-partisan, nationally-inclusive recognition ceremony. The early events were held in Washington, D.C., near the heart of the nation’s policymaking and veteran-support infrastructure. This early proximity to government institutions reinforced the founders’ belief that veteran advocacy deserved a real place in national conversation.

Growth and Recognition

By their third and fourth years, the Vettys had grown significantly, attracting:

  • High-profile hosts such as national broadcasters

  • Hollywood actors and public figures

  • Influential members of government and the military community

The ceremonies became red-carpet events, complete with entertainment, notable presenters, and widespread nonprofit involvement. The awards expanded in both number of categories and national visibility, evolving into a polished annual gathering that celebrated success stories within the veteran community.

Recent Years

In subsequent years, the awards spread beyond Washington, sometimes being hosted in large venues and resort locations in other states. The move reflected growth in participation and the desire to create a larger, more inclusive national footprint.

TheVettys.org now functions not only as the event’s information hub, but also as an archival record of honorees, organizational achievements, and award-winning initiatives nationwide.

Award Categories and Areas of Impact

TheVettys.org showcases a broad spectrum of categories designed to reflect the diversity of veteran support programs across the United States. These categories often include:

  • Leadership

  • Mental Health

  • Education (including special commemorative awards)

  • Employment & Entrepreneurship

  • Veteran Homelessness Prevention

  • Women Veterans Advocacy

  • LGBTQ Veteran Support

  • Community Service

  • Art of Impact / Creative Impact

  • Veterans Choice Award

  • Lifetime Achievement

These categories are not just titles—they represent the needs, struggles, and opportunities facing veterans today. By awarding excellence across these areas, TheVettys.org broadens public understanding of what it takes to help veterans thrive.

Each category demonstrates a piece of the broader picture: mental health challenges, educational barriers, lack of employment opportunities, social isolation, homelessness, and the difficulty of translating military experience into civilian life.

Examples of Honored Programs and Individuals

Employment and Workforce Transition Programs

One example of an honored group is a workforce-readiness program that helps veterans with job training, resume building, and translating military experience into civilian terminology. These programs often assist veterans with disabilities, provide tailored coaching, and give ongoing job-retention support.

Mental Health and Reintegration Initiatives

The awards frequently spotlight organizations working on PTSD, depression, anxiety, identity challenges, and suicide prevention. Many veterans return home carrying invisible wounds, and programs recognized through the Vettys include those providing trauma-informed therapy, peer-support communities, crisis intervention, and family counseling.

Community and Leadership Organizations

Some honorees include groups that mobilize communities to serve veterans—through housing, financial assistance, charity events, or public education programs. Leadership awards often go to individuals who spearhead legislative change, create new veteran-service models, or build community movements that uplift those who served.

Creative and Cultural Impact

Art-based programs are sometimes honored for using film, painting, writing, photography, or performance to help veterans process trauma, express identity, or engage the public in issues rarely discussed outside military circles.

These examples demonstrate the diversity of contributions celebrated by TheVettys.org.

Audience and Community Engagement

TheVettys.org serves several core audiences:

  • Veterans, who can learn about resources, community programs, and inspiring success stories

  • Nonprofits and service organizations seeking recognition, collaboration, or networking

  • Corporate sponsors interested in veteran outreach and social responsibility

  • Philanthropists looking to support evidence-based programs

  • Journalists and media professionals covering veteran issues

  • Elected officials and policymakers

  • Veteran families, who often find comfort and community through the stories highlighted

The site promotes unity and cooperation by sharing stories of resilience, innovation, and commitment. The presence of recognizable public figures at the ceremonies also increases visibility and elevates the perceived legitimacy of the awards.

Press Coverage and Public Visibility

The Veterans Awards have received attention across various forms of media:

  • Military and veteran-specific news outlets covering honorees and organizational achievements

  • Local news channels, especially when a community organization receives recognition

  • Entertainment news, due to celebrity attendees and high-profile event hosts

  • Nonprofit and philanthropic publications, which focus on impact and organizational transparency

Coverage generally centers on human-interest stories that highlight the real people behind the programs honored by the Vettys. This includes veterans overcoming adversity, leaders transforming nonprofit sectors, and organizations redesigning the way communities address mental health, homelessness, or reintegration.

Controversies and Criticisms

While the Vettys have received praise for spotlighting important work, the program and its parent organization have also faced public criticisms over the years. These critiques include questions about organizational effectiveness, clarity of mission, and execution of certain events. Some participants in unrelated veteran-support programs have publicly raised concerns about how certain initiatives were marketed or managed.

Such controversies do not define TheVettys.org, but they do illustrate the importance of transparency, governance, and accountability in the nonprofit sector—especially when working with vulnerable populations such as veterans struggling with mental health challenges or housing insecurity.

For many honorees, the award remains a meaningful recognition of hard work, but these criticisms underscore the need for ongoing diligence in nonprofit oversight.

Cultural and Social Significance

Despite mixed public perception in certain moments, TheVettys.org occupies an important cultural space:

Elevating Veteran Issues

It raises awareness about struggles often invisible to the general public—PTSD, suicide risk, homelessness, unemployment—and celebrates those working to solve them.

Creating a National Community

By bringing together nonprofits from across the country, it strengthens collaboration and cross-organizational learning.

Symbolic Empowerment

For small nonprofits and local advocates, recognition at a national level can dramatically improve morale, grant opportunities, and community trust.

Championing Diversity

Award categories reflect the varied identities of veterans today—women, LGBTQ veterans, disabled veterans, minority communities, rural veterans, and more.

 

TheVettys.org stands as a prominent, high-visibility platform dedicated to honoring the extraordinary work being done on behalf of American veterans. Through its awards, categories, press exposure, and community stories, it aims to elevate programs that address the real challenges veterans face—whether in employment, mental health, education, homelessness, or community involvement.

While the program has experienced both praise and criticism, its impact is felt across a broad network of organizations that support veterans daily. The site continues to serve as an important public window into the people, programs, and partnerships shaping the future of veteran advocacy in the United States.

TheVettys.org