OVMAE Spotlight Series: Brett Hunt

PRESTON SWAN
November 2, 2026

After more than two decades of leadership across the United States Army, government service and the civilian sector, Brett Hunt views service as something that evolves rather than ends. In our interview with him, one theme came up repeatedly. Leadership and purpose are built through people, and they have to continue long after the uniform comes off.

Hunt’s leadership foundation began in ROTC and was shaped early by the noncommissioned officers around him. He learned quickly that leadership is not just about authority, but paying attention to people, understanding how they are doing and showing that you care. That consistency builds trust before it is ever tested and became a principle he carried through every role that followed. His deployments to Iraq and Kuwait, along with his time in Korea, expanded his understanding of service. Korea showed him the long-term geopolitical role of the military, not just combat, but presence and stability in regions many Americans overlook. Iraq revealed the intensity of war and the level of sacrifice required, not only from service members but from their families. It also reinforced his respect for how capable American troops are under pressure.

When he returned home, he recognized something many veterans experience. A higher threshold for stress and a different level of resilience that carries into civilian life. That resilience becomes critical during transition. Hunt described how identity can be one of the hardest parts of leaving the military. Many enter service young, and it becomes their entire sense of purpose and when that structure is gone, what comes next can feel like a loss. He also pointed out a gap in the system. The military invests heavily in training, but often does not provide the same level of support when service members transition out. That disconnect can leave veterans feeling unprepared for the next phase.

After witnessing war firsthand, Hunt chose to pursue diplomacy as a foreign service officer. He was drawn to the idea of preventing conflict rather than reacting to it. His experience reinforced that service does not have to be military. There are many ways to contribute to your country and community. In the private sector, Hunt found that many military skills translated well, but the focus on profit did not provide the same sense of meaning he valued. That realization pushed him toward roles centered on impact, including higher education.

Through opportunities like ROTC scholarships and the GI Bill, he saw how education can unlock potential. It builds confidence, creates opportunity and challenges individuals to grow, especially when they are willing to ask for help and stay engaged. This belief led him to help build programs like the Next Generation Service Corps and the Veterans Scholar Program. He saw that many veterans approach education as a transaction, focused only on earning a degree. These programs push for more, they encourage veterans to engage fully, strive for excellence and find a new mission. At the same time, they promote a broader idea of service, one that extends beyond the military into communities, nonprofits and public institutions.

Hunt believes we are still falling short in supporting veterans, particularly in education and career development. Many fall into a middle ground where they need guidance and mentorship but do not always receive it. Closing that gap requires more than resources. It requires a focus on helping veterans push beyond their comfort zones and reach their full potential. Today, Hunt continues to serve through policy work, community leadership and mentoring. He describes service as something that gives him a sense of purpose, what he calls a kind of “psychological
income.” For him, strong communities are the foundation of a strong society, and that starts at
the local level.

For veterans navigating transition, his advice is straightforward. Build connections in person, find community and most importantly, find a way to continue serving. It does not have to be big, it can be coaching, volunteering or mentoring. What matters is staying connected to purpose. The mission may change, but the drive to serve does not have to.