In the kick-off of our Why I Continue to Serve Volunteer Spotlight Series, we had the privilege of sitting down with Garret Biss, a Marine veteran and dedicated volunteer with Veterans Without Orders. Garret’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and a profound commitment to serving others, even after his time in uniform.
From the Skies to Service: A Journey of Transformation
Garret’s last role in his military career was serving as a C-130 pilot, a role that took him across the globe and opened his eyes to the stark realities faced by some communities. “When you see
firsthand, [and] for anybody that’s traveled abroad or traveled to some impoverished community, it changes you,” Garret reflects. This experience, combined with the challenges he faced transitioning out of the Marine Corps, set the stage for his post-military mission.
The Struggles of Transition and the Need for Connection
Like many Veterans, Garret found the transition to civilian life challenging. “When Veterans transition out of the military, there’s some fundamental human needs that we met through our military service, which we no longer meet as a civilian,” he explains. First among these needs is the deep sense of connection that military service fosters—a connection that is difficult to replicate in civilian life. “As a military service member, you express connection as, ‘I would go into battle with you by my side.’ That’s not a kind of connection that civilians can ever really appreciate or understand.”
Finding New Purpose through Volunteering
For Garret, the search for a new sense of purpose led him to serve others with Veterans Without Orders, an organization that brings Veterans together to tackle the global water crisis. The mission resonated with him deeply, rekindling the sense of meaning he had felt in the military. “A lot of service members are called into the military because of that sense of meaning that we have for serving something that’s greater than ourselves,” Garret says. Veterans Without Orders provided a way to reconnect with fellow Veterans and continue serving in challenging, austere environments—experiences that are deeply fulfilling for him.
The Joy of Service: A Path to Healing
Garret’s advice to fellow veterans is simple yet profound: “Follow the emotion of joy.” He believes that joy is found in meaningful service, whether it’s working with organizations like Veterans Without Orders or making a difference in local communities. “If you really want to get back to being that better version of yourself and feel on fire again and feel really plugged in, find something that can bring that sense of meaning back to you,” he advises.
Garret Biss’s story is a powerful reminder that the call to serve doesn’t end when one leaves the military. Through his work volunteering and his time with Veterans Without Orders, he has found a way to continue making a difference, helping both himself and others rediscover a sense of purpose and connection. We are honored to highlight his journey and grateful for the impact he is making in the lives of others.
Recent Comments