At Competitive Edge, Inc., we are deeply committed to supporting our Veteran community by providing tools that foster personal and professional growth. Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents unique challenges, and having the right support system in place can make all the difference.
Last year, we had the privilege of donating TTI Talent Insights and MHS EQ-i 2.0 assessments to Veterans On The River, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping Veterans successfully navigate their next chapter.
Veterans On The River: A Unique Approach to Transition
Founded with a mission to help Veterans transition with confidence, Veterans On The River (VOTR) offers a unique two-week program that combines outdoor adventure with career and personal development. By immersing Veterans in the natural challenges of white-water rafting, VOTR provides both a therapeutic experience and a structured opportunity to reflect on career paths, personal strengths, and future goals, all while learning the valuable skills needed to become river rafting guides.
Beyond the skills on the water, the program incorporates educational materials and soft-skill development, including:
- Emotional Intelligence
- Career planning and goal-setting
- PTSD Awareness
- Communication and leadership skills
- Conflict management strategies
Through this blend of outdoor resilience training and professional coaching, Veterans gain not only technical skills but also the mindset needed to thrive in their civilian careers.
How Assessments Became a Game-Changer
Under the leadership of Founder Jason Dickinson, a 2019 Certified Trainer, seven participants and two staff members completed the TTI Talent Insights and MHS EQ-i 2.0 assessments. These assessments weren’t just reports—they became an integral part of each participant’s foundation for self-discovery, career alignment, and personal growth.
Through one-on-one coaching and mentorship, Jason helped each individual uncover their natural strengths, identify areas for development, and translate these insights into tangible career success. The results speak for themselves:
- Two Veterans received promotions within their organizations
- Three were accepted into graduate school to further their education
- Three landed new job opportunities in their chosen fields
- One became a licensed therapist, using their skills to support others
As Jason shared with us:
“You’ll be happy to know that every single participant has been positively impacted—an amazing success by any measure!”
The Power of Self-Awareness in Career Success
These incredible outcomes highlight the real-world value of self-awareness and assessments like TTI Talent Insights and MHS EQ-i 2.0.
- TTI Talent Insights helps individuals understand their behavioral tendencies (DISC) and personal motivators, enabling them to align their career choices with their strengths and passions.
- MHS EQ-i 2.0 equips individuals with emotional intelligence skills, enhancing their ability to communicate effectively, manage stress, and lead with confidence.
For Veterans, these tools provide self-awareness, bringing clarity to career decisions, confidence in interviews, and a leg up in confidence and ability when adapting to civilian work environments—all of which are crucial during career transitions.
A Lasting Impact & A Growing Mission
The success of this program is just the beginning. In 2025, VOTR aims to double its cohort size, helping 15 Veterans navigate their transition with even greater support. Competitive Edge is proud to have played a part in this journey, and we look forward to seeing more Veterans empowered through self-awareness and strategic career planning.
How You Can Support VOTR
As Veterans On The River expands its reach, its goal is to continue raising the funds needed to keep the program accessible at little to no cost to Veterans.
Ways to Help:
- Donate to help sponsor a Veteran’s journey (average cost per participant: $3,700-$4,500)
- Spread the word—Follow @Veteransontheriver on Facebook and Instagram
Learn more or get involved at www.veteransontheriver.org
A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our deepest gratitude to Jason Dickinson and the VOTR team for their unwavering dedication to serving those who have served us. To all Veterans, we honor you, we support you, and we are proud to be part of your journey.
If you’d like to learn more about some of the many assessments Competitive Edge offers to aid individuals and organizations to grow and become more successful visit: https://www.competitiveedgeinc.com/assessments/
Final Thoughts
At Competitive Edge, Inc., our mission is to empower individuals and organizations with self-awareness, helping them turn empirical insights into action. Seeing the real-world impact these tools can have when placed in the hands of an organization like Veterans On The River is why we do what we do. Knowing that our tools and training helped Veterans gain clarity, confidence, and career success is the greatest reward, and we are honored to play a role in their continued growth.