Journey of Service, Leadership, and HOPE: Carli’s Story

Life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, often taking turns we never saw coming but were always meant to follow.

For Air Force Reserves Technical Sergeant Carlisha “Carli” Wilson, who recently transitioned from Enlisted to a Commissioned Officer (Second Lieutenant), the road to Hope For The Warriors was anything but straightforward.

Yet, every challenge she faced, every milestone she reached, and every lesson she learned shaped her journey—guiding her to exactly where she was meant to be.

With a background deeply rooted in peer support across diverse communities, Carli always sought ways to uplift others.

Her connection to the military community runs just as deep, making her pursuit of a role that bridges these two worlds both a personal and professional endeavor.

When she discovered HOPE, she knew she had found her place.

Basic training was an unforgettable experience for Carli, taking place at Lackland Air Force Base in the sweltering Texas heat.

It was a full-circle moment for her, as she had spent part of her childhood in Texas on a military base.

Returning as an airman, she marveled at how much had changed—the structure, the environment, the training.

Graduation was a proud moment, made even more special when Carli was recognized in the top 10% of her class.

With this honor came a special privilege: she was allowed to call home and invite her family, who would receive priority seating for the ceremony.

Excited, she made the call—only to find out that her parents had mixed up the date. They didn’t think they could make it.

“I crumbled,” Carli recalls. “My heart dropped. I had worked so hard, and I wanted to celebrate with my family.”

Her military training instructor (MTI) and wingmen were right there as she processed the disappointment. Her MTI gave her a moment to feel the weight of it but reminded her that she wasn’t alone.

“I knew I had my wingmen around me, and even my MTI was empathetic. She told me, ‘I know this doesn’t feel good, but you’re not by yourself.”

The next day, Carli stood at attention during the tapping-out ceremony, where graduates wait until a family member releases them.

She had arranged for her wing woman’s family to tap her out, but as she stood there, watching other airmen reunite with their families, tears streamed down her face.

Then, from a distance, she heard a voice.

“Hey! Hey! I haven’t tapped you out yet!”

It was her father.

After realizing his mistake, he had worked all night to secure a last-minute flight to Texas.

Carli turned to see him standing there, ready to tap her out.

While her mother couldn’t make it, her father’s determination to be there, no matter the obstacles, became a defining moment in her life.

“I’m about to cry just thinking about it,” Carli says. “That relationship, that commitment—knowing that no matter what, he was going to be there. It reminded me that even when things seem impossible, hold on to hope. You are never truly alone.”

Timing, as they say, is everything. Carli had spent years immersed in peer support, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by different populations.

But working with veterans isn’t just a career for her—it’s a calling.

“I truly feel that ‘I am HOPE’ because, at some point, I will be a veteran.”

As a service member and social worker, Carli sees HOPE as more than a work place; it’s a long-term mission.

“This is where I want to be—not just to support veterans
and their families, but to grow and heal alongside them.”

Today, Carli is a member of HOPE’s Military Relations Team, connecting veterans with essential services like veteran mental health counseling, financial assistance, career resources, and peer support.

Veteran assistance starts with one veteran reaching out to another, but Carli takes it further, serving as a bridge between veterans and the broader veteran support network within HOPE.

Her leadership journey began long before she joined the organization.

As a senior leader during her most recent deployment, Carli faced the challenge of commanding in an environment where women in leadership were not the norm.

She quickly learned that success depended on building relationships and fostering trust.

Her ability to navigate cultural dynamics and her unwavering dedication ensured mission success and a positive work environment for those under her command.

Serving as the section chief over food service operations required more than technical expertise—it demanded cultural awareness, adaptability, and an ability to unify diverse teams.

Beyond her assigned food operations mission, both junior and senior members regularly sought her leadership and encouragement to navigate challenges, overcome adversity, and foster personal growth.

Her ability to support individuals and teams in this way contributed to overall mission success and reinforced her commitment to mentorship.

These skills, combined with her peer support background, laid the foundation for her role at HOPE.

Carli has witnessed a shifting military culture, particularly in how younger service members navigate their careers.

The military is evolving, and success depends on mindset, discipline, and access to strong support systems for the next generation.

“It’s not just about serving the country,” she explains. “It’s about understanding why you chose this path in the first place. That ‘why’ is what builds resilience and long-term success.”

From young recruits fresh out of high school to seasoned professionals transitioning into civilian life, Carli emphasizes the importance of mentorship, training, and self reflection in shaping future leaders.

Military missions have expanded beyond the War on Terror, shifting focus to broader operations, including deployments in Africa.

These changes demand new leadership styles and an increased emphasis on emotional and mental well-being.

While progress has been made, Carli believes there is still work to be done. During deployment, Carli found a lifeline in HOPE.

Despite the unpredictability of extended assignments, the organization remained steadfast in its support, reinforcing her belief that she was exactly where she belonged.

“HOPE held down the home front for me,” she says. “Returning to my role here felt seamless, and I’m grateful for that.”

One of Carli’s most meaningful accomplishments at HOPE is creating a female-directed peer support group.

While the organization had always offered general support networks, female veterans voiced a need for a space. Carli made it happen.

What started as an idea has since flourished into a thriving community where female veterans connect, share, and uplift one another.

This initiative embodies Carli’s leadership: listening, responding, and ensuring that every veteran has access to the support they deserve.

Despite HOPE’s expanding services, some challenges remain constant: financial security, stable housing, and employment are the most pressing concerns for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Carli tackles these challenges head-on, working to provide veterans and their families a foundation for success.

For Carli Wilson, Hope For The Warriors is more than a job—it’s a community, a purpose, and are a reflection of her journey.

By blending her expertise in social work with her military experience,
she has found a way to help veterans redefine wellness and learn to thrive.

In doing so, she continues shaping her future—one built on service, leadership, and, most importantly, HOPE.

Hope For The Warriors’ Military Veteran Peer Support (MVPS) program mentors veterans throughout their post-military journey and connects them with new opportunities through HOPE’s programs and Strategic Partners.

HOPE’s MVPs provide personal engagement and customized peer support that create a place of acceptance and community for veterans and their families, whether virtual or in-person.