Why the Trades are the Ultimate Transition Strategy | Ben Higginbotham
- S5E105
- 1:01:51
- April 14th 2026
In this episode, host Donna sits down with Ben Higginbotham, a Marine Corps veteran and Director of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Military Veterans Program. Ben shares his journey from the infantry to leading a nationwide initiative that connects transitioning service members with high-paying careers in the trades.
Episode Highlights:
- The Power of the Union: Breaking down what the UBC actually is and the benefits—including full medical, pensions, and no-cost training.
- The UBC MVP Program: A deep dive into the 8-week, fully paid SkillBridge program for Carpenters, Millwrights, and Pile Drivers.
- Transition Realities: Why starting at the bottom is often the fastest path to the top and how financial stability directly impacts veteran mental health.
- Soft Skills vs. Passion: Why your military discipline is your greatest asset, even if you’re starting a completely new craft.
Connect with Ben & UBC MVP:
- Website: ubcmvp.org
- LinkedIn: Ben Higginbotham
Beyond The Frontline
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Beyond the Frontline is a podcast focused on one of the most critical and overlooked missions in military life: the transition from the Frontline to the Homefront. Hosted by retired Air Force nurse and seasoned transition mentor Donna Hoffmeyer, this show offers real conversations, practical guidance, and expert insights for service members, Veterans, and their families as they navigate life beyond uniform.
With over two decades of military service including roles in nursing, flight medicine, education, and policy. Donna brings firsthand knowledge and deep compassion to every episode. She holds a master’s degree in Sport Science, is co-author of Warrior to Patriot Citizen, and runs REBel LLC, a company dedicated to Veteran mentorship, consulting, and publishing.
Through interviews and shared experiences, Beyond the Frontline dives into the emotional, logistical, and cultural aspects of transition, from preparing early to finding purpose after service. Donna also draws from her blog Taking Off The Armor, offering thoughtful commentary on the challenges and growth that come before, during, and after military retirement.
If you're ready to turn experience into empowerment and uncertainty into a plan, this podcast is your next step.
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Donna is a 21-year retired Air Force nurse; with a career that spanned from nursing, flight nursing, education, training, readiness, and policy. Donna has a master’s degree in Sport Science and has co-authored her first book, Warrior to Patriot Citizen; focusing on ensuring service members are prepared for transition well before transition occurs. She also has her own blog, Taking Off The Armor, focused on all issues before, during and after transition and after retirement, as well as, a multifaceted business, REBel LLC, focused on veteran transition mentorship, consulting, and publishing her own work.