For veterans transitioning out of military service at Fort Stewart, the journey to civilian life can be both exciting and daunting. Many find themselves equipped with invaluable skills honed during their time in the Army, but translating these skills into a successful civilian career requires strategic planning and the right resources. Jeremy and Kristen Boucher, two Army veterans formerly stationed at Fort Stewart, exemplify how the Army Career Skills Program at Fort Stewart, combined with dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, can pave the way for remarkable post-military achievements. Their story, brewing into reality as Split Fin Brewing in Midway, Georgia, underscores the profound impact of Army initiatives designed to empower transitioning service members.
Jeremy Boucher, a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 and a Springfield, Massachusetts native, expertly pours a beverage for a patron at Split Fin Brewery, located in Midway, GA, on September 17, 2020. Jeremy, alongside his wife Dr. Kristen Boucher, both Army veterans, established Split Fin Brewing in June of the same year. They attribute a significant portion of their burgeoning business success to the diverse skills they cultivated during their respective Army careers. (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Justin A. Naylor)
The Bouchers’ venture into brewery ownership wasn’t a pre-conceived plan, but rather an organic evolution of a shared hobby. Jeremy, whose last Army role was as a maintenance technician with the 3rd Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, served for 22 years before retiring. Kristen, originally from Syracuse, New York, served as a chemical officer for four years, transitioning out of the military in 2017 and currently working as a Department of the Army civilian at Hunter Army Airfield.
Their journey into brewing began unexpectedly with a winemaking kit gifted to Kristen. This initial foray into crafting beverages soon shifted to beer brewing, becoming a passionate hobby that grew alongside Jeremy’s approaching military retirement. Recognizing the need for a solid plan for civilian life, the Bouchers considered turning their beloved hobby into a business.
It was through the Army Career Skills Program at Fort Stewart that this idea began to solidify. Jeremy participated in an internship at a local brewery, an opportunity facilitated by the program. This initiative is specifically designed to provide service members with tuition-free training in various industries during their final months of service. For Jeremy, the internship was instrumental, offering firsthand experience in brewery operations and easing his transition into the civilian workforce after over two decades in the military.
“I was apprehensive about re-entering the civilian work environment,” Jeremy admitted. “Knowing the Army Career Skills Program was supporting me during this transition gave me a significant sense of security and confidence.” The Army Career Skills Program at Fort Stewart acts as a crucial bridge, connecting military expertise with civilian career opportunities. It provides hands-on experience and industry-specific knowledge, making veterans like Jeremy highly competitive in the job market or, as in his case, well-prepared to launch their own businesses.
Dr. Kristen Boucher is pictured with her husband, Jeremy Boucher, in uniform at a military ball in 2017. Both Kristen, a Syracuse, New York native, and Jeremy, originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, are now retired from Army service. In June 2020, they realized their entrepreneurial dream by opening Split Fin Brewing in Midway, Georgia. They frequently acknowledge that the skills and values instilled during their time in the Army have been pivotal to their business success. (Photo Credit: Courtesy Dr. Kristen Boucher)
Beyond the Career Skills Program, both Jeremy and Kristen leveraged other Fort Stewart resources for transitioning service members. They participated in the Soldier for Life-Transition Assistance Program (SFL-TAP), which offers invaluable tools such as Military Occupational Code Crosswalk assistance to translate military skills into civilian equivalents, financial planning courses, and resilience training. SFL-TAP workshops further aided them in comparing military compensation and benefits to civilian sector opportunities, and in identifying potential skill gaps for civilian employment.
Continuing their education, Jeremy and Kristen utilized their GI Bill benefits to pursue master’s degrees at Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management. Kristen earned an MBA, while Jeremy focused on emerging enterprise entrepreneurism. This combination of practical experience from the Army Career Skills Program, comprehensive support from SFL-TAP, and advanced business education provided the Bouchers with a robust foundation for their entrepreneurial endeavor.
Drawing upon this knowledge and experience, they developed a comprehensive business plan, acquired brewing equipment, secured a location, and successfully opened Split Fin Brewing. The values instilled during their military service remain central to their business philosophy. Jeremy emphasizes the Army mantra of “never quit” as a guiding principle in overcoming business challenges. “The Army instilled in me the importance of perseverance and pushing through obstacles, no matter how daunting they may seem,” Jeremy stated.
Kristen highlights the efficiency and effectiveness ingrained through military service as key assets in their business operations. “Military service provides a unique perspective and approach to problem-solving,” Kristen explained. “We operate with a mindset geared towards efficiency and effectiveness, enabling us to execute tasks and manage our business operations more effectively.”
Split Fin Brewing has been warmly welcomed by the coastal Georgia community, particularly by local veterans. While current COVID-19 restrictions temporarily limit visits from active Fort Stewart Soldiers, the Bouchers eagerly anticipate welcoming them in the future.
Jeremy offers valuable advice to Soldiers considering starting their own businesses: “Listen more than you speak. Regardless of your expertise, there is always someone who possesses a better approach. Embrace humility and continuous learning.” He also stresses the importance of pursuing one’s passions. “Identify your passion and commit wholeheartedly to transforming that passion or dream into a tangible reality.”
Finally, Jeremy underscores the importance of recognizing life beyond military service. “Being a Soldier is a significant part of your identity, but it’s not your entire identity,” he advises. “Cultivate interests and hobbies outside of the uniform. A passion can be your anchor, providing resilience through even the toughest deployments and transitions.”
The Bouchers envision a bright future for Split Fin Brewing, deeply rooted in the Midway and Fort Stewart community. Their journey from military service to successful business ownership serves as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of programs like the Army Career Skills Program at Fort Stewart and the enduring value of skills and values gained in the military.
For Soldiers preparing to transition to civilian life, further information on SFL-TAP services is available here or at a local SFL-TAP office.
Related Links
Soldier For Life-Transition Assistance Program Services
STAND-TO!: Soldier for Life – Transition Assistance Program Virtual Center
Army.mil: Worldwide News
Army.mil: Soldiers
