General (Retired) John W. "Mick" Nicholson, Jr. has been named president of the PenFed Foundation. General Nicholson was the longest-serving commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan and NATO's Resolute Support Mission.
"I've experienced the positive impact the PenFed Foundation makes in our military community, and I am honored to lead a mission that strives to better the lives of our nation's heroes and those who support them," said General Nicholson. "Many organizations celebrate the bravery of our troops on the field of battle, but too often, their challenges in civilian life get overlooked."
As President of the PenFed Foundation, General Nicholson will focus on:
Helping military members transition to civilian life. Specifically, General Nicholson will focus on further developing the Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP). The PenFed Foundation plans to launch a Women's VEIP under the leadership of General Nicholson. The program will bridge the gap of investment capital to female Veteran entrepreneurs by providing funding, female representation in the investment process, and a platform to empower those entrepreneurs to lift other female Veteran entrepreneurs.
General Nicholson's awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal for Valor, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, NATO Medal, Combat Infantryman's Badge (2nd award), Expert Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Pathfinder Badge and the Ranger Tab. Read more.