Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Pinholt.
Hi Robert, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I spent five-and-a-half years as an infantryman in the United States Army, including 16 months of tough fighting on the front lines in Afghanistan. My platoon’s combat experiences are chronicled in the New York Times Bestseller Outlaw Platoon.
At the end of my service, I left the military with a rough plan for my life. However, this plan was deeply flawed and lacked any pursuit of meaningful purpose. Without a defined purpose, I struggled at university, but I ultimately found my footing with the help of a mentor: non-profit executive Gayle Westapher. Gayle guided me to a better perspective on my goals, and I found purpose in working with her to deliver the same sort of valuable mentorship to others. Together, we co-founded Claymore Operations to provide mentorship for those who have recently entered the military.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges we’ve had in our mentorship happens to be a common one: our mentors are sometimes unsure of themselves in their initial interactions with mentees. They’re not sure they’ll know what to say, and our civilian mentors are often concerned they won’t be able to relate to a military mentee.
But as each mentor gets to know his or her mentee, those obstacles invariably dissolve, and the human connection prevails. One of the most exciting things we see is the passion that builds in a mentor after overcoming these challenges and experiencing a real bond with a mentee.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Claymore Operations is committed to equipping warfighters to find personal significance. Military service doesn’t last forever, and when that service comes to an end, a warfighter must know his or her next mission. We push each warfighter beyond purpose to find ways in which he or she can become indispensable to the community through service to others. This will eventually become the next mission.
There are several programs doing good work helping warfighters to transition from the military, but we’re the only one dedicated to serving them from the day they don the uniform. This ensures that when the challenges of transition arise, they already have trusted relationships on which they can rely.
We’re also different in that each warfighter mentee is matched with two mentors: one military veteran and one civilian. This ensures a duality of perspective and gives the warfighter an opportunity to develop trust in civilians – something that doesn’t always come easily. Together, mentors help with navigating obstacles and seizing opportunities throughout the mentee’s military career and transition back to civilian life.
In practice, our mentors support warfighters through direction and connection, guiding them in decision-making and connecting them to a personal and professional network outside of the military. They also make an impact just by being who they are, offering influence and inspiration.
However, in the five years since our founding, we’ve found that the real magic lies in the relationship between each mentor and mentee. Our mission has inspired numerous community leaders who have achieved success in their lives to take on the role of mentor to our military mentees and guide them to a greater future. The result has been the formation of lifelong friendships.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I find happiness in helping others discover and deploy their God-given gifts. This applies to the warfighters Claymore Operations serves but also the staff and mentors who are on the front lines of our mission.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.claymoreops.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claymoreops/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claymoreops
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18635775/admin/feed/posts/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@claymoreoperations5709
