Tony Teravainen

Link to book mentioned during Tony’s Interview

From Nuclear Submarines to Nonprofit Leadership: A Veteran's Journey

Tony Teravainen's transition from military to civilian life wasn't a choice—it was a "slow-motion train wreck" that he described felt like watching as a spectator in his own life. As a successful nuclear planner and estimator for submarines in the Navy, Teravainen had rapidly advanced to E-6 in just four years, a testament to his exceptional performance and leadership. However, his military career was cut short when an undiagnosed medical condition—chronic pancreatitis—forced him into medical retirement after eight and a half years of service.

The Impact of Forced Transition

The news hit him hard. "You can't be in the Navy anymore," the diving officer told him. Teravainen recalls the moment vividly: "Your head fades out, and it kind of turns into Charlie Brown's teacher... Words happening, and you just drift out of your body, and you're watching the situation devolve." All he could think about was how to save his position, desperately trying to negotiate ways to stay in the service he loved.

Finding a Bridge to Civilian Life

Fortunately, Teravainen found a lifeline in an unexpected place: Sony Electronics. The company was expanding its manufacturing and actively recruiting veterans for their technical skills. The environment at Sony proved to be a crucial steppingstone in his transition. "It was a very militaristic environment," Teravainen explains. The structure allowed him and other veterans to slowly integrate into civilian life while utilizing their military-honed skills.

Professional Growth and Giving Back

Over his 12-year tenure at Sony, Teravainen advanced from a maintenance mechanic to management positions. He completed his education, earning degrees in engineering and business management. When hiring, he specifically sought out veterans, recognizing their problem-solving abilities and work ethic.


Tony with his Air Force Dad

The Birth of a New Mission

However, his most significant career pivot came when he was asked to help develop a nonprofit serving military families. Drawing from his personal experience as both a military child and a veteran, Teravainen saw an opportunity to address the challenges facing transitioning service members and their families. This led to the founding of Support The Enlisted Project (STEP), a nonprofit dedicated to helping junior military members, recent veterans, and their families achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Understanding the Transition Challenge

Teravainen's journey illuminates the complex challenges veterans face during transition. He likens it to moving to another English-speaking country: "You can read the signs, you can figure out how to feed yourself, but can you integrate into that society without getting these minute societal norms and differences?"

The Phantom Limb of Military Service

One of the key insights Teravainen shares is the concept of "phantom limb syndrome" in military transition. The military becomes like a limb—an integral part of one's identity and daily functioning. When that's suddenly removed, veterans often struggle with the loss, longing for the sense of purpose, responsibility, and belonging they had in service.

A Message of Hope for Transitioning Veterans

Today, as CEO of STEP, Teravainen uses his unique perspective to help other veterans navigate their transitions. His message to transitioning service members is hopeful: "The future's bright. Our communities need people like you—values-based, determined people who have accomplished something."

He emphasizes that veterans shouldn't feel pressured to immediately find their perfect civilian career. "Less than 10% of people who get out of the military knew their first civilian job existed when they were in service," he notes. Instead, he advises veterans to be open to opportunities, build genuine networks, and understand that their military experience has prepared them for success in ways they might not yet realize.


Military Roots Run Deep

For Teravainen, like many veterans, the military wasn't just a job—it was an identity. Born into a military family with an Air Force father, he had spent his entire childhood moving around the world, living on Air Force bases. The military mindset was deeply ingrained in his psyche, making the forced transition to civilian life particularly challenging.