Make the ask and be the answer.

People want to be asked. They want the opportunity to help others. Without asking, you deny people the chance to help you in a way that's meaningful and impactful. But when you ask, you give others two ​opportunities: 1. A means to provide value. To become part of your experience. To use their talents and resources in a way that's nearly guaranteed to make a difference. 2. Permission to ask when they need help. And inevitably, they will. Everyone does. During SOF Week in May. The SOTF team was there to do two things: make the ask and be the answer. Ask: We were there to model what "the ask" looks like, to provide people and organizations with a tangible opportunity to serve. Most people, in my experience, want to help but simply don't know where to start. Our "ask" gives them a way to use their talents, resources, and influence to change lives. We know we can't do it alone. Answer: We were also there to answer the ask from our Special Operations community. The Operators who are looking for guidance, exploring what help even looks like as they begin what is arguably the most challenging transition of their lives. Answering the call for the Operators who need someone to walk alongside them as they transition into civilian life. The individuals in this photo represent two organizations that embody both the ask and the answer: the SOTF and the COMMIT Foundation. We serve the same community. We run parallel missions. We are committed to ensuring America's military leaders continue to thrive after service. Collaboration is how this mission is accomplished. Ask either of us for help, and you'll get a resounding "Yes." So what does that mean for you? Service members: Make the ask. There are countless Americans who wake up every day wanting to make a difference. They may not know where to begin, but they're waiting for the opportunity to say, "Ask me." Patriots: Answer the call. For decades, our nation's Special Operations Forces have said: "Send me." Now it's our turn to return the favor. When one side is willing to ask and the other is willing to answer, extraordinary things happen. - Sarah Vanderleest, Director of Ops