James Casey exemplifies an emerging trend in national service –veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan using service to transition to civilian life while strengthening communities. James served in the United States Army Reserve for 11 years, deploying to Iraq three times. After his last deployment he applied for a volunteer position with The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization that redeploys veterans in service to their communities through partnerships and service projects. James struggled with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury as a result of his military service, but the opportunity to serve his fellow veterans helped him through the transition to civilian life. When his six month fellowship with The Mission Continues ended, James was still focused on supporting his fellow veterans. He became an AmeriCorps VISTA to continue his service. James joined the Service Projects Team at The Mission Continues, and was tasked with organizing service projects and recruiting veteran volunteers across the country. In November 2012, James helped lead a major service campaign around Veterans Day. He rallied 1,313 community volunteers, 132 active duty military family members, and 532 veterans to assist more than 500 veterans through 39 service projects nationwide. James personally led a project in Anaheim, CA. Deanne Tate, President and CEO of Veterans First of Orange County, said of James, “This past weekend James Casey from The Mission Continues came to Veterans First in Anaheim,CA; gathered together 101 volunteers who painted 3 houses, replaced numerous screens, and built two rock gardens, and a lighted path at our facility that houses 25 wounded warriors…James Casey is a wonderful leader and he did an incredible job!” James made a sustained impact over the course of his VISTA year. Over 12 months, he led projects that engaged 796 veterans, 156 active duty military family members, and 2,788 civilians in supporting 662 veterans and dozens of civilian nonprofit organizations across the country. These service projects had an impact beyond painting, landscaping and cleaning. Pew Research reports that 84% of post-/11 veterans say that the public does not understand the problems faced by those in the military or their families, and the projects James led helped bridge this civilian-military divide by uniting veterans and civilians around shared values of service. Because of his high impact contributions, James was hired as a full-time associate at The Mission Continues headquarters in St. Louis when his VISTA year ended in early 2013. James’s story represents an important innovation in national service. Through his service as an AmeriCorps VISTA, James found full-time employment, reconnected with the St. Louis community, and found a new mission of service on the home front. He also engaged thousands of volunteers in service, leading to transformative impact in their communities. James’s service as a VISTA highlights the impact of veterans continued service – on the veterans who serve and the communities where they make a difference. His story is a model for all programs of the Corporation for National and Community Service