This segment is a Veteran Focused talk show that showcases individuals and companies in the community and is focused on Veteran leadership, service, stories and transition. Our Veteran host highlights other Veterans who serve, have served and who are doing great things in their business and in their community. Today our host, Chris Budihas spoke with Stephen Hudson of AI Ready Veteran
Stephen Hudson
Founder of AI Ready Veteran
Website Address: https://aireadyveteran.org/
Short company description:
We are a non-profit revolutionizing the military-to-civilian transition process through the transformative power of AI, ensuring that every veteran is equipped with the knowledge, confidence, and resources to thrive in their post-military careers and lives.
Transcript:
Chris:
Welcome to The Five Minute Salute. I’m your host, Chris Budihas, and joining me here in the studio is Stephen Hudson with AI Ready Veteran. Got that right?
Stephen:
Yep.
Chris:
Awesome. Good to see you again.
Stephen:
Good to see you. Thank you.
Chris:
I saw what you’re doing on LinkedIn. LinkedIn is such a powerful tool for networking, and what you’re doing in the AI space is impressive. I invited you on to talk about your recent book, what you’re doing, and the bridges you’re trying to build—both between veterans and the workplace, and between the workplace and veterans.
Before we get into that, let’s give a little background. Where are you originally from and what did you do in the military?
Stephen:
I was a data analyst in the military. I’m originally from Memphis, Tennessee, and I joined the Navy in 2005. I actually started working with computers a little before that, so I’ve been in computers for about 40 years. I spent 20 years in the Navy and retired in 2005. My first job out of the Navy brought me to Jacksonville, and I’ve been here ever since.
Chris:
That’s great. So, let’s talk about your journey. You’re an adjunct professor at Embry-Riddle, you have a marketing company, you’re an author, and you’re an educator on AI. Tell us about that.
Stephen:
Well, in November 2022, OpenAI released ChatGPT. My friend Greg Koski, a professor at UNF also in computers, and I were blown away. Generative AI had been around in theory for years, but this was something completely different. In 2023, we co-authored a book called The AI-Soon Army: Riding the AI Wave in Business.
From that, AI Ready Veteran was born. It’s a platform using AI-driven tools to help the military community—and their families—transition into the civilian world. We’re a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and the platform is free for veterans and their families. We work with Hiring Our Heroes, Wounded Warrior Project, Blue Star Families, the Honor Foundation, and we just partnered with OpenAI on a live webinar on LinkedIn.
Chris:
When did you do that?
Stephen:
Yesterday. It’s available on OpenAI Academy under Veteran Resources. Our nonprofit is featured there.
Chris:
That’s excellent. So, with mission-driven recruiting, who is your audience and what message are you trying to deliver?
Stephen:
We work to help veterans and active-duty service members transition into civilian life. One challenge we still see is corporations understanding the veteran mindset and creating an environment where they can thrive. Studies show over 40% of veterans leave their first civilian job within the first year, and after the second year it rises to 60%.
Chris:
The latest statistics I saw put it at 73% within the first three years.
Stephen:
Exactly. It’s not that companies don’t value veterans—they do—but the communication and understanding between the veteran and the company are often lacking. Our book helps corporations, especially recruiters, understand how to recruit military talent and retain them by fostering an environment that respects their skills and mindset.
Chris:
That’s huge. I imagine your audience is mid-management and above, including HR?
Stephen:
Absolutely. Retention is a huge cost. Bringing someone on, onboarding them, then losing them within a year is incredibly expensive.
Chris:
As you were writing the book, did anything surprise you?
Stephen:
Honestly, I was amazed by the power and versatility of the tools we discuss. While researching for the book, I already started thinking about a follow-up because there’s so much more to cover. If I had included everything, this book would have been massive.
Chris:
I love how your book goes from a high-level 30,000-foot view down to the details—the “terrain,” as you put it. And it’s tangible; readers walk away with practical tools.
Stephen:
Exactly. Every tool I discuss comes with step-by-step prompts, instructions, and best practices. It’s really a playbook, not just theory.
Chris:
Where can folks find the book?
Stephen:
It’s available on Amazon.
Chris:
Perfect timing for the holidays—Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa.
Stephen:
100%. Every dime generated from the book goes directly into supporting veterans through our nonprofit.
Chris:
How can folks find you personally and the nonprofit?
Stephen:
Our website is AIReadyVeterans.org. Personally, I’m on LinkedIn as Stephen K. Hudson. LinkedIn has been an incredible resource for networking and spreading the word.
Chris:
That’s great. You mentioned earlier your platform is global?
Stephen:
Yes. We have veterans and military members at UN bases around the world transitioning out who use our platform. I see registrations from Japan, Europe, everywhere.
Chris:
That’s incredible. I love that it builds a bridge not just from veterans into business, but from business to veterans.
Stephen:
Exactly. And I want to give a shout-out to military spouses—they have the highest unemployment rate as a demographic. The book includes chapters on how companies can tap into this highly educated, highly skilled talent pool that’s often invisible due to their transient lifestyle.
Chris:
Absolutely. Military spouses have one of the hardest jobs, and their skills are invaluable.
Stephen:
Exactly. Recruiters often overlook them because they see short stints in jobs, but these spouses bring incredible soft skills and adaptability.
Chris:
Thanks for coming in. It’s been a pleasure. Thank you for your service to our nation and what you’re doing for the veteran and business communities.
Stephen:
Thank you, Chris, and thanks for giving a platform to spread the word.
Chris:
Folks, check out our show notes, reach out to Stephen and myself on LinkedIn, and see what AI Ready Veteran is doing. Pick up the book—it’s a great opportunity to educate yourself, your employer, and veterans in your life. Stephen’s got more books coming in the trilogy, so stay tuned.
As he said, AI isn’t going away—get educated, get started, and catch the wave. See you next segment, Live with Gratitude.
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