My Story
Kathy's mission to cultivate Civilian Veteran Champions stems from her direct experience with the civilian-military divide, especially the notable talent and cultural gaps in the workplace. For 25 years, she's bridged this gap by connecting employers with top military talent and unlocking their potential, giving rise to the Veteran Champion movement, where Veteran success translates to America’s prosperity.

Beyond “Thank You For Your Service”
Most Americans love our military, but can’t relate to their experiences or understand how to best support them. What’s more, few people can discern the differences in military and civilian culture. That is, until now!
In Kathy’s revolutionary book, "Beyond 'Thank You for Your Service:' The Veteran Champion handbook for civilians,”career Air Force Veteran, Kathy Lowrey Gallowitz helps civilians identify military-civilian differences and how to provide meaningful, practical support for those who sacrifice for freedom.
Whether you’re an employer, neighbor, faith community leader, attorney, healthcare provider, educator, this book is for you.
It’s easy to be a Veteran Champion. Everybody can do something to improve our quality of life, workforce and community by better supporting those who do so much for us.
Key Accomplishments
- 2024 Southwest Veterans Chamber Veteran Community Engagement Award
- 2022 Ford Oval of Honor Award for Cultivating Civilian Veteran Champions
- 2016 & 2010 Ohio Employer Support of Guard and Reserve Seven Seals Award
- 2012 Corporate Citizenship Management Certificate, Boston College
- 2009 Best Army National Guard Community Relations Program
- 2004 Masters Degree, Political Science
- 1997 Small Business of the Year Award
- 1989 Masters Degree, Nursing
My Work is About
- Strengthening Workforces
- Cultivating Civilian Veteran Champions
- Bridging military-civilian gaps
- Helping Veterans thrive
- Building a better America, together
Feedback & Reviews
Kathy inspires audiences to join the Veteran Champion movement through powerful storytelling, deep knowledge, and authentic patriotism that puts people first.
“Kathy's expertise, passion, and team-building approach ignited our Veteran hiring. She laid the foundation for our "Veteran Voice," committee, delivered impactful training, and dramatically expanded our talent and community network.”
Zeferino Banda III
Vice President
Banda Group international
Veteran Talent Strategy Client
“Kathy is a passionate, intentionally-focused leader. Her speech on how to best serve Veterans is outstanding! She is engaging and inspires us all to do better as Veteran Champions.”
Karen M. Fowler
Vice President
Global Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Hexion
Speaking Client
“In short, Kathy is THE resource for becoming a better champion for veteran employment, no matter your line of business.”
Jon Franko
Co-Founder
Gorilla 76
Veteran-Ready Essential Client
“Kathy is an exceptional speaker and veteran advocate. Her impactful presentation on veteran hiring inspired action. She’s a vital resource for veteran-inclusive businesses.”
Jessica Fiesta George
Head of Talent
Atlantic Street Capital Advisors
Speaking Client
“With passionate expertise and practical tips, Kathy bridges the military-civilian gap, delivering invaluable strategies that redefined our approach to hiring and retaining Veteran talent.”
Lisa A. Thomas
Manufacturing Recruitment Partner
Veteran Talent Academy Client
“Kathy strengthened our veteran recruitment by connecting us with candidates, teaching us about military transition, and advocating tirelessly for those who served—creating pathways for heroes and elevating our company culture.”
Leah M Cottrill-Mescher
Owner
SERVPRO of Delaware Ohio
Veteran Talent Strategy Client
My work connects YOU with military talent, helps you leverage their skills and strengthen your workforce.
I'm that rare speaker who shows audiences how supporting our military is also a win for you.
This could mean understanding military culture, mastering veteran recruitment and retention, or simply discovering more meaningful ways to show your gratitude as a neighbor or friend.
I move companies from Veteran-friendly to Veteran-ready.
We equip employers with customized solutions, including the skills, cultural understanding, and internal and external strategies to successfully hire and leverage military talent.
I train employers to become employers of choice for Veterans.
“Veteran Talent Academy” offers in-depth military culture and talent management expertise, while “Veteran Ready Employer Essentials” provides the foundational tools and resources to launch your company's veteran talent strategy.
Ready to get started?
Secure your top talent today. Competition is fierce and growing - you’re losing ground with every day.
The FULL Story
Time and again, employers express the same frustrations: 'Where's the work ethic?' 'Loyalty is dead.' 'My team struggles with change.’ ’The lack of professional courtesy bothers me.” A stark pattern emerged, painting a picture of a workforce yearning for something more—something different.
That "something" is military talent: disciplined, respectful, adaptable leaders with unwavering dedication. Veterans are a smart strategic workforce investment. When these qualities are strategically unleashed, they aren't just assets; they’re a competitive edge. I’ve witnessed this firsthand.
When building a surgical medical practice and traditional hiring methods faltered, we turned to Veterans. The results were undeniable: their skills and values, coupled with effective systems, resulted in our company doubling client volume and surpassing revenue goals.
Serving as Chamber CEO and an Ohio Small Business Council volunteer, I began to understand the crucial role small businesses play in our economy and the chasm between the military and business worlds.
When I settled in the Midwest, after 20 moves before the age of 35, the military-civilian divide became more apparent. Post-9/11, as Director of Community Outreach for the Ohio National Guard, I dedicated myself to bridging this gap, empowering employers and helping Veterans thrive through refined Veteran-hiring practices.
This experience revealed the deeper emotional significance of the work. Witnessing civilians’ profound satisfaction serving those who served, and hearing countless 'goosebumps' stories from Veteran Champions solidified my conviction: bridging this divide isn’t only a practical necessity, it's a source of mutual fulfillment.
My book, Beyond Thank You for Your Service, features powerful 'goosebumps' stories of Civilian Veteran Champions who make a real difference, viewed through my lens a a proud American and third-generation Veteran with advanced degrees in political science and nursing.
Are you ready to unlock the power of Veteran talent? Reach out, here.
WHEN YOU JOIN THE VETERAN CHAMPION MOVEMENT: It’s a win-win
When Veterans thrive, America prospers —and now, your workplace can too!
Be Part of the Win
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