Even before his retirement after more than two decades in the Army was complete in 2023, Kevin Carey had already found his next calling.
A member of VFW Post 4309 in Brevard, North Carolina, Carey continues to serve his community and fellow veterans today through his involvement with the Special Operations Climbers Coalition, where he helps provide training and mentorship to veterans pursuing careers as professional climbing guides.
VFW Post 4309 member and Still Serving campaign honoree Kevin Carey climbs a mountain with the Special Operations Climbers Coalition, where he helps provide training and mentorship to veterans pursuing careers as professional climbing guides. Photo courtesy of Kevin Carey.“Still Serving is about paying forward the opportunities I was given,” said Carey, who deployed more than 10 times to regions in Africa, Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan during his service. “Helping other veterans find their path after service is the most meaningful way I know to continue serving.”
As a nonprofit founded in 2024, the Special Operations Climbers Coalition equips veterans with industry credentials and hands-on experience while fostering confidence and a sense of purpose.
Carey, who serves as the president of the board, helps veterans translate their experience into sustainable careers in the outdoors, offering a sense of belonging and direction beyond the military.
“Working in the guiding industry is quite similar to working in the Special Operations community: It is physically demanding, requires technical skills, involves lots of cool gear, and working as a member of a decentralized team,” said Carey, who retired as a Special Forces Operations Sergeant out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
Carey also understands the pitfalls of transitioning into civilian life for Special Forces veterans who long for the outdoors.
“Traditional government programs like vocational rehab and the GI Bill don't assist with training in the guiding or outdoor industry,” Carey said. “Additionally, transitioning members of the Special Operations community often don't want job training or education; they want the next adventure — a career in the mountains can provide that.”
For his continued service, Carey was recognized this year by VFW’s Still Serving campaign, an initiative that honors veterans who continue strengthening their communities after their military service ends.
This article is featured in the 2026 March issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.