Operation New Uniform (ONU) was founded in 2014 with a simple but powerful goal: to help Servicemembers and Veterans find their “new uniform”—a fulfilling career in the business world. What began as one Veteran in Jacksonville, Florida, gaining life-changing skills through a Sandler training class has grown into a nationally recognized program that has transformed the lives of more than 700 Veterans and Military Spouses across the United States.
At ONU, we meet each student exactly where they are—physically, emotionally, and mentally—on their transition journey. For Veterans, that means helping them uncover their unique value and potential, shifting from a team-first mindset to a clear sense of individual purpose and worth. For Military Spouses, it means providing the tools and confidence they need to define their own identity and pursue meaningful personal and professional goals. This person-centered approach makes ONU truly one of a kind.
We proudly offer in-person classes for Servicemembers and Veterans at our headquarters in Jacksonville, Florida, and at our satellite locations in Tampa, Florida and Memphis, Tennessee. For those who need flexibility, we also provide online, self-paced training accessible anywhere around the world. Upcoming class and graduation schedules can be found right here on our website.
Our Mission: To empower active duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Spouses to transition from military life to purposeful, stable careers.
Our Vision: To produce confident graduates who are highly sought after by the workforce and embraced by their communities. Together, we honor their service and empower their future.
Operation New Uniform (ONU) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization powered by globally recognized training.
Operation New Uniform is driven by a team of visionary leaders who bring together military insight, business acumen, and a passion for empowering military families. Their guidance shapes programs that transform lives, offering support that lasts well beyond graduation.
AI Ready Veteran Navy Veteran
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Patriot Consulting Marine COrps Veteran
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Bank of america navy veteran
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CSX
Auto Crane Army Veteran
Swisher Army Veteran
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ascendo resources navy veteran
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Procom Navy Veteran
First Citizens Army Veteran
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You have the power to change lives. Your generous donation ensures that our nation’s heroes and their spouses receive life-changing services— at no cost to them.
Watch the heartwarming journey of Willie and discover how Operation New Uniform transformed his future.
Are you a Servicemember, Veteran, or Military Spouse? Apply today to start your journey with Operation New Uniform and take the first step toward a brighter future,
Graduates Trained
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We are deeply grateful to our corporate supporters, grantors, and individual donors whose generosity makes our mission possible.
Our proven three-phase approach transforms military experience into civilian career success. From your first application to landing your dream job and beyond, we’re with you at every step.
Duration: 10 Hours
Focus: Mental Well-Being & Foundation Building
We start by getting to know you—your goals, skills, and unique background. Through comprehensive screening, in-depth interviews, and DISC methodology assessments, we create a personalized roadmap for your success. This isn’t just paperwork; it’s the foundation of your transformation.
Duration: 60 Hours
Focus: Mental, Financial & Social Well-Being
Learn the business methodologies that companies actually use. Our curriculum, adapted from the globally recognized Sandler training system, teaches you to market yourself effectively and build professional networks. Available both in-person and online to fit your schedule.
Duration: 25 Hours + Ongoing
Focus: Real-World Application & Long-Term Success
Put your new skills to work with hands-on support. From resume tailoring and mock interviews to salary negotiations and networking opportunities, we’re your career partner for life. Many alumni still reach out years later when changing careers or locations.
Join the Loyalty Brigade by becoming a monthly donor and ensure Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Spouses never have to pay for ONU’s life-changing program.
Ready to start your career transformation or have questions about our programs? Send us a message and our team will get back to you within 24 hours.
Prefer to speak directly with our team?
(904) 328-1600
[email protected]
4215 Southpoint Blvd, Suite 100, Jacksonville, FL 32216
Media Contact:
Char Miller, Chief Marketing Officer
Operation New Uniform
[email protected]
Michele McManamon is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Operation New Uniform (ONU), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. ONU is a free, comprehensive Career Development program dedicated to addressing the challenges of unemployment, underemployment, and career transitions faced by Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Spouses.
Before founding ONU, Michele and her husband operated Sandler Training franchises. While sponsoring a veteran through Sandler’s training in Jacksonville, she identified a gap—veterans lacked a clear path to civilian careers. To fill that need, she co-founded Operation New Uniform in 2014 and, by 2019, stepped away from Sandler to lead ONU full-time. ONU’s curriculum is based upon the globally recognized Sandler training methodology.
ONU has graduated over 700 servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses across 28 states and Europe through in-person and online career readiness programs. Based on Blue Star Families’ Military Family Lifestyle Survey, which finds the average military family size to be 4.5 individuals, ONU’s work has positively impacted an estimated 2,482 lives.
A passionate community leader, Michele was the third woman ever selected to serve as a Blue Coat (Vice Chair) for THE PLAYERS Championship in 2010 and became the tournament’s third female Chair in 2016. She is a Trustee with the JAX Chamber, a member of the JAXUSA Partnership’s Military Issues Committee, and a board member of the Community Veterans Engagement Board (CVEB). Her accolades include being named Woman Business Owner of the Year and Small Business Leader of the Year for South Council by the JAX Chamber, as well as one of Jacksonville’s Top 25 Influential Women. ONU, under her direction, was named a Top 50 Business of Influence by the Jacksonville Business Journal.
In 2023, Michele was selected to participate in the prestigious Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses (10KSB) program, further highlighting her innovative leadership and commitment to empowering veterans and their families. She still actively participates with this global group and was recently a 10KSB panelist.
In the fall of 2024, Michele was honored on the field during the Jacksonville Jaguars’ nationally televised Military Appreciation game as the Veteran Community Champion of the Year. This special recognition, presented by Florida Blue, took place during the third quarter and spotlighted her leadership at Operation New Uniform, highlighting ONU’s crucial role in supporting veterans and their families across the nation and overseas.
A New Jersey native and proud granddaughter of Greek immigrants, Michele now lives in Northeast Florida with her husband, Pat, and their dog, Willow. She’s the mother of two grown children and a devoted grandmother.
