Veterans’ success stories: new lives and careers after service

Returning to civilian life is a difficult stage that requires great internal resources and support. Many of them find new meaning in life through their own business or a new career, adapting their experience and skills to new realities. Below are inspiring stories of veterans who have embarked on the path of entrepreneurship, rehabilitation, and successful reintegration into society.

“Veterano Pizza” – from combat missions to social entrepreneurship

Leonid Ostaltsev, an ATO veteran, founded the pizzeria “Veterano Pizza” after returning from the war, creating a space for veterans where they could work and socialize. The establishment quickly grew into a chain known for its veteran support and social mission, involving veterans as employees and partners. Thanks to this project, Leonid not only created a successful business, but also gave veterans the opportunity to feel needed, helping others return to a peaceful life.

Crimean Tatar restaurant “Haytarma”

Another example is the Crimean Tatar restaurant “Haytarma” in Kyiv, founded by veterans who came together to create an institution to preserve national culture. Their business also became a platform for rehabilitation, where veterans can work, develop their skills and communicate with others. The institution quickly gained popularity, and its creators inspire other veterans to follow the path of their own business.

“Veterano Coffee” – coffee shops created by veterans to support their fellow veterans

Volodymyr Shevchenko, an ATO veteran, founded the first coffee shop “Veterano Coffee” in Kyiv, which later turned into a chain of popular establishments. Starting with one small kiosk, he developed a brand that became a symbol of the successful reintegration of veterans into civilian life. The coffee shop became not only a place for quality coffee, but also a platform for veterans to find jobs. Thanks to the support of like-minded people and other veterans, the project grew rapidly and became an example of success for military entrepreneurs across the country.

Family Farming School for Veterans — Agriculture as Therapy

In 2023, the “Family Farming School for Veterans” was launched, which helps military personnel start their own businesses in the agricultural sector. This project unites veterans, provides them with the necessary skills for conducting agricultural business and supports them in creating their own farms. This not only contributes to economic stability, but also serves as an element of rehabilitation, allowing veterans to work with nature, find inner peace and restore physical health.

Result

These stories prove that veterans can find new meaning and embark on the path of entrepreneurship by adapting their experiences and skills to civilian life. With support from veteran initiatives and government programs, they are transforming their businesses into spaces of not only economic but also social recovery.