Our first Mission
On our very first humanitarian mission, The Next Mission brought two veterans—Mark and Tyler—to South Africa. Like many who transition out of military service, they carried a wealth of knowledge, discipline, and technical expertise, yet were searching for a new way to apply it beyond the battlefield.
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There, Mark and Tyler were entrusted with a vital challenge: helping conservation teams protect vulnerable wildlife from the constant threat of poaching. Drawing on their backgrounds in full-motion video ISR analysis and drone operations, they trained local staff to deploy high-tech drones that could monitor vast landscapes day and night. These systems provided real-time intelligence to track activity, safeguard endangered species, and maintain constant vigilance over the land.
Their work extended beyond surveillance. By integrating rapid-response protocols, they also enabled neighboring farms and conservation teams to coordinate and act swiftly in the event of an emergency. What began as a transfer of technical skills grew into a network of protection—covering not just one species, but entire ecosystems.
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For the conservation teams, it meant new capabilities and confidence in their mission. For Mark and Tyler, it was the rediscovery of purpose—proof that the skills honed in military service could protect life in new and profound ways. And for The Next Mission, it became a powerful symbol of how veterans can transform their expertise into a force for preservation, hope, and global good.
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"Getting out of the military is still fresh in my brain and not a week goes by that i don't have 'buyer's remorse'. This trip was the first time i felt content and happy and like i've had a purpose since getting out. i learned so much and was also able to just relax."
-Tyler
“I can't think of something better that The next mission didn't fulfill as far as a reintegration program.”
-Mark
“I kept threatening to lose my passport so I'd have to stay there forever."
-Tyler
