Cheri Mason

Chief Catalyst, Speaker, Author

Service Member's Branch - Air Force

Service Member's Status - Retired - 20 years

What has been your military spouse career/entrepreneur journey so far?

This year marks my 38th year as a military/veteran spouse, and the transition continues. Like many spouses, I had no idea what challenges and opportunities lay ahead.

I attended 2 law schools to complete my degree, which is generally frowned upon in the legal profession.

I finally found work as a 1099 attorney in Nebraska, and of course, orders came. We landed in DC, where I began my career in the federal government. That was halted because of orders to Germany and my bad decision.

After applying for over 100 jobs in Germany and having our first child, I became an executive assistant and learned so much so fast. I returned to the federal government when we returned stateside. It took some time, hard decisions, and discussions in the family, but we stayed in DC.

My husband retired after 20 years, and we stayed in DC for our careers. My career in the federal government expanded and I was able to advocate and hire military spouses. I became the military spouse employment champion for the federal government and the first woman and military spouse to be Presidentially appointed and senate confirmed into the position of Chairman of the VA Board of Veterans Appeals.

As the CEO, I used my military spouse lessons to drive change - people first and deliver results to veterans and their families. After I retired from the federal government, I remained a military spouse and veteran champion.

I started my own business and wrote a book. Waiting to see what happens next!

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Cheri Mason. I enjoy walking, reading, and hoping to return to golfing soon. I am now from North Carolina, but I started out in Ohio. While a military spouse for 20 years, I attended 2 law schools, learned through different opportunities, and managed to have a career in the federal government for 30 years. My husband and I have 2 wonderful sons, a dog, and a grand dog.

Tell us about a "typical" day in your professional life.

Since retiring from the Department of Veterans Affairs in Jan 2023, my typical day is much different. I am now a speaker, author, and consultant. I could be consulting with clients, being interviewed on a podcast, doing a book launch or signing, writing and practicing a speech, speaking at an event, or playing golf.

If you've been stationed overseas, how did this affect your career and or business?

After receiving the wrong advice, I resigned from my federal job. Arriving in DC, I found what a grave mistake I made - I had to start over applying for federal jobs but I was competing with local nationals because of the agreements in place.

I began teaching for Central Texas College and ran their paralegal program until our first son was born. I finally got selected for a federal position through the military spouse network. It was a temporary position at first but turned into a permanent position. Those 6 months of temporary status delayed my federal retirement 25 years later.

What has been your biggest military spouse career struggle and how did you overcome it?

The bias of the hiring authorities, including the military and federal government. I learned from life's early experiences that you can let others make decisions for you but that doesn't mean you can't pivot and learn and grow from where you sit. Each of us has the ability to impact from wherever we sit.

What role did mentors and sponsors play in your journey?

Mentors were a big part of my journey. They showed me different perspectives, and pathways, and changed how I viewed my path - as a journey.

How does your career path differ from what you imagined for yourself?

My career path is completely different than anything I could have possibly imagined. The lessons I learned as a military spouse were pivotal in this journey.

How did military life (PCSing, deployments, trainings, etc) factor into your career decisions?

Ha! They didn't until they did. I thought I could have a career as a military spouse and I did but not without challenges and obstacles. PCSing, deployments, ongoing military travel, and long hours just became opportunities to think and approach things differently.

I love that there has been so much change in the past 30 years - there is still a long way to go but much has changed for the better.

Have you ever had to geo-bach due to your career/entrepreneurship?

Yes, as a young spouse - married 6 months at the time. My military spouse friends were my mentors and teachers. Listen and ask questions, and learn to be self-sufficient (says the woman who still can't cook :))

What resources have you found to be useful in your career/entrepreneur journey?

When I began my career, the internet did not exist. I read A LOT of books—I still do. The stories and lessons are helpful in how I think about issues and approach situations. Now, I also watch podcasts and interviews to learn.

However, the number one resource has always been people—networking, learning, and connecting.

Final word: what are your top tips for other military spouses about navigating a career within the military lifestyle?

Look at your life as a journey. The experiences you have will expand your perspectives and teach you more than you thought possible. In the changing landscape of work today, there are opportunities to learn new skills and explore different directions.

The same applies to transitioning from service. Your choices are not set in stone. Be open to change and transformation.

Listen to an interview with Cheri
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