We were lucky to catch up with Josh Wheeldon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Josh , really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I found my purpose by watching my parents. My father not only led through a title or recognition, but through quiet determination and service to others. Even while battling multiple sclerosis, he remained deeply involved in our community. That example shaped how I showed up in every team I played on, from sports in school to my time in the Army. On the field and in uniform, I learned that leadership isn’t about control. In fact it’s about trust, accountability, and action.
In the military, I led through example, taking care of my fellow soldiers and staying calm under pressure. After my service, I carried those lessons forward into advocacy. I saw Veterans struggling with systems that didn’t always work for them, and I stepped in. In the beginning it was not with a title, but with purpose. Today, I bring people together, fight for access, and build networks of support. I lead without rank, just like my dad taught me but always with heart and purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m the co-founder of Pacific Northwest Veterans (PNWVETS), a nonprofit rooted in connection, community, and purpose. We bring together Veterans, families, and allies across Washington and the surrounding region to make sure no one feels invisible after service. What makes our work special is that it’s not top-down, we lead shoulder-to-shoulder with those we serve. We host local meetups, support mental health and suicide prevention initiatives, and build coalitions that bridge gaps between government agencies, Veteran Service Organizations, and grassroots advocates.
What excites me most is seeing Veterans rediscover their sense of purpose! Whether it’s through peer support, mentorship, or finding the right resource at the right time. We’re not just handing out brochures, we’re walking alongside people in real time.
Right now, we’re expanding our county-based coalition model and preparing for a summer campaign that highlights stories of Veteran resilience across the Pacific Northwest. We want to show that service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, it evolves, and so do we.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, the three qualities that shaped my journey most were empathy, adaptability, and the ability to build community.
Empathy helped me connect with people beyond their titles, diagnoses, or combat deployments. Whether it was supporting a fellow soldier or helping a Veteran navigate the system, truly listening and understanding made all the difference.
Adaptability came from both military service and personal life, being able to adjust when plans change, when systems fail, or when you’re the one who has to step up. It’s not always about having the perfect plan; it’s about showing up anyway.
And building community has been the heart of everything. No one succeeds alone. The most impactful moments in my work have come from pulling people together. Veterans, spouses, advocates, organizations and creating something that lasts beyond a single meeting.
For anyone just starting their journey: listen more than you speak, don’t be afraid to learn in public, and stay rooted in purpose, not titles. The rest will follow.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Over the past 12 months, my greatest growth has come from deepening my commitment to service rooted in civic engagement. Working alongside +More Perfect Union and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, I’ve found new ways to amplify the voices of those who have served, while also building stronger bridges between Veterans and their communities. These experiences have shaped how I lead—grounded in purpose, driven by collaboration, and focused on real impact.
At the same time, my educational journey in public administration has helped me connect that service to systems-level change. It’s challenged me to think critically, act strategically, and show up consistently for those I represent. Whether it’s in policy, community outreach, or day-to-day advocacy, I’ve grown into a leader who believes that service doesn’t stop at the uniform. Most definitely evolves into action that moves our communities forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pnwvets.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pnw_vets?igsh=MXh0N2lmaXk3eDJk&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15u1T5Z7Wh/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuawheeldon?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Kate Wheeldon (Spouse)
Maverick and Rhett Wheeldon (Sons)
PNWVETS Pierce County
Joshua Penner Co-Founder PNWVETS
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
