Statewide, AZ – (Dec. 2, 2024) – Welcome to the Leader Lens series, where we share the visions of Arizona leaders who are working to strengthen the support systems for veterans and service members. During a recent Team of Teams meeting, each leader responded to the question: If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about our work or our military and veteran community, what would it be? Their answers provide valuable insights into how we can make a meaningful impact. Today, we explore the perspective of Thomas Winkel, who advocates for building trust and focusing on the mission by working across lines of division.

As Director of the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, Thomas has a vision for a more unified approach to veterans’ support, one rooted in trust, mutual respect, and collaboration. Reflecting on his interactions with numerous public and private stakeholders, Thomas emphasizes that while people may sometimes disagree, they are often working with the best intentions. Citing the words of Drew Trojanowski, Chief executive Officer of the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center, Thomas notes that many in Washington, D.C., are simply trying to do good, even if their methods or perspectives differ. Thomas believes that by assuming others are motivated by goodwill and focusing on the shared mission, we can transcend labels or divisions and make a positive and lasting impact on the lives of veterans.

The Vision: Building a Culture of Trust and Mission-Driven Collaboration
Thomas’s vision is centered on creating a culture where stakeholders in veterans’ support—whether government officials, nonprofit leaders, or community advocates—are encouraged to work together despite differing viewpoints. He acknowledges that the world of veteran support is often marked by varying approaches, political ideologies, and personal convictions. However, he believes that keeping the mission front and center can help bridge ideological gaps, fostering a collaborative environment where the primary shared goal is to serve veterans effectively.

In a field that can be affected by differing policies and organizational philosophies, Thomas sees the value in assuming the best intentions from others. He calls for giving others the benefit of the doubt, viewing differing approaches not as obstacles but as opportunities to learn and adapt. By focusing on the shared mission of improving veterans’ lives, Thomas believes we can avoid hindrances and conflicts and foster an atmosphere where innovation and unity thrive.

Thomas’s vision also speaks to the importance of humility, trust, and open-mindedness in veterans’ support. He advocates for a willingness to listen, learn, and work across typical lines of division, whether those lines are organizational, political, or personal. In his view, this approach not only strengthens individual initiatives but also contributes to a more cohesive and resilient support network for veterans.

Thomas’s vision challenges us to set aside differences and focus on the shared mission of supporting veterans. Imagine a future where stakeholders come together, united by purpose, and operate with mutual trust and respect.

Further Reading

• We Asked, Amanda French Answered
• We Asked, Dee Person Answered
• We Asked, John Scott Answered
• We Asked, Lori Highberger Answered
• We Asked, Maureen McCarthy Answered
• We Asked, Steve Sample Answered
• We Asked, Sylvia Preston Answered
• We Asked, Tara Bingdazzo Answered
• We Asked, Wanda Wright Answered