More Than Training:

Every year as a Navy Reservist, I complete two weeks of Annual Training. This year was especially meaningful because it was my first Annual Training after returning to the Navy following a five-year break in service.

To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect coming back.

But it did not disappoint.

I had the opportunity to participate in Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) in Nueces County, Texas, and after two weeks serving alongside military members from every branch and caring for a community in need, I can honestly say it was one of the most meaningful missions I’ve ever been a part of.

Before this mission, I had heard about IRT, but experiencing it firsthand was something entirely different.

Innovative Readiness Training is a Department of Defense program that combines military readiness with community service. It allows service members to sharpen the skills they’ll need during deployments while providing no-cost services to underserved communities throughout the United States.

It’s a rare program because it accomplishes two important missions at once.

On one side, military members receive real-world, hands-on training in their specialties while working in a joint-service environment. On the other, communities receive access to services that many residents otherwise couldn’t afford or easily obtain.

It’s truly a win-win, and to my knowledge, it’s the only military program of its kind operating within our own country.

During our two-week mission, our team provided approximately $1 million worth of medical, dental, optometry, and veterinary services to nearly 2,000 community members.

Those numbers are incredible, but what I’ll remember most aren’t the statistics.

I’ll remember the people.

The individuals who waited patiently for hours, hoping there would still be an appointment available.

The patient who had lived with severe tooth pain for months and finally walked out relieved after receiving treatment.

The person who had been struggling to see clearly but left with a new pair of glasses and a smile that said everything.

The patients who learned—for the first time—that they had uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension. Instead of simply identifying a problem, our teams were able to educate them, begin treatment, and connect them with follow-up care so they could continue improving their health after we left.

For many of these individuals, this wasn’t just another doctor’s appointment.

It was access to healthcare they hadn’t had in years.

One of my favorite moments from the trip happened during a simple ride in one of our military vehicles.

There were seven of us riding together.

Only two of us—including me from Michigan and another service member from Minnesota—were born in the United States.

The other five originated from:

• Argentina

• Haiti

• Vietnam

• Cameroon

• Jamaica

Think about that for a moment.

Seven people with completely different backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences, all wearing the same uniform and working toward one shared mission: serving others.

That moment reminded me what service is really about.

It isn’t where you came from.

It’s choosing to show up for something bigger than yourself.

Although I served on the medical side, this mission wasn’t limited to healthcare.

Military members from the Navy, Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, and local community partners all came together to make this mission possible.

We trained together.

We solved problems together.

We learned from one another.

We laughed together.

And yes... I even made some lifelong friends from the Air Force. 😉

Joint-service missions like this build relationships and trust that simply can’t be replicated in a classroom. They prepare us for future deployments while allowing us to make an immediate impact right here at home.

Healthcare is something many of us don’t think twice about.

We schedule appointments.

We fill prescriptions.

We visit the dentist.

But for many Americans, those basic services remain out of reach because of financial barriers, transportation challenges, or lack of access.

Seeing that reality firsthand was both eye-opening and humbling.

It reminded me that service isn’t always about traveling overseas.

Sometimes the greatest opportunity to serve is right here in our own communities.

If you know of a community that could benefit from an Innovative Readiness Training mission, I encourage you to learn more about the program. Communities can apply to host future missions that provide medical, dental, optometry, veterinary, engineering, and other support while simultaneously helping military members maintain mission readiness.

IRT is one of those rare programs where everyone wins.

Communities receive life-changing services.

Military members gain invaluable training.

And everyone involved walks away a little better than they arrived.

I know I certainly did.

I returned home with a deeper appreciation for the opportunity to serve, renewed compassion for those facing barriers to healthcare, and friendships that will last a lifetime.

Some missions leave you with experience.

Others leave you with perspective.

This one gave me both.

Learn more about Innovative Readiness Training and community applications:

• https://lmiirtprod.servicenowservices.com/irt?id=irt_login

Watch an overview of the IRT program:

About the Author: Nicole Stott is regular contributor to Mission Wildflower 🌻. She is a U.S. Navy veteran, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition Coach, and the founder of Fit In The Mitt, a fitness and nutrition brand rooted in community, resilience, and empowerment.

A Michigan native, Nicole returned to her home state after leaving active duty in 2013, bringing with her the leadership, discipline, and service-oriented mindset she developed during her 15 years as a Chief Hospital Corpsman in both active duty and reserves.

As a woman Veteran, Nicole understands the unique challenges that many female service members and veterans face — from balancing demanding roles to navigating identity shifts after military life, managing the pressures of motherhood, and learning how to prioritize personal wellness again. Her personal experiences through these transitions fuel her passion for helping women build strength, confidence, and a healthy relationship with movement and nutrition.

Beyond her professional work, Nicole is a proud wife to her husband, Kenny — also a Navy Veteran — and together they have been married for 18 years. They are parents to three wonderful kids: Brody, Wyatt, and Peyton. Her family, along with the supportive community she’s built, continues to inspire her mission to help others live healthier, stronger, and more confident lives.