Nick O’Kelly is originally from Western Washington, and now lives in Charlotte, NC. He attended Whitworth University in Spokane, WA prior to enlisting in the Army. Nick is married and has two beautiful children who are a daily blessing in his life. In his free time, he enjoys sports, being outdoors, working out, spending time with friends and family, and traveling.

 

Nick retired from the Army in 2023 as a Chief Warrant Officer 3. He initially entered the Army with a Special Forces enlisted contract and served as a Green Beret in 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne). He went on to attend flight school and became a Warrant Officer. After a short time flying in 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, he assessed and was selected to become a Special Operations Blackhawk Pilot in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne). He has multiple combat and non-combat deployments worldwide. 

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In his later years of service, Nick O'Kelly confronted personal challenges with mental health. Facing the widespread stigmas associated with seeking help, he experienced trepidation at the thought of jeopardizing his flight status and the esteem of his career. This concern kept him silent, attempting to navigate his difficulties in solitude, a path that proved to be strenuous and unfruitful. It wasn’t until a knee surgery necessitated a pause in his aviation duties that Nick had the opportunity to reevaluate his priorities. This interlude became a pivotal moment for introspection and acceptance of support, fundamentally altering his life’s direction. Empowered by his recovery, Nick is now fervently dedicated to guiding both military and civilian members to recognize the strength in vulnerability. His mission is to foster a culture where reaching out for help is not only accepted but encouraged, illuminating the path of hope in the face of adversity. Nick advocates for the message that no individual should navigate the complexities of life's storms in solitude.