From Navy Service to NASA Engineering: Meet Grant Hooson

As he prepares to graduate on December 13th, U.S. Navy Veteran and Wyakin participant, Grant Hooson, is already well into the next chapter of his professional journey, working as a Test Engineer for NASA. His time in the Wyakin Foundation wasn’t defined by a need to transition into civilian life, as he had already re-entered the workforce before joining the program. Instead, Wyakin became something different for him: a source of structure, motivation, and community during the demanding pursuit of his master’s degree.

For Grant, the monthly check-ins became one of the most meaningful parts of the program. Juggling work, graduate studies, and everyday life often meant carrying the weight of constant responsibilities. Those brief meetings with George offered a place to decompress, laugh, and reset. “Having those few moments every month to just unload and joke with George was huge,” Grant shared. “It’s also when you get that validation that things are going to get better, especially at the lowest points.”

Academically, Grant is proud of what he was able to accomplish and apply in real time. One standout moment came when he submitted a rough draft of a final paper and received a perfect score. “I got an A in the class,” he said with a smile. “It felt pretty awesome.”

Beyond coursework, what Grant values most about Wyakin is the community built around the program. He describes it as an essential support system, one that encourages stepping outside your comfort zone, taking risks, and relying on others who understand the challenges of growth. “The community is the most important part,” he explained. “Having a network of people to bounce ideas off of and rely on when leaving your comfort zone is imperative.”

That mindset carried into his professional life as well. Now working at NASA, Grant is setting his sights on moving into a management role within the engineering department. Eventually, he hopes to use his experience to give back to other veterans going through Wyakin Academics Pathway. “I’ll hopefully be able to help get some Wyakin Veterans in the door at NASA in the future,” he said.

Looking back, Grant notes that Wyakin may not have been part of his initial transition out of the Navy, but it played a major role in keeping him moving forward. “I’m grateful to the Wyakin Foundation for helping keep me motivated to finish my master’s,” he said. “Without the nudges and weekly check-ins, I wouldn’t have been as motivated.”

To incoming veterans, Grant offers sincere advice born from experience: “These are the people who actually want the best for you. George is that buddy at the bar who gives you a sanity check while you get all that crap off your chest. Wyakin will help where other places just treat you as a number. Fully commit, and what you get back will exceed what you put in.”

Grant’s journey highlights the impact of perseverance, community, and mentorship; the same values the Wyakin Foundation fosters to help every veteran thrive in their next chapter.