Idaho is home to some of the most talented, driven veterans in the country. The Mission43 Leaders Fellowship exists to find them, develop them, and help them make an even bigger impact in their communities and careers.
On Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Leaders Fellowship Cohort VIII gathers in the Treasure Valley for their monthly two-hour evening seminar — one stop in a year-long journey of leadership development designed exclusively for Idaho’s veteran community.
What Is the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship?
The Mission43 Leaders Fellowship is one of the most prestigious programs available to veterans and military families in Idaho. It is a year-long program that selects a small group of fellows — veterans, military spouses, and currently serving military members — who show exceptional leadership potential and a genuine commitment to making Idaho a better place.
Fellowship members are fully supported throughout the program. Mission43 covers all costs, including travel, so that financial barriers never stand in the way of someone who has what it takes to lead.
In return, fellows commit to attending all scheduled events and pushing themselves beyond their comfort zones. That is the deal — and for the veterans who have been through this program, it has been a life-changing one.
What Happens at the Seminars?
The July seminar is a two-hour evening session held in the Treasure Valley. These monthly sessions are where fellows dig deep into leadership concepts, hear from guest speakers, work through real-world challenges, and build relationships with a cohort of peers who push each other to be better.
Over the course of the year, the fellowship also includes:
- A multi-day retreat in Ketchum, Idaho
- A wilderness experience in the Sawtooth, White Cloud, and Frank Church Wilderness areas
- Half-day sessions at Bogus Basin and throughout the Boise area
It is leadership development that goes well beyond a classroom.
Who Is the Fellows Program For?
The 2026/2027 application cycle has already closed, but this is a program worth knowing about for the future. If you are a veteran, military spouse, or active service member in Idaho who:
- Has a strong desire to grow as a leader
- Wants to give back to your community in a meaningful way
- Is willing to challenge yourself and invest in a year of serious personal development
…then the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship was designed for you. Applications for the 2027/2028 cohort will open in early 2027. Visit mission43.org to learn more and get on their radar.
Why Leadership Development Matters for Veterans
Veterans leave the military with an extraordinary foundation of leadership experience. They have led teams under pressure, made critical decisions with limited information, and taken responsibility for the people around them. But transitioning that experience into civilian and community leadership takes support and intentional development.
Programs like the Mission43 Leaders Fellowship help Idaho’s veteran community do exactly that — and the ripple effects are felt across the state, in businesses, nonprofits, government, and communities.
Get Involved with Mission43
Even if the Leaders Fellowship application cycle has passed, Mission43 offers a wide range of programs and events open to Idaho veterans and military families year-round. From employment workshops to community hikes to career certifications, there is something for everyone.
Visit mission43.org to explore all that Mission43 has to offer.
The DAV of Idaho celebrates programs that develop strong veteran leaders in Idaho. Learn more about DAV Idaho at dav-idaho.org or call (208) 429-2140.