Karrie Fristoe, Colonel (Retired)
Double Eagle Innovations, LLC and Children’s Book Author
Army / Colonel (retired) Medical Service Corps Officer/ Healthcare Administrator
Photography by David Teran
How has your military career prepared you for your current job?
After retirement, my husband and I started our own consulting and program management company. We worked with federal government programs and contracting, which had its perks; however, we found the most rewarding experience was working with non-profits. San Antonio is filled with so many great non-profits that do tremendous work. I have taken on leadership positions in most organizations in which I became involved. Most recently, I was voted to assume the role of Vice Chairman for the Guide Dogs of Texas (guidedogsoftexas.org).
In the Army, I was a healthcare administrator and had worked in some sort of medical setting since I was thirteen. Serving on the board for GDTX gives me the leadership background as well as the compassion to help the visually impaired become more independent. Although it is wonderful working with and getting updates on the dogs, it is truly about making the lives of the visually impaired better.
What advice do you have for other women who are transitioning out of the military into the civilian workforce?
Do what you love. I truly enjoyed every non-profit for which I served. As service members, we volunteered, and we were all civil servants. We were pushed out of our comfort zone, over and over. Don’t lose that passion, challenge yourself, keep pushing yourself, and always find ways to give back to the community you love.
Who or what has helped you the most in your career?
I had great mentors, and I remain in touch with my first boss. He pushed me, he guided me, he challenged me, and he made sure I was rewarded with a very competitive assignment. This was the first time a woman had ever held that position. He and his boss took a chance on me. That mentorship and leadership style helped guide me through my 27-year Army career as well as life after the military. I’ve worked with many dedicated leaders in the Army, but I believe the best organizations are those with dedicated leaders who are not only concerned with the current mission but also with raising the next leaders to ensure succession planning exists.
Anything else you would like to add?
My career started in San Antonio at Fort Sam Houston, and now this is the place I call home. I loved my Army career. I met great people (to include my wonderful husband) and experienced some unbelievable things. I will always cherish my service, and I am also thankful that it introduced me to the city of San Antonio!
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