Home Base Employee Spotlight: Nick Johnson
Feel the Love: New Veteran Outreach Coordinator’s Fateful Journey with Home Base
When U.S. Air Force Veteran Nick Johnson first heard about Home Base Florida, he could never have imagined the impact it would have on his life – personally, professionally and romantically.
Johnson served in the Air Force for 10 years and specialized in healthcare operations and leadership. He received a Bachelor of Science in business management and marketing from Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) – one of Home Base Florida’s strategic partners – and an Associate of Applied Science in dental assisting from the Community College of the Air Force.
Johnson first heard about Home Base Florida in 2022 through the Veteran Outreach Coordinator at the time while attended classes at FGCU. Once out of school, Nick decided to enroll in the Warrior Health and Fitness Program—a 90-day fitness program that empowers Warriors and their family members to take control of their physical wellbeing while providing tools to help manage stress and access to more complex care for the treatment of the invisible wounds of war. The program had a powerful impact on his personal wellness and sense of connection. Inspired by the support he received from the staff and fellow Veterans in the program, Johnson knew Home Base was where he wanted to serve next, so he applied for and was later hired as the new Veteran Outreach Coordinator in March of 2025. Through his new position, he is now focused on giving back and helping others find the same strength and support that helped him.
“As a Veteran myself, I understand the culture, mindset, and challenges that many Veterans face, including the hesitation to seek help,” said Johnson. “That shared experience allows me to connect authentically, build trust, and guide Veterans toward the resources they might not otherwise explore. My goal with my new position is to expand awareness of Home Base throughout Florida and connect more Veterans and their families to the care they deserve.”
Veterans in the Southwest and Central Florida connect with Nick at community outreach events and through our Adventure Series which he manages. Nick has hit the ground running planning events such as the Shy Wolf Sanctuary Healing Hearts Program, Freedom Waters Sightseeing Cruise and FC Naples Military Appreciation Night. All that event planning must have got his creative juices flowing, because this July, with help of his new collogues at Home Base in Boston, he planned an event that would change his life forever.
Nick decided to seize a moment that would capture the hearts of over 30,000 Red Sox fans – but it was only one heart he was after. After the Run to Home Base on July 26, 2025, Home Base’s largest annual fundraiser in Boston, the Red Sox honored Home Base and recognized over 300 Veteran and Service Member First Responders and their Families on the field during the Red Sox’s pregame ceremony, and throughout the game. While Nick and his girlfriend were enjoying the game alongside his fellow Veterans and co-workers, he got down on one knee and asked her to be his wife – sealing their fate and his connection to Home Base forever. The beautiful moment was captured on the jumbotron for all to see – and she said yes!
“My father’s family is from Massachusetts, and he made sure we all were New England sports fans: Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots. Our love of sports, and New England sports specifically, was always something we bonded over. My fiancé loves sports too and she even has the Red Sox “B” tattooed on her finger,” said Nick. “When I was assigned to attend the game for work, it just seemed like too perfect of an opportunity to pass up. I’m so grateful to have shared this special moment with my fellow Veterans and for everyone at Home Base who supported my big idea.”
Sports loving Veterans in Southwest Florida can catch up with Nick at the next Adventure Series at the Inaugural Fantasy Football Season Kick Off on August 30, 2025.