Operation Hardwater spotlights the rapid growth and real-world impact of Battlefish Academy
Paul Smiths, NY – Over the weekend, Paul Smith’s College hosted Operation Hardwater, an event spotlighting the rapid growth and real-world impact of Battlefish Academy. The event Operation Hardwater showcased how the College, through Battlefish Academy, has helped guide veterans and transitioning service members into in-demand career pathways where they can thrive, such as licensed guiding, entrepreneurship and sustainable small businesses.
Operation Hardwater marked a significant milestone for Battlefish Academy, which has evolved from a newly conceptualized program into a leading model for supporting veterans and transitioning soldiers. To date, all of its graduates are employed, and over half have started their own small businesses. This momentum has enabled the growth of Paul Smith’s College’s veteran-oriented programming, which now includes its Troops to Timber (T2T) and Top-Guide workforce initiatives.
“This event has further positioned Paul Smith’s College as a pre-eminent partner in supporting veterans and transitioning service members,” said Dan Kelting, president of Paul Smith’s College. “Battlefish Academy is part of a comprehensive strategy to serve those who have served us. We are building clear, tangible pathways that translate military experience into leadership, ownership, and long-term economic opportunity.”
During Operation Hardwater, which was held on campus at Paul Smith’s College, attendees participated in an ice fishing adventure led by Top-Guide veteran graduates, toured the outpost site where hands-on instruction takes place, and heard a roadmap presentation for how Battlefish Academy plans to expand its reach through T2T.
“Through Battlefish Academy, we’re offering a suite of options that reflect the strengths and aspirations of veterans,” said Brett McLeod, dean of faculty at Paul Smith’s College. “Whether in forestry, guiding or entrepreneurship, these programs are designed to meet veterans where they are and equip them for long-term success in high-demand industries.”
At the center of Operation Hardwater, and of the Academy’s growth, is its outcomes-based focus. Battlefish Academy turns training into business ownership, empowering graduates to launch guiding operations and sustainable small businesses that contribute to local and regional economies. With the addition of T2T, it will further this impact by preparing students for skilled careers in forestry, logging, arboriculture, and forest management.
“Skills learned at Battlefish Academy turn into livelihoods,” said AJ Beaudoin, founder and director of Battlefish Academy. “Our graduates don’t just complete a program; they leave prepared to build something of their own. We’re seeing graduates step into leadership roles as licensed guides and entrepreneurs, proving that veterans and transitioning service members can find a pathway to success at Paul Smith’s College.”
For more information about Battlefish Academy, please visit paulsmiths.edu.
Media Contact:
Sara Delacruz
PRforPaulSmiths@bospar.com
About Paul Smith’s College:
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year institution of higher education located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences, and natural resources. We can draw on industries and resources available in our backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive, and adventurous individuals collectively provides experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at www.paulsmiths.edu.
