A New Vision for Veteran Advocacy
Unlike traditional think-tanks bound by political or institutional influence, the Maverick Scholar Think Tank operates independently, advocating for policy solutions that support liberated, self-directed living — especially for U.S. military veterans.
Our mission is to inform, research, and influence national dialogue around veterans’ reintegration challenges — such as suicide, financial struggle, homelessness, and disconnection — while promoting sustainable paths to personal empowerment and self-rule.
Why This Work Matters
Far too many veterans leave service only to face invisible battles: loss of identity, lack of purpose, and difficulty adapting to civilian life. Traditional services may help veterans survive — but we’re here to help them thrive.
Our Think Tank is a platform for:
Why This Work Matters
The Power of Lived Experience
Dr./Sgt. Eliberto Calderón leads this initiative with a dual lens:
10 years of military service as a U.S. Army Air Defense Specialist (14S)
10 years of post-service struggle, healing, and self-reinvention
A Ph.D. in Learning Sciences, with focused research on veteran identity transformation and quality of life improvement.
This unique journey — from soldier to scholar — forms the heart of our think-tank philosophy: transformation is possible, but it requires intentional strategy, research, identity reconstruction and quality of life development.
What We Do:
The Call to Action
Inspired by the legacy of leaders like Mohandas K. Gandhi, we believe that self-rule — the ability to direct and improve one’s own life — is the foundation of true freedom. Veterans must be empowered not only to survive but to build thriving, liberated lives post-military service.
Our Think Tank will continue to research, educate, and influence policy so that every veteran has the opportunity to reconstruct their identity, regain purpose, and lead their civilian life with clarity, dignity and strength.