All
featured
Military Spouse
Health
Business
Finance
Career
Transitioning
Government
Events
Education
Sports
Lifestyle
military
Disability
Advocates
Wellness
Entertainment
Stories
PTSD
Resources
STEM
In Memoriam
Inclusion
environment

7 Reasons You Should Consider an MBA

EducationGovernment

By Kara Sherrer

Transitioning from the military to civilian life can be challenging, and veterans all approach this life change differently. Some go into military contracting, while others immediately get a job on the civilian side.

Still, others decide to return to school after the military, and getting an MBA can be a great way for veterans to prepare themselves for a new career.

To get the full picture of how an MBA benefits veterans, Vanderbilt University sat down with Christie St-John, Director of Admissions for the MBA program at Vanderbilt Business and the admissions representative for all Armed Forces candidates. She shares the top ways that business school helps veterans.

1 Career Switching Support

Most veterans leave the military with a strong background in operations work. While many veterans can and do get a civilian position working in operations, others want to switch into a different function entirely. An MBA program’s breadth helps veterans ease into a wide variety of industries and makes it easier to start a different career path.

“An MBA gives veterans skills that they can use in many different jobs, and their transition will better, smoother, and financially enhanced with an MBA,” St-John said.

2 Bigger Starting Salaries

Getting an MBA generally results in a higher starting salary for military veterans; for perspective, the average base salary for a Class of 2017 MBA graduate at Vanderbilt Business was $113,205, plus a $25,232 signing bonus. An MBA also improves the probability of future promotions. When asked how she convinces veterans of the value of an MBA, St-John says, “I would probably go to them and say, ‘This will be your starting salary if you start a job right now, and this will be your starting salary if you graduate with an MBA.’ That, and the enhanced network, usually does it.”

3 Larger Professional Network

Going to business school will greatly expand your network beyond current and former military personnel. You’ll connect with professionals across a variety of functions and industries. Through the recruiting process, you’ll also learn how to network with people, a critical skill for navigating the civilian business world. “They don’t have to network in the service. The next promotion is offered if you are qualified, so you don’t have to make sure you socialize with the head of the unit,” St-John explains.

4 Career Resources

Business schools are invested in helping students succeed: after all, it doesn’t help anyone if students drop out or don’t get a job. “[One veteran told me,] ‘In the [military] academies, they’re trying to get you out. Business schools actually want to keep you in,’” St-John recalls, with a laugh. Business schools offer career support services, such as the Career Management Center at Vanderbilt Business, to help all students narrow down possible options, update their resumés, and prepare for interviews.

5 Veterans Clubs

In addition to career management services, many schools offer veteran clubs that give members a place to network with fellow military personnel and get advice on specific recruiting challenges for veterans. For example, “the Armed Forces Club will help [veterans] translate their military resume into a civilian resume,” St-John explains.

6 Financial Aid

Depending on the length and nature of the military officer’s service, several sources of financial support are available. Both the G.I. Bill and the Yellow Ribbon program are possible funding sources for veterans. Outside scholarships, such as those provided by the Pat Tillman Foundation, may also be an option.

7 Many Job Opportunities

Lots of civilian companies are actively looking to hire veterans for their leadership and teamwork experience and their ability to work under pressure. Veterans with MBAs are very desirable candidates for certain industries, including the high-stakes world of investment banking. “Most of the companies we work with have a specific division that is looking for military candidates,” St-John said. “[Companies want veterans] because they know they’re going to be very mature, focused, and disciplined, and they’re obviously excellent at working in teams.”

If you’re a current or former member of the Armed Forces contemplating your next move, reach out to Christie St-John to learn more about the Vanderbilt Business MBA program.

Source: business.vanderbilt.edu

Next Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force: Chief Master Sgt. John Bentivegna

Government

After an in-depth evaluation, the U.S. Space Force has selected their next Chief Master Sergeant. In early May, Chief Master Sgt. John F. Bentivegna was selected to fill the position. He comes to the role with more than 25 years of space operator experience after beating out four other candidates for the role in an extensive selection process.

The four-day evaluation, including personal interviews with each candidate, helped Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman make his final decision by giving him data on how the chiefs performed in various exercises and assessments that vetted their skills and leadership capabilities. “I needed someone that would bring a perspective on our future that was articulated differently from mine,” Saltzman stated of the position. “Chief Bentivegna brings a wealth of operational experience, a dedication to caring for our Guardians, and the spirit needed to take our service to the next level.”

Bentivegna joined the U.S. Air Force in August 1994, where he served for 26 years before transferring to the U.S. Space Force. He started his career as a precision measurement equipment lab technician at McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, before cross training to become a space operator in 1998.

Bentivegna has served in both maintenance and space operations career fields; and has held positions at the squadron, division, group, wing, Numbered Air Force, Field Command and Headquarters Air and Space Force levels. He served as the Senior Enlisted Leader of Space Operations Command, Peterson Space Force Base, Colorado, where he advised the commander on matters of health, welfare, morale and readiness of approximately 5,100 combat-ready intelligence, cyber, space and combat support forces responsible for providing space capabilities to the Department of Defense.

Soon after entering the Space Force in September of 2020, Bentivegna served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chief Operations Officer and is the Enlisted Space Systems Operations Career Field Manager at Headquarters Space Force, Washington, D.C. He was the primary advocate for the career field, addressing force development and training issues and coordinating functional concerns across various Space Force and joint staffs and shaped career field policy and guidance to ensure the career field is responsive to current and future Space Force needs.

During his service thus far, Bentivegna has received numerous awards and decorations for his work, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit with one oak leaf cluster, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and many others.

“It’s overwhelming and incredibly humbling to be offered the opportunity to become the next Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force (CMSSF),” Bentivegna stated of his new role. “I am really excited to have that opportunity to work next to Gen. Saltzman to help fulfill his vision for where the service needs to go. We have run really fast to develop the service and shape what it’s going to be,” Bentivegna continued. “We have charted a vision for the future, and I want to deliver that vision to our Guardians and the joint force. I know this is going to take collaboration, communication, policy and processes to make that happen. I am humbled that I get to be the one to champion these efforts for them in the future.”

As the CMSSF, Bentivegna will be appointed as the Space Force’s highest noncommissioned officer position, making him the second person in history to hold the title. He will act as the personal advisor to the CSO and the Secretary of the Air Force on all issues regarding the welfare, readiness, morale, proper utilization and development of the Space Force. He will also provide direction for the enlisted force and represent their interests, as appropriate, to the American public and those at all levels of government.

Source: U.S. Air Force

Back to School Discounts for Military Families

Education

back to school supplies shown in a collage

A new school year is about to begin, but for military service members, veterans and their families, it doesn’t mean it has to be overly expensive. Check out these savings that you can use whether you’re a veteran going back to school or prepping your child for the first day of the school year.

Operation Homefront

Through this nonprofit organization, Operation Homefront hosts in-person events where children of military families can receive free backpacks, clothing and school supplies. To qualify for these events, you must create an account with Operation Homefront. Giveaway locations are available on their website, and the events have taken place every year for over a decade.

Tutoring

If you need homework assistance or tutoring this year, there are some great inexpensive options you can explore:

com: Military service members and their dependent family members are eligible for free tutoring and homework help through tutor.com. They provide assistance for all grades from kindergarten through college, and the Department of Defense and the Coast Guard Mutual Assistance fund their services.
com: Interactive online test prep for SAT/ACT/LSAT exams. Military families are eligible to pay anywhere between $20-$100 as opposed to the regular prices of $350-$1,000.
Rosetta Stone: Rosetta Stone is known for its language learning programs, but they also have a homeschool program that can aid teaching for homeschool families. Military personnel receive 10% off of their services.
Scholastic: Free printable exercises in writing, reading, math and science for children of all ages.
CrashCourse: An online YouTube channel offering free educational videos in almost every subject. Videos are available for elementary to college-level students and are not exclusive to veterans.

School Supplies

Many stores offer discounted rates for all of your school supplies needs. Many of these offers may require a valid military and/or student ID in person or virtually through ID.me.

com: Discounts for military service members with a free “Club O” account. Discounts can apply to backpacks, basic school supplies and dorm room essentials. You can also receive free shipping and reward perks.
Apple: Military veterans and immediate family members can receive 10% off on iMac, iPad, MacBooks, iPhones, Apple TV, Apple Watches and Apple Music products. Apple also offers a general discount to students of about 5%, which can be applied to iMacs, iPads and MacBooks.
Microsoft: Military members and their families get a 30% off discount for Microsoft Office when they buy through their local exchange center. The package includes all of the basic Microsoft programs, including Excel and PowerPoint, OneDrive and Skype.
Michaels: 15% off the entire purchase, including discounted items.
Office Depot and Office Max: 20% off qualifying purchases.

Clothing

If you’re looking for great deals on back-to-school clothes and shoes, several stores offer military discounts all year round. ID verification may be required. Military personnel can receive discounts on items at:

Adidas: 30% off online purchases
Carhartt: 10% off
Champion: 10% off
Eyemart Express: 20% off
Foot Locker: 15% off
Levi’s: 15% off online purchases
Lululemon: 15% off
Nike: 10% off
Old Navy: 10% off
Quicksilver and Roxy: 15% off
Under Armour: 20% off
Zappos: 10% off

Other stores may also offer military discounts upon request. You can also save on back-to-school shopping through “tax-free weekends”—a weekend-long event where certain states exempt tax rates near the beginning of the school year.

Other Ways to Save

The deals listed above are just a handful of the discounts available for military families. Remember, you can always ask retailers if they offer a military discount, utilize the price matching program at your local Exchange, and visit your local VA or on-base resources for any additional needs you may have.

Sources: College Recon, MyMilitaryBenefits, MilitaryDiscounts.shop, Dept. of VA

Getting Covered: What to Know About the Yellow Ribbon Program

Education

Students holding US Flag in support of the Yellow Ribbon Program

If you’re looking to start school this September, then you likely already know about the benefits offered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. You may be eligible to receive benefits through the Yellow Ribbon program if you find yourself with additional fees that aren’t covered through the GI Bill.

The Yellow Ribbon Program can help you pay for higher out-of-state, private school, foreign school or graduate school tuition and fees. You must be eligible and already utilizing the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits and be attending a school that recognizes the Yellow Ribbon Program in order to utilize it. Here is everything you need to know about one of the most popular educational aids for military personnel.

Am I eligible for the Yellow Ribbon Program?

Besides being a qualifier for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level, you must also identify with at least one of the following:

You served at least 36 months on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service) and were honorably discharged.
You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged after any amount of service.
You served at least 30 continuous days (all at once, without a break) on or after September 11, 2001, and were discharged or released from active duty for a service-connected disability.
You’re an active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty (either all at once or with breaks in service).
You’re a spouse using the transferred benefits of an active-duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty.
You’re a dependent child using benefits transferred by a veteran.
You’re a Fry Scholar.

What schools offer the Yellow Ribbon Program?

There are institutions of higher education that offer the Yellow Ribbon Program in almost every state across the country. Some popular states with numerous participating schools include California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia. There are also many online schools that participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. To check if your school is part of the program, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a full list of schools on their website.

How do I start receiving Yellow Ribbon benefits?

In order to start receiving funds from the Yellow Ribbon Program, you must fill out an application with your school’s financial aid, military liaison or similar office. You will not be enrolled automatically and acceptance into the program is not guaranteed on the basis of qualifications alone. Yellow Ribbon schools are only allotted a specific amount of funds for a certain number of students and funds are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

While the process will look slightly different depending on your school, you will want to fulfill the following steps to apply for the program:

Apply for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Turn in your COE (Certificate of Eligibility) to your school’s certifying office, financial aid center, military liaison or similar office.
Upon turning in your COE, ask the office to apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program.
Wait for your school’s decision. They will let you know if they have reached the maximum number of students the program allows and how much funding you will receive.

How much is covered through the Yellow Ribbon Program?

While students have been able to receive full tuition coverage through the GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program, not all students are guaranteed to be fully covered once enrolled into both programs. Funds are distributed on a case-by-case basis and only cover mandatory expenses such as tuition.

These funds are distributed to both full-time and part-time students and may cover the expenses for summer terms depending on your school.

Where can I learn more?

For other questions surrounding the Yellow Ribbon Program you can visit the Department of Veterans Affairs official website, visit your local VA office or talk to your school’s finance or military aid office.

Sources: Department of Veterans Affairs, College Recon

First Palauan Marine to Achieve the Rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant

Government

Palauan Marine at Camp Blaz becomes first to achieve the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant

By Gunnery Sgt. Rubin Tan

In a historic moment for the Republic of Palau, an island country republic of the United States, one of its own has achieved the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (E-9) in the United States Marine Corps. This achievement marks the first time a Palauan has attained the highest enlisted rank in the Marine Corps.

On May 12, 2023, Master Gunnery Sgt. Milton Donatus was frocked at Marine Corps Base (MCB) Camp Blaz, Guam, in front of a formation of Marines, family, Marine veterans and the Consul General of the Republic of Palau on Guam.

Donatus was born and raised in Ngkeklau in the state of Ngaraard.

“I remember growing up, and before going to bed, we would ask our grandmother to tell us stories about what it was like on the island during World War II. We didn’t have a TV back then,” said Donatus. “She would tell us stories about the Marines and how they saved groups of people who were going to be killed by the Imperial Japanese Forces. That’s when I knew all I wanted was to be a Marine.”

At 18, Donatus traveled 805 miles from Palau to Guam in hopes of joining the Marine Corps. Unfortunately, he was a couple of years too early as the Guam Marine recruiting station was closed down. He lived with his aunt and uncle and worked various jobs around the island until the recruiting station opened. Finally, on April 28, 2000, the recruiting station reopened, and Donatus was the first and only young man to enlist during the reopening ceremony.

At MCB Camp Blaz, Donatus serves as the operations chief and is responsible for the establishment, management and operation of the base’s current and future force laydown. He is also the base’s Marine Corps Martial Arts Program instructor.

“Master Gunnery Sgt. Donatus is a Marine’s Marine, and there’s no other Marine I would want as my operations chief,” said Lt. Col. Colter Bahlau, MCB Camp Blaz operations officer. “He exudes the patriotism that is rich within the Republic of Palau, and he sets the finest example when it comes to work ethic, physical fitness and leadership.”

This summer, Donatus moved to Twentynine Palms, California, to serve as the operations chief for 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines. Since joining more than 23 years ago, he’s served in various locations around the world. He deployed to Fallujah, Iraq, with 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, and he deployed twice to Afghanistan with the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines.

The calling to be a Marine is now entrenched in Donatus’ family. He is the oldest of four brothers who all joined the Marine Corps, and one of those brothers is a staff sergeant who continues to serve as a bulk fuel specialist. Donatus’ son, following in his father’s footsteps, is also a mortarman and an active-duty sergeant serving with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. Donatus’ daughter plans on joining the Marine Corps when she turns 18.

“I strive to live my life in a manner that inspires others to challenge themselves and take action to change their future. If I didn’t take action and listen to my grandmother, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Donatus. “Every day I strive to be like my mentors who inspired and continue to inspire me.”

Donatus recognizes that the rank he now wears is not a personal achievement but a reflection of his mentors and the community that raised him.

“There are only a handful of Palauans who have achieved the rank of E-8 in the Marine Corps,” said Donatus. “They paved the way for men like me, and when they return to the islands, they carry the pride and leadership qualities ingrained in Marines.”

As Donatus continues his service in the Marine Corps, he hopes his accomplishments will inspire future generations of Palauans to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.

“I plan on staying in the Marine Corps until they are ready for me to get out,” explained Donatus. “I came here to do 20 years, and that flew by in a flash. I have seven more years that I can serve, and I’m intending to stay for the whole 30.”

Sources: DVIDS, Wikipedia

Celebrating 30 Years: Serving Our Nation’s Bravest

Education

Black male graduate in cap and gown smiling in outdoor setting

For three decades, Columbia Southern University has designed our programs to fit the schedules of busy adult learners just like you, giving you the freedom to pursue your education goals without sacrificing life’s other responsibilities. Progress through assignments completely online when it’s convenient for you.

No required login times and you can access your course 24/7.

Plus, CSU is one of the most affordable, fully online, regionally accredited universities in the U.S. We rank in the top 1% for affordability based on tuition and fees.

Ready to connect? Our military and veteran support team can answer all of your questions, including:

- GI Bill® Questions
- Assistance with VA Benefits
- Transfer Credits for Military Training
- Scholarships for Spouses and Children

ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Veterans or call 877.347.6050

Any reference to United States Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, products or services does not constitute or imply endorsement by the DoD. Paid ad. No federal endorsement of advertiser(s) intended. According to College Scorecard’s four-year distance-only U.S. colleges (Dec. 5, 2022). Based on rate per credit hour among Title IV accepting, fully online 4-year universities. https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/data/ (July 2022)

2023 Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) Conference Recap

EventsGovernment

award recipients at NCOA hold plaque together smiling

The San Antonio heat fueled the enthusiasm of NCOA members who gathered at the Holiday Inn San Antonio Riverwalk on July 18-21 for the 58th Annual NCOA Conference and Vanguard Awards Banquet.

The Resolutions Committee met to help set the Association’s legislative course for the coming year. NCOA’s Director of Government Affairs, Levi Sadr, facilitated the meeting. The Committee reviewed the Association’s resolutions for relevance and continued need.

The theme for the opening icebreaker was “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work.” Delegates donned their favorite team colors, jerseys and T-shirts, mixed and mingled, competed in a variety of Auxiliary-hosted games, and enjoyed plenty of Mexican-style fare—the perfect recipe for a night to remember!

Accomplishing the business of the Association kicked off on Wednesday with the opening ceremony. NCOA President Paul Kingsbury welcomed the delegates, as did Brigadier General Russell Driggers and CMSgt Casey Boomershine, the Commander and Command Chief Master Sergeant of the 502nd Air Base Wing and Joint Base San Antonio. Mrs. Janet Driggers briefed the delegates on the Five & Thrive Program, which aims to improve the Quality of Life challenges in five focus areas (childcare, education, healthcare, housing and spouse employment) by highlighting preventative measures, promoting best practices and fostering community partnerships.

Richard Schneider, NCOA’s long-time Director of State and Veterans Affairs, was inducted into the NCOA Hall of Fame with his four children—Rich Schneider, Kristin Bond, Leslie Schneider and Fiona Schneider—proudly in attendance.

As always, we are grateful to the Senior Enlisted Leadership Panel participants who took time from their busy schedules to attend the conference and update our delegates on what was happening in their respective services. Representing the Sergeant Major of the Army was CSM Brian Hester, Command Sergeant Major, U.S. Army Futures Command; representing the Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps was SgtMaj Michael Pritchard, Command Senior Enlisted Leader FMFLant, MARFORCOM, MARFORNORTH; representing the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy was FLTCM Delbert Terrell, Fleet Master Chief, Personnel, Manpower and Training; representing the Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force was CMSgt Edwin Ludwigsen, Command Chief Master Sergeant, Air Force Personnel Center; and representing the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force was CMSgt Jacqueline Sauve, Advisor to the Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force. SSG Martha Erosa, President of the Fort Sam Houston Audie Murphy Club, was moderating the panel.

NCOA collage of event attendees and award recipients

Photos left to right: Senior Enlisted Panel; NCOA Board of Directors; NCOA Auxiliary Board of Directors; Vanguard Award recipients, MSG Andrew D. Chapoton, USA, Sgt Shawn B. Henson, USMC, IT2 Thomas D. James, USN, and SSgt Austin S. Kier, USAF. ET1 Kurt P. Woodhouse, USCG recipient , was unable to be in attendance; Chairman of the Board CMSgt Gerald Morey and Banquet keynote speaker SgtMaj Michael Pritchard; Vanguard Banquet Master of Ceremonies James Sullivan, CMSgt, USAF (Ret); Hall of Fame Inductee Richard Schneider’s children with NCOA Grand Knight Sir Paul Siverson; Robert Barnett accepts the NCOA Chairman’s Award from Chairman of the Board CMSgt Gerald Morey.

Small and Large Regional Chapters of the Year were recognized during the awards luncheon. NCOA’s Military Vanguard recipients were presented with life memberships in the Association. Chairman of the Board Gerald Morey presented the NCOA Chairman’s Award to Robert Barnett. NCOA’s Executive Director, Joe Terry, presented Appreciation Awards to a number of sponsors who have been instrumental in supporting the Association—USAA, Doc-Development, United Healthcare, Korean Defense Veterans Association and KATUSA Veterans Association. The Awards Luncheon wrapped up with the traditional Parade of Checks. Thank you to the individuals and chapters that made donations to support the Association’s benevolent programs and membership development program.

Wrapping up a full day, delegates convened for the NCOA Annual Business Meeting where SMSgt Gerald Morey of Great Falls, Montana; Marine Corps veteran Vicky Hensley of Wingate, Texas and 1LT Ashley Gardner, USAFR, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, were elected to serve on the NCOA Board of Directors.

Meanwhile, members of the International Auxiliary attended the Auxiliary’s Annual Business Meeting, where Lee Fike of San Antonio, Texas, and Tammy Sullivan of Mather, California, were elected to serve on the Auxiliary Board of Directors. The Auxiliary’s Outstanding Performers were recognized, the Betsy Ross Top Recruiter Award for 2022 was presented to the Spirit of Sacramento Auxiliary, Barbara Weatherill received the Auxiliary Top Supporter Award, and the Auxiliary’s President’s Award was presented to Scott Rodowick.

Thursday kicked off with a variety of informative briefings by Tuesday’s Children, AAFES, USAA and Women Veterans Concerns; the Honorable James Rodriguez, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Labor VETS; Doc-Development; CMSgt Tanya Johnson, Senior Enlisted Leader of the Defense Health Agency; and Ms. Maureen Elias, Deputy Chief of Staff, Department of Veterans Affairs.

The Knights of the Square Table held their annual assembly to accomplish the business of the Knights of the Square Table—new Knights were dubbed, existing Knights were elevated, fallen Knights were honored, and the course for the upcoming year was set.

The stars shined brightly on Thursday evening during the Vanguard Awards Banquet, where CMSgt (Ret) Jim Sullivan, chairman of the Central Valley Chapter, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Hats off to Jim for a job exceptionally well done!

NCOA’s superstar chapters were recognized. The Rogue Chapter from Medford, Oregon, was recognized as the 2022 Outstanding Large Chapter of the Year and the Magnum Force Chapter from Bridgeport, Michigan, was named the 2022 Outstanding Small Chapter of the Year. The Trails End Auxiliary from Portland, Oregon, received the 2022 Auxiliary Chapter of the Year Award.

The guest speaker for the evening was Sergeant Major Michael Pritchard. Then the focus turned to the reason for the evening—honoring this year’s heroic Military Vanguard Award recipients.

The amazing stories of MSG Andrew D. Chapoton, U.S. Army; Sgt Shawn B. Henson, U.S. Marine Corps; IT2 Thomas D. James, U.S. Navy; SSgt Austin S. Kier, U.S. Air Force; and ET1 Kurt P. Woodhouse, U.S. Coast Guard, had delegates glued to their seats with tears in their eyes. The Vanguard stories appear on the NCOA website.

Friday morning was the Breakfast with the Boards—nothing like a hot, hearty breakfast to start the day off right as delegates prepared to depart amid promises to keep in touch and choruses of “see you next year.”

We would be remiss if we didn’t thank our generous affinity partners and sponsors whose support helped make this year’s conference a resounding success. A huge THANKS to our Conference Partner: USAA; Platinum Sponsors: Korean Defense Veterans Association and KATUSA Veterans Association; Gold Sponsor: GEICO Military; and our Vanguard Sponsors: USAA, United HealthCare, Doc-Development, BlueCross BlueShield FEP Dental and Vision Programs, and the NCOA JROTC Program.

Special thanks to Army Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), BeneFeds, Columbia Southern University, Conviva Care Center, Dixie Flag and Banner Company, Doc-Development, Excelsior University, GEHA, Grand Canyon University, Robert Haltiner, Humana Military, HEB, Jordan Ford, National Cemetery Administration, NCOA Air Academy Chapter, NCOA Knights of the Square Table, NCOA International Auxiliary, NCOA Mountain Post Chapter, NCOA Oregon State Advisory Council, Operation Gratitude, PGK Sir Ted Pilihos, Quilts & Crafts, Grand Knight Sir Paul Siverson, Southern New Hampshire University, PGK Sir Richard Steinberg, Sir Joseph Terry, NCOA Trails End Auxiliary, U.S. Veterans Magazine, The Wash Tub, Lady Barbara Weatherill, Western Governors University and Xpert Media Management.

Yellow Ribbon Schools List for 2023

Education

soldier holding books under arm US flag in background

You may know that education expenses for tuition and fees may exceed the amount covered by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Which means you could end up paying for things out of your own pocket.

Schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon program have joined with the VA to help offset any tuition expenses not covered by the GI Bill.

Start your search with our School Finder for schools participating in the Yellow Ribbon program.

District of Columbia

To read more about Yellow Ribbon Schools visit, collegerecon.com/yellow-ribbon-schools.

Source: College Recon

U.S. Veterans Magazine Announces Its 2023 Best of The Best Early Results Lists

BusinessCareerEducationGovernment

Top Veteran-Friendly Companies, Top Supplier Diversity Programs, Top Government & Law Enforcement Agencies and Top Veteran-Friendly Schools.

U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM) recently released the early results of its highly anticipated evaluation of the nation’s Best of the Best. The annual review is an evaluation of the nation’s employers, initiatives, government agencies and educational institutions.

The goal of the annual evaluations is to not only bring the latest information and guidance to our readers, but also encourage active veteran outreach and diversity policies among corporations and government agencies.

This year’s winners include the following, in alphabetical order:

Top Veteran-Friendly Companies:

AAR Corp
Academy Securities Inc.
Accenture
ADP
ADS, Inc.
Advance Auto Parts
Advanced Disposal Services
AECOM
Aetna
Air Force Reserve Command
Aldevra LLC
Allstate
Amazon
Amentum
Ameren
American Airlines
American States Utility Services, Inc.
AMERICAN SYSTEMS
American Water
Amgen
Amica Insurance
Amtrak
Applied Materials Inc.
Archer Daniels Midland
Areva
Arizona Public Service
Associated Bank
AT&T Inc.
Aviall Services Inc.
Aviation Training Consulting LLC
BAE Systems
Bank of America
BASF
Baxter
Bayer
Baylor Scott & White Health
Becton Dickinson
BeneLynk
BGIS
Blue Shield of California
Bluehawk LLC
BNSF Railway
Boaters Exchange
Booz Allen Hamilton
BP America
Bristol Myers Squibb
Brown-Forman Corporation
C.R. England
CACI International, Inc.
California American Water
Capital One
CarMax
Caterpillar
CBRE
CDW
Centene
CenterPoint Energy
CGI
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
Chevron
Cigna
CINTAS Corporation
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Citigroup, Inc.
ClarkDietrich
Colorado Springs Utilities
Combined Insurance, A Chubb Company
Comcast-NBCUniversal
CON EDISON
Concurrent Technologies Corporation
Consolidated Edison Company
Consumers Energy
Cruise Planners
CruiseOne/Dream Vacations
CSX
Cushman & Wakefield
CVS Health
DaVita, Inc.
Dell EMC
Deloitte
Devon Energy Corporation
Dollar General
Dominion Energy, Inc.
Dominion Resources, Inc.
Drexel Hamilton, LLC
DXC Technology
DynCorp International
E. & J. Gallo Winery
Eaton Corporation
Ecolab Inc.
Enterprise Holdings
Ernst & Young LLP (EY US)
Exelon Corporation
Exide
Express Scripts
FDM Group
FedEx
Fidelity Investments
First Command Financial Services Inc.
Fiserv, Inc.
Fluor Corporation
Ford Motor Company
Fortinet Inc
FOX Corporation
Fugro
G4S Secure Solutions (USA)
G6 Hospitality
General Dynamics Information Technology
General Electric
General Mills
General Motors Company
GeoStabilization International
Grunt Style
Gulfstream Aerospace
Harris
HCA Healthcare
Hertz Corporation
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Hilton
Honeywell
Hormel Foods
HP
HPE
Humana
Huntington Ingalls Industries
Hyundai
Ingersoll Rand
Intel
IntelliGenesis LLC
Intuitive Research and Technology, Inc.
J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc.
Jacobs
JLL
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson Controls, Inc.
JPMorgan Chase
Kellogg Company
KeyBank
KPMG LLP
KSA Integration
L’Oreal USA
L’Oreal USA
La Quinta Inns & Suites
Leidos
Level 3 Communications Inc.
LMI
Lockheed Martin
Logistics Health Incorporated
Lowe’s Companies Inc.
Lumen Technologies
Macy’s Inc.
ManTech International
Marsh & McLennan Companies
Matheson Tri Gas
Maverick Transportation LLC
MAXIMUS
McKesson Corp.
Merck
MGM Resorts International
Michelin
Microsoft
Morgan Stanley
Motel 6 / Studio 6
MSA Security
MUFG Union Bank, N.A.
National Credit Union Administration (NCUA)
National Grid USA
Nationwide
Navy Federal Credit Union
New York Community Bank
New York Power Authority
Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries
NEXCOM
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Northern Trust
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Northwell Health
Nutanix
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Omaha Public Power District
OMNI Technologies
OshKosh
Pacific Architects and Engineers
Pacific Gas and Electric Company
Parker Hannifin
Parsons Corporation
PenFed Credit Union
Peoplescout, a TrueBlue Company
Peraton
Performance Contractors Inc.
Phillips 66
Pike Corporation
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Power Home Remodeling
Precise Systems Inc.
PRIDE Industries
Procter & Gamble Company
Progressive Insurance
Prudential Financial, Inc
Public Service Enterprise Group
PwC
Quicken Loans
Rackspace
Randstad
Raytheon Technologies
Robert Half
Roboteam Inc.
Rocket Mortgage by Quicken Loans
Roehl Transport
Roush
Salesforce
Salt River Project
Samaritan Health Services
Sanford Health
Schneider National, Inc.
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Shell Oil Company
Siemens
Signature Performance, Inc.
Smithfield Foods
Sodexo, USA
Sonoco Products Company
Southern Company
Southwest Airlines Co.
Sprint
Starbucks
State Farm
Strategic Staffing Solutions
Stryker
Summit Materials
Sunrun
Synchrony
Teleperformance
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
The Boeing Company
The Coca-Cola Company
The GEO Group, Inc.
The Hartford
The Hershey Company
The Home Depot USA, Inc.
Timken
Trane Technologies
Travelers
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
Tsys
U.S. Bank
U.S. Cellular Corporation
U.S. Xpress
U-Haul International
Unilever
Union Pacific Railroad
United Rentals
United Services Automobile Association
United Site Services
United States Military Educators Association
United States Postal Service
USAA
Vanguard
Vectrus Systems Corporation
Veolia North America
Verizon Communications Inc.
Walgreens
Walmart Inc.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Wellmark BCBS
Wells Fargo
Werner Enterprises Inc.
Western & Southern Life
Windstream Holdings
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Xcel Energy
Xerox Corporation
Zeiders Enterprises Inc.
Zurich North America

Top Supplier Diversity Programs

22Vets LLC
7-Eleven
AAR Corp
Abbott
Accenture
Adecco Group
ADP
ADS, Inc.
AECOM
AIG
Albemarle Corporation
Aldevra LLC
Alight Solutions
Allstate Insurance Company
Amazon
Amentum
Ameren
American Airlines
American Family Insurance
American Red Cross
American States Utility Services, Inc.
American Water
Anthem
Apex Systems
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Armed Forces Insurance
AT&T Inc.
Ateios Systems
Athene
Avis Budget Group Inc.
Badlands Tank Lines
BAE Systems
Bank of America
Baxter Healthcare Corporation
Bayer
Bechtel
Bex Voice Data Services, Inc.
Bison ProFab, Inc.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Blue Shield of California
BNSF Railway
Boeing
Booz Allen Hamilton
Bristol Myers Squibb
CACI International Inc.
California American Water
Capital One
CBRE Group, Inc.
CDA Technical Institute
CDW
Centene
Cigna
Cintas
Cisco
Citigroup, Inc.
Citizens Bank
ClarkDietrich
Cognosante
Combined Insurance, A Chubb Company
Comcast-NBCUniversal
ConAgra Brands
Corizon Health
Cummins
Cushman & Wakefield
CVS Health
Darden Restaurants Inc.
DaVita, Inc.
Dell
Delta Air Lines, Inc.
DEPCOM Power
Dominion Energy, Inc.
DTE Energy
Duke Energy
DuPont
DXC Technology
DynCorp International
Eastman
Eaton
ECC
Elevance Health
Eli Lilly and Company
Enterprise Holdings
Ericsson
eval.com
Exelon Corp.
EY
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles
FirstEnergy
Ford Motor Company
Freddie Mac
Frontier
Fuse Integration Inc.
GE
General Dynamics Information Technology
General Dynamics Mission Systems
General Motors Company
Guidehouse
Haywood Vocational Opportunities
HCSC
Herc Rentals
Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Hilton
Honda North America
Honeywell
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey
HP
Humana
Hyundai
IBM
Ingersoll Rand
iostudio, LLC
Jacobs
JCPenney
JetBlue
JLL
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson Controls Inc.
JPMorgan Chase
Kaiser Permanente
Kelly
Koch Industries, Inc.
KPMG
Kwest Group
La Quinta Inns & Suites
Labcorp
LAUNCH Technical Workforce Solutions, LLC
Leadec Corp
Leidos
Lexmark International, Inc.
Liberty Mutual Insurance
Lockheed Martin
Lowe’s
Mack Trucks
Magellan Federal
ManTech International
Marriott International Inc.
Marsh & McLennan Companies
MassMutual
Mayo Clinic
McKesson Corporation
Mears Group, Inc.
Merck
Messer Construction
Methodist Health System
MetLife, Inc.
Micron Technology
Microsoft
Milliman
Monsanto Company
Morgan Stanley
MSC Industrial Supply
Navient Solutions LLC
NC Department of Transportation
Nestle U.S.
Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of Huntington Ingalls Industries
Nielsen
Norfolk Southern Corporation
Northrop Grumman Corporation
Northwell Health
Northwestern Mutual
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (subsidiary of Novartis AG)
Olympus Corporation of the Americas
Omni Financial
onsemi
Oshkosh Corporation
Pacific Gas & Electric Company
PeopleTec, Inc.
PepsiCo
Peraton
Pitney Bowes Inc.
PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Precise Systems Inc.
PRIDE Industries
Principal Financial Group
Procter & Gamble
Pro-Sphere Tek, Inc. (ProSphere)
Prudential Financial, Inc.
PSA Airlines
Public Consulting Group
Public Service Enterprise Group
PwC
Qualtrics
Ranco Response
Randstad
Raytheon Technologies
Regions Bank
Riverside Healthcare
Robert Half
Rockwell Collins
RTI International
San Diego Unified School District
San Jose Water
Sanofi
Schneider Electric
Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc.
SEI Investments
Sempra Energy
Shell Oil Company
Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
Silver Eagle Distributors Houston, LLC
Sodexo, USA
Southern California Edison
Southwest Airlines Co.
SpartanNash
Sprint
Stantec Consulting Services Inc.
Starbucks
State Farm
Strata-G, LLC
Strategic Staffing Solutions
Stryten Energy
TALENT Software Services, Inc.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)
The Adecco Group
The Boeing Company
The Coca-Cola Company
The Friedkin Group
The GEO Group, Inc.
The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
The Hartford
The Home Depot
The Kroger Company
The Procter & Gamble Company
Thermo Fisher Scientific
TMC Transportation – An Employee Owned Company
T-Mobile US, Inc.
TMX Finance Family of Companies
TotalTek
Toyota Motor North America Inc.
Trane Technologies
Travelers
Turner Construction
UCHealth
Union Pacific
United Concordia Companies Inc
United Rentals, Inc.
United States Postal Service
UnitedHealth Group
UPS
US Autologistics
USAA
Vectrus
Verizon Communications
VISIMO
Volkswagen Group of America
Vontier
VyStar Credit Union
Walgreens
Walmart Inc.
Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Waste Management
Wells Fargo & Company
Werner Enterprises
Whalls Group LLC
Windstream Holdings
Worthington Industries
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, Inc.
Xcel Energy
Zeiders Enterprises
Zimmer Biomet

Top Veteran-Friendly Schools

Academy of Arts University
American InterContinental University
American Military University
Angelo State University
Arizona State University
Arkansas State University
Ashford University
Auburn University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Austin Peay State University
Baylor University
Berkeley College
Binghamton University–SUNY
Black Hills State University
Boston University
Brown University
California Southern University
California State University, Chico
California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, San Marcos
Capitol Technology University
Carnegie Mellon University
Central Baptist College
Central Community College
Chapman University
Clarion University
Clarkson University
Clemson University
College of William & Mary
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University
Colorado Technical University
Columbia College
Columbia Southern University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Creighton University
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
D’Youville College
Dakota State University
Dartmouth College
DePaul University
Drake University
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
East Carolina University
East Tennessee State University
Eastern Kentucky University-EKU
Eastern New Mexico University
ECPI University
Elizabeth City State University
Emory University
Excelsior College
Fayetteville State University
Fayetteville Technical Community College
Florida Atlantic University
Florida International University
Florida State University
Fordham University
Fort Hays State University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology–Scheller College of Business
Georgia State University
Gonzaga University
Governors State University
Grantham University
Hawaii Pacific University
Howard University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Indiana State University
Indiana Tech
Indiana University–Bloomington
Indiana University-Purdue University
Iowa Lakes Community College
Iowa State University
Jacksonville University
Kansas State University
Lewis University
Lipscomb University
Long Island University
Loyola Marymount University
Loyola University Chicago
Marquette University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mercy College
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Miami University–Oxford
Michigan State University
Middle Tennessee State University
Mississippi State University
Morehead State University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
New York Film Academy
New York University
Niagara University
North Carolina State University–Raleigh
Northern Arizona University
Northern Kentucky University
Northwest Nazarene University
Ohio State University
Ohio State University–Columbus
Old Dominion University
Oregon Institute of Technology
Park University
Paul Smith’s College
Penn State World Campus
Penn State-University Park Campus
Pepperdine University
Pierce College
Princeton University
Purdue University Northwest
Purdue University West Lafayette
Quinnipiac University
Regis University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rice University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rutgers University–New Brunswick
Rutgers University–Newark
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Saint Leo University
Saint Louis University
San Diego State University
San Diego State University Fowler College of Business
Santa Clara University
Savannah State University
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
South Dakota State University
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Southern Methodist University
St. Cloud State University
St. Petersburg College
Stanford University
Stockton University
Stony Brook University–SUNY
Stratford University
SUNY College of Plattsburgh
SUNY Oswego
Syracuse University
Temple University
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Texas Christian University
Texas State University
Texas Tech University
The Catholic University of America
The College of Saint Rose
The New School
The Ohio State University
The University of Kansas
The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Texas at El Paso
Trevecca Nazarene University
Troy University
Tulane University
University at Buffalo–SUNY
University of Alabama
University of Alabama-Birmingham
University of Arizona
University of California San Diego, Rady School of Management
University of California, Berkeley
University of California-Davis
University of California-Irvine
University of California-Los Angeles
University of California–Riverside
University of California–San Diego
University of California–Santa Barbara
University of California-Santa Cruz
University of Central Oklahoma
University of Chicago
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Colorado Denver–Anschutz Medical Campus
University of Colorado-Denver
University of Connecticut
University Of Dayton
University of Delaware
University of Denver
University of Dubuque
University of Evansville
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Illinois–Chicago
University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Maryland
University of Maryland University College
University of Maryland-College Park
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
University of Massachusetts-Lowell
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
University of Michigan-Flint
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
University of Missouri-St. Louis
University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
University of New Hampshire
University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina-Pembroke
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
University of North Georgia
University of North Texas
University of Notre Dame
University of Oklahoma
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Redlands
University of Rochester
University of San Diego
University of San Francisco
University of South Carolina
University of South Dakota
University of South Florida
University of Southern California
University of St. Thomas (MN)
University of Tennessee Knoxville
University of Texas at Arlington
University of Texas-Austin
University of the Incarnate Word
University of the Pacific
University of Tulsa
University of Utah
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
University of Washington
University of West Florida
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wyoming
UT Southwestern Medical Center
Vanderbilt University
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Washington University in St. Louis
Weber State University
Webster University
West Virginia University
Western Illinois University
Western Kentucky University
Western Michigan University
William & Mary
Wisconsin School of Business
Xavier University
Yale University

Top Government & Law Enforcement Agencies

Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS)
Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
Army National Guard
Brevard County Sheriff’s Office
Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Cincinnati Police Department
City of Dallas Police Department
Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office
Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA)
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Denver Police Department
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Export-Import Bank of the United States
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
General Services Administration (GSA)
Harris County Sheriff’s Office
Henrico County Police Division
Intelligence Community
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Los Angeles Airport Police Department (LADX)
Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD)
Louisville Metro Police Department
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
National Health Service Corps (NHSC)
National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
National Security Agency (NSA)
NAVAIR–U.S. Navy Naval Air Systems Command
NAVSEA–Naval Sea Systems Command
New York City Police Department (NYPD)
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
San Antonio Police Department (SAPD)
Social Security Administration (SSA)
Texas Department of Family and Protective Services
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Florida
Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
U.S. Agency for International Development
U.S. Air Force
U.S. Army
U.S. Coast Guard
U.S. Coast Guard Civilian Careers
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
U.S. Department of Agriculture
U.S. Department of Commerce
U.S. Department of Defense
U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Department of Energy
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Department of Labor
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of the Interior
U.S. Department of the Treasury
U.S. Department of Transportation
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
U.S. National Guard
U.S. Navy
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission
U.S. Secret Service
U.S. Small Business Administration
United States Marine Corps
United States Postal Service

The goal of the annual evaluations is to not only bring the latest information and guidance to our readers, but also encourage active outreach and diversity policies among corporations and government agencies.

The final results are published in the fall issue of U.S Veterans Magazine and available on print and digital newsstands mid-August.

For more information about the annual Best of the Best survey or U.S Veterans Magazine, please contact the research department, at surveys@diversitycomm.net.

Click here to read the complete Press Release.

World War II veterans return to Utah Beach to mark D-Day anniversary

EventsGovernment

World War ll veterans lined up to salute

By Sylvie Corbet and Jeffrey Schaeffer, The Associated Press

ON UTAH BEACH, France — World War II veterans shared vivid memories of D-Day and the fighting as dozens returned to Normandy beaches and key battle sites to mark the 79th anniversary of the decisive assault that led to the liberation of France and Western Europe from Nazi control.

Looking at the vastness of Utah Beach, its sand blowing in strong wind and bright sunshine, 99-year-old Robert Gibson remembered: “it was tough.”

U.S war veterans salute during a ceremony outside the Pegasus Bridge memorial in Benouville, Normandy, Monday, June 5, 2023. (Thomas Padilla/AP)

Gibson landed there on June 6, 1944 alongside more than 150,000 other Allied troops.

He said there were “lots of casualties. We had almost run over bodies to get in the beach. Never forget we were only 18, 19 years old. … I’m glad I made it.”

The first job of his battalion, he said, was “to guard an ammunition dump and the first night it got struck. You didn’t know where you were to go. Bullets were going all over the place. But we ducked it.”

On Monday, veterans have been greeted to the sound of bagpipes at the Pegasus Memorial, where they attended a ceremony commemorating a key operation in the first minutes of the D-Day operations, when troops had to take control of a strategic bridge.

World War II veterans Jake Larson, a 100-year-old American, and Bill Gladden, a 99-year-old British national, met at the memorial where they had a close discussion.

“I want to give you a hug, thank you. I got tears in my eyes. We were meant to meet,” Larson told Gladden, their hands clasped.

Larson, who has more than 600,000 followers on TikTok, explained with enthusiasm: “I’m just a country boy. Now I’m a star on TikTok. You can see me all over: ‘Papa Jake.’ I’m a legend! I didn’t plan this, it came about.”

Larson landed on Omaha Beach, where he ran under machine-gun fire and made it to the cliffs without being wounded.

“I’m 100 without an ache or a pain. You can’t fake that,” he said.

U.S. veteran Andrew Negra returned for the first time to Utah Beach this year. The last time he stood there was when he landed on July 18, 1944.

He was “amazed” by the warm welcome from local French people: “Every place we went, people are cheering, clapping, and they’ve been doing this for I don’t know how many years.”

At age 99, Negra is the only member of his battalion who is still alive. Braving the wind to walk on the beach for a few minutes, he said, “So many we lost. And here I am.”

Negra participated in combat operations until his division reached eastern Germany in April 1945.

Cheerful crowds applauded, calling out “Merci” and “Thank you.” Children waved, and many families asked for a photo with the men.

Read more of the article on Military Times here.

Deshauna Barber: On the Move

GovernmentStories

Deshauna Barber was crowned as Miss USA 2016

By Brady Rhoades

Deshauna Barber’s father is a retired special forces Master Sergeant that instilled “leadership, discipline and integrity” in all his children, said Barber in an interview with U.S. Veterans Magazine.

Her late mother also served in the U.S. Army and inspired Barber and her siblings to join the military.

Growing up in North Carolina, Nebraska, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington, D.C., Barber learned foundational principles from her parents that she carried into her military career.

Self-discipline. Teamwork. Endurance.

But she had to learn other principles and skills that hadn’t crossed her mind on her way to winning the 2016 Miss USA title.

Army Captain and Miss USA don’t seem to add up until you hear Barber, a veteran, CEO and motivational speaker, tell audiences, “The most important thing is to move.” And: “Be terrified of regret.”

Rewind to 2007, when Barber, 17, committed to a U.S. Army scholarship and joined the ROTC program at her university.

She then earned her master’s degree in management information systems and services from the University of Maryland University College and worked as an IT analyst for the United States Department of
Commerce.

Barber went on to become president and chief executive officer of Service Women’s Action Network, the nation’s leading 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization advocating on behalf of service women and women veterans in the country.

Deshauna Barber (988th Quartermaster Detachment Company)

Barber was commissioned in 2011 as an Army Quartermaster Officer. During her service, she held many positions including a logistics commander of a petroleum detachment company. After reaching the rank of Captain, she decided to leave service to focus on her motivational speaking career and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserve after 11 years of service.

“The Army Reserve taught me how to balance, plan, multi-task and prioritize,” she said. “Not to mention, being in the Army can be somewhat intimidating, depending on who is in the room with you… It was scary, but I think I’ve been in scarier situations.”

She has spent much of her career focused on supporting Soldiers suffering from PTSD and women who’ve faced sexual harassment in the military. She said one in four women will experience sexual trauma while serving.

“We try to break the stigma attached to it,” she said. “It’s really about catching that stigma and making sure they don’t go to that darker place.

“It’s important to get help and get therapy,” she added. “I am still in therapy at 33. These types of trauma can manifest in subtle ways.

“You may not get the sorry you deserve, but it does not mean you have to lock yourself into the sadness and sorrow.”

She said it was a pivotal move when “President Joe Biden signed into law that sexual harassment is against the law as far as military justice.”

To help women who’ve survived sexual abuse, visit servicewomensactionnetwork.org. To help veterans struggling with PTSD, visit resourcecenter@ woundedwarriorproject.org. More on Barber can be found at deshauna.com.

Deshauna Barber receives her Honorary Doctorate after giving the commencement speech at Norwich University's spring 2022 graduation — Deshauna Barber receives her Honorary Doctorate after giving the commencement speech at
Norwich University’s spring 2022 graduation. (Mark Collier/Norwich University)

When Barber was crowned Miss USA 2016, she became the first member of the military to win the honor and the first African-American woman to wear the crown since Crystle Stewart in 2008. Her platform: promote veterans’ issues.

Barber is diligent about fitness, and she’s a polished speaker, two qualities that were honed in the military (as a Captain, she gave presentations to companies and battalions). But she wasn’t prepared for one thing.

“I got to tap into my femininity, my girly side,” she said. “But the military doesn’t prepare you for six-inch stiletto heels.” Her parents and siblings supported her throughout her pageantry endeavors, but it wasn’t easy for her father.

Seven years after being crowned, Barber is on the move, per usual. She’s a speaker- preacher T.D. Jakes and TV host Steve Harvey have influenced her style-and an activist.

For her, the two go hand-in-hand. A survivor of sexual abuse, she frequently talks about dealing with trauma and loss.

Her Apple podcast will launch in late spring or early summer of this year-the title: Sour Loss, Sweet Lessons.

Deshauna Barber being pinned as a first lieutenant by her father, Darren Barber Sr. (Courtesy of Deshauna Barber)

Barber suffered a profound loss when her mother died. There’s no getting over it, but there is the matter of getting on, so she’s taken her own advice, advice she’s doled out to audiences for years in her work as a motivational speaker.

“Sometimes, when people are dealing with sorrow, they allow themselves to drown in it,” she said. “I tell people to swim through it and ask them what direction they’re headed.”

These days, when Barber speaks to the media, corporations, universities, the military and even the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, you can see the Army Captain, the pageant queen, the corporate executive, the survivor.

She walks upright, like a Soldier, paces the stage with the confidence and charisma of a Miss USA, and issues words that have been polished through many rewrites.

“People connect to the beauty of words, and that’s what preachers have mastered,” she said.

Most recently, at the Life Vantage Global Convention 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona, she talked about overcoming doubt, be it internal, external or both. Her words excited the crowd in front of her but were meant for everyone- women, men, survivors of abuse, those struggling with mental health issues, active military personnel and veterans.

“You have been promoted for a reason. You’ve been placed in your role for a reason,” she said. “Put on your bulletproof vest and allow the doubts of others to bounce off you.”

7 Reasons You Should Consider an MBA

Next Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force: Chief Master Sgt. John Bentivegna

Back to School Discounts for Military Families

Getting Covered: What to Know About the Yellow Ribbon Program

First Palauan Marine to Achieve the Rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant

Celebrating 30 Years: Serving Our Nation’s Bravest

2023 Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) Conference Recap

Yellow Ribbon Schools List for 2023

U.S. Veterans Magazine Announces Its 2023 Best of The Best Early Results Lists

Top Veteran-Friendly Companies:

Top Supplier Diversity Programs

Top Veteran-Friendly Schools

Top Government & Law Enforcement Agencies

World War II veterans return to Utah Beach to mark D-Day anniversary

Deshauna Barber: On the Move

Providing Business, DVBE. Employment & Educational Opportunities For Veterans

Leidos Video

USVM Commercial

Alight

About USVM

VIBN Conference

Robert Half

Upcoming Events

SUBSCRIBE TO NEWSLETTER