When Jocko Willink speaks, people listen. Maybe it’s the gravel in his voice, or the unmistakable authority of someone who has lived every word he says. A retired U.S. Navy SEAL commander, leadership instructor, best-selling author and podcast host, Willink has become one of the most respected voices in America on discipline, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. This winter that voice will reach an even wider audience as his best-selling book, Way of the Warrior Kid comes to life on screen.The upcoming film, produced by Skydance Media and Apple Studios, stars Chris Pratt as Uncle Jake, the Navy SEAL…
Author: USVM
Nate Boyer has never been one to take the easy road. A former Green Beret who later suited up for the NFL, Boyer has built his life around challenge, resilience and purpose. Today, as a filmmaker, entrepreneur and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players (MVP), he continues that mission—helping veterans and athletes navigate life after their uniforms are retired. His path, unconventional at every turn, is what makes him the perfect fit for the cover of our inaugural Veterans in Sports issue.Boyer’s story begins not with football or film, but with a sense of duty. After volunteering in Darfur, he…
The Military Basketball Association (MBA) is coming home — and bringing its mission to save lives through basketball back to where it all began. The 2026 MBA World Championship Games will take place at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, honoring the service, strength, and resilience of America’s military community.Before the championship tip-off, the MBA will host a three-day tournament focused on suicide prevention, May 1–3, 2026, at Clune Arena during Mental Health Awareness Month. The top two men’s and women’s teams will go head-to-head in the nationally televised, livestreamed MBA World Championship Games on Sunday,…
If you’re looking for something gripping, human, and visually striking to dive into this November, look no further than MARINES, the new docuseries from Netflix. It premieres on November 10, 2025 and takes you inside the life of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) — America’s rapid-response “force in readiness” based in the Pacific.Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find, why it matters, and why it might stick with you long after the credits roll.What’s the show about?At its core, MARINES is a coming-of-age story in military gear. It’s not just explosive drills and heroic poses; it’s the quieter, scarred,…
Affected members of the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, Federal First Responders and other employees will not see Verizon services impacted during government shutdown.Beginning October 14, 2025, members of the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, first responders, and other federal government employees affected by the shutdown who require more time to pay their Verizon bill are invited to call the company and ask for payment deferral options.“Verizon is dedicated to supporting our customers and the communities we serve. We understand the ongoing federal government shutdown may create financial difficulties for members of the U.S. Military, Coast Guard, federal employees and first responders,”…
On Veterans Day, Dogtopia, the nation’s leading dog wellness franchise, and the Dogtopia Foundation celebrated the continued impact of their mission to help veterans across the country regain independence, confidence and connection through the life-changing companionship of service dogs. Founded in 2017, the @Dogtopia Foundation has expanded its reach alongside Dogtopia’s growth to more than 250 locations nationwide, united by a shared belief that dogs help our heroes.Reflecting on the Dogtopia Foundation’s Achievements Over the years, the Foundation has:Raised more than $5 million to fund the training of service dogs for veterans in needSupported more than 700 veteran-service dog teams nationwidePartnered with…
ORLANDO, Nov. 8, 2025 – In honor of the upcoming Veterans Day holiday, Carnival Cruise Line, in partnership with the Orlando Veterans Affairs Healthcare System (Orlando VA), and the Gary Sinise Foundation, today welcomed nearly 100 local veterans, surviving spouses and children of fallen military and first responder heroes for a special tribute reception aboard Carnival’s Mardi Gras, celebrating their courage and sacrifice.During the event, Carnival announced the donation of an adapted sedan to the Orlando VA, supporting the organization’s specialized driving rehabilitation program to restore independence and improve the quality of life for veterans. The vehicle will help veterans determine…
U.S. Veterans Magazine has named The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga a 2025 Top Veteran-Friendly School, recognizing UTC’s campus-wide commitment to students with military ties.The designation appears in the magazine’s winter 2025 issue, which highlights institutions demonstrating long-term investment and measurable impact in serving veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and their families.“At UTC, everything we do is grounded in community and relationships,” said Sylvana Matthews, director of the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs (VMA). “Many of our military-connected students naturally become part of a peer support system, and dependents often bring a unique understanding that helps others feel more…
By Mona Lisa Faris As the publisher of U.S. Veterans Magazine and a passionate advocate for veterans’ success, I have spent years understanding the unique skills and strengths that military veterans bring to the civilian workforce. One industry where veterans are particularly well-suited is the sports and fitness industry. Their military experience often translates seamlessly into the demanding and fast-paced nature of sports, providing them with valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, discipline, adaptability, a strong work ethic and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Additionally, the camaraderie and community aspect of sports can be especially beneficial for veterans transitioning back…
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is stepping up to connect military veterans with career mentorship in the sports and fitness sector, thanks to its new VetsEXCEL Career Transition Program. Led by SFIA President and CEO Todd Smith, the initiative bridges the gap between transitioning service members and an industry with such strong alignment to the core values of the military community.Smith, who took the helm of SFIA in October 2024, brings decades of experience across athletics, professional sports and business leadership. A lifelong athlete, he walked onto the volleyball team at UCLA before earning a master’s degree in…
