With help from ‘Operation Recognition’ more than 50 years later, Walter Mack Threat, Vietnam Era United States Navy Veteran, USS Enterprise, finally received his High School diploma. On December 10, 2024,surrounded by family, friends, and VA representatives, Threat was honored at Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta VA Medical Center. He missed graduating with his class at Frederick Douglas High School in Memphis, Tennessee due to being inducted into service.Did you miss graduating from High School due to entering the military service in World War ll, the Korean Conflict or the Vietnam War?YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAWhat…
Author: USVM
When it comes to special offers and discounts, your status as a veteran or active-duty service member gets you more than the special discounts available on Veterans Day. Many retailers, restaurants, services and more offer special benefits for military personnel and their families every day of the year. Here’s a look at some of the best perks you can take advantage of year around. Please note that the discounts below may require a military ID. Discounts that can be redeemed by spouses and dependents will be noted as such. Discounts that require a Veterans Advantage membership will also be noted.…
In celebration of the youngest military branch turning five, MILITARY STAR® is rolling out exclusive one-day-only discounts for all cardmembers.On Dec. 20, service members and their families can take advantage of these special offers with their MILITARY STAR card:Earn double rewards points on in-store purchases.Save 10 cents per gallon on fuel at Army & Air Force Exchange Service locations.Get 15% off at participating Exchange restaurants.Receive $10 off any purchase $25 or higher at Exchange concessions or kiosks (coupon required).“Celebrating Guardians and the Space Force community is a privilege,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Rich Martinez, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “These offers…
Michael Horne, a leader at Golden Gate University (GGU), has spent years cultivating a welcoming and enriching environment for veterans seeking higher education. As the head of GGU’s Human Resources Management and Leadership programs, Horne interacts with a diverse group of students, including a significant number of veterans. With deep family ties to the military, Horne is inspired by the veterans in his classroom. “What always particularly impresses me is being in classrooms with veterans,” he says. “They blend so well with all of our other students.”Fostering Achievement and GrowthFor Horne, witnessing student achievements is the most rewarding aspect of…
By Tishayla WilliamsTransitioning from military service to civilian careers presents a complex array of challenges and opportunities. As a veteran working in the health care sector, I’ve encountered significant hurdles, including securing fair compensation, translating my military skills into civilian roles and addressing unique health challenges. These experiences have strengthened my resolve to advocate for systemic support and a deeper understanding of veterans’ needs in the workforce. Through my efforts, I aim to drive meaningful change and improve the transition process for fellow veterans, ensuring they receive the recognition and support they deserve.Insights from veterans like Tom Porter and Eric…
Kelvin Gumbs’ journey has been marked by service, purpose and a relentless pursuit of new missions. A Navy veteran with 22 years of dedicated service, Gumbs’ career was not only filled with fulfilling assignments onboard ships and various assignments ashore, but it was also the start of his family’s military journey. “My wife is also a Navy veteran, and we have two teenage kids. I retired in 2023, and it all went by so fast,” Gumbs reflects. Little did he know that his next chapter would lead him to another mission: supporting military-affiliated learners across Purdue University.Gumbs joined Purdue University…
Lamarcus Keels, Vice President and Plant Manager of Stellantis’ Dundee Engine Plant, has built a distinguished career in manufacturing, with roots that trace back to his military service. After serving three years on active duty and seven years in the National Guard, he transitioned into the automotive industry, where he has spent nearly two decades, including significant roles at General Motors and now Stellantis. For him, the skills and values developed during military service have been instrumental in shaping his journey through leadership in manufacturing.According to Keels, veterans are uniquely suited for leadership roles within manufacturing due to their military…
By Paul PengBefore I started my veteran-owned business, Sentri Institute Inc., in 2019, I worked as a manager at the Ports in Southern California. During that time, I and several other managers would always discuss the huge amount of money the Director of IT received as yearly compensation. At the time, it was unanimously agreed that their compensation was much more than deserved.It wasn’t until I started my own business that I finally realized how vital the role of IT management was, even for a small business. Marketing, emails, social media, phone calls and internet connection all have one thing…
In collaboration with the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has broadened the scope of eligibility for a beneficial program aimed at providing financial relief to military families for dependent care. The initiative, known as the Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA), offers eligible service members the opportunity to allocate up to $5,000 per household in pretax earnings for qualified dependent care expenses. These expenses encompass child care, preschool, before- and after-school programs for dependents under 13 years of age, care for incapacitated family members of any age, and other eligible dependent care costs…
Birmingham, Alabama-based Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED), among the largest bottlers and distributors of Coke products in the U.S., recently partnered with the corporate team building company Cheeriodicals to assemble and deliver care packages to Veteran Affairs (VA) facilities in Birmingham; Atlanta, Georgia; Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Chattanooga, Tennessee.More than 300 Coca-Cola UNITED associates gathered to assemble 600 care packages,150 in each location, including a blanket, beverage tumbler, U.S. Veterans Magazine and activities, and several other convenience items. Associates also penned notes to veteran recipients, thanking them for their bravery and service. “We were proud to team up with…
