Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel daunting. Many veterans wonder how to translate their leadership, discipline, and specialized skills into a new career. The experiences of American Military (AMU) students show that education can be the bridge between service and civilian success. By choosing programs tailored to military needs and drawing on a supportive community, veterans are forging new paths that honor their service and expand their horizons.Finding Purpose and CommunityFor Thyshown Esperience, a Marine Corps veteran turned deputy sheriff, the pivotal moment was discovering a program that connected his diverse experiences “from military to civilian into…
Author: USVM
Millions of people have watched Sam Eckholm’s videos—not for spectacle, but for understanding. From inside fighter jets to cargo aircraft and operational units around the world, Eckholm has built a platform that explains military life to audiences far beyond the installation gates. The former Air Force officer says that his work has never been about views or virality. It is about service—and about telling stories that too often remain unseen.Service RootsEckholm did not set out to become one of the most recognizable storytellers in the military media space. His path began at the Air Force Academy, where service—not storytelling—defined the…
Are you a veteran transitioning into civilian employment and seeking ways to maximize your job search success? In today’s competitive job market, especially within veteran-focused job boards, the strategic use of keywords on your resume can significantly impact your visibility and appeal to potential employers. By understanding how to optimize your resume with targeted keywords, you can enhance your chances of landing your desired job role within the civilian workforce. The Importance of Veteran-Focused Job Boards Veteran-focused job boards serve as invaluable resources for individuals transitioning from military to civilian careers. These platforms are specifically designed to connect veterans with…
On this week’s episode of We’re Out of Time, host Richard Taite sits down with Beyond the Gates star and U.S. Marine veteran Maurice P. Kerry for a raw conversation about survival, PTSD, homelessness and rebuilding a life after war—along with fatherhood as a proud “girl dad” and his current role as Randy on CBS’ Beyond the Gates. Now streaming, the episode, hosted by Richard Taite, founder of Carrara Treatment, is now streaming on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. finds Kerry opening up about the struggles many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, how PTSD impacts his work…
Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce can be both exciting and challenging—whether you’re 25 or 55. One of the biggest hurdles veterans often face is mastering the job interview. It’s a different kind of mission, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can absolutely nail it. Here are some practical and conversational tips to help veterans of all ages succeed in their next job interview: Translate Your Military Experience You’ve done some amazing things in uniform—but civilian employers might not understand terms like “MOS,” “TDY,” or “squad leader.” Before the interview, take time to translate your experience…
It still feels a little surreal to say it out loud—Chuck Norris is gone.For decades, he felt like one of those larger-than-life figures who would just always be there. Whether you knew him from the unstoppable force he portrayed on screen, the quiet strength he carried in interviews, or even the internet’s endless stream of “Chuck Norris facts,” he occupied a space in American culture that few others ever reach.But beyond the roundhouse kicks and the legend, there was something deeper. Something more grounded. Something that mattered a great deal to many people—especially veterans.Chuck Norris wasn’t just an action star.…
The labor market is cooling from its red-hot pace, but the next wave of hiring is already visible. Based on federal projections and 2025 trend data, five sectors are expected to stand out for job growth in 2026: health care and social assistance; technology roles tied to AI and cybersecurity; clean energy and electric vehicles; construction and infrastructure; and advanced manufacturing, particularly in the semiconductor sector.Health Care is LeadingThe Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects health care and social assistance will drive the largest share of U.S. job gains this decade, propelled by an aging population and ongoing demand for…
Years of service forge more than just discipline—they develop strategic thinkers, decisive leaders and mission-driven professionals who know how to perform under pressure and adapt in real-time. Veterans possess an unmatched combination of resilience, technical know-how and collaborative strength that civilian industries are eager to tap into.Yet finding the right civilian path isn’t just about job hunting—it’s about discovering where your military-honed strengths align with meaningful, sustainable opportunities. Whether you’re drawn to roles that mirror your expertise or ready to explore new terrain, navigating the next phase requires clarity, confidence and the right tools.In the sections ahead, we break down…
Veterans Legal Institute (VLI), in partnership with the United States District Court for the Central District of California and the California Court of Appeal, convened veterans, judges, and cross-sector leaders this week for a National Vietnam War Veterans Day reflection in Orange County, honoring service while confronting the gaps that persist in how veterans are supported.In Orange County alone, thousands of veterans face unresolved legal issues tied to housing, benefits, and family stability—needs that often go unaddressed until they reach a point of crisis.The program began at the Court of Appeal and continued with a hosted lunch at the federal…
Veterans transitioning from military service to civilian life often seek higher education to enhance their career prospects. Online degree programs offer flexibility and accessibility, making them an excellent choice for veterans balancing work, family and education. Here, we explore some of the top online degree programs tailored for veterans, their benefits, and why these institutions stand out. Additionally, we’ll highlight whether they accept the Post-9/11 GI Bill, participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program and the types of degrees offered.American Military UniversityAmerican Military University (AMU) is an online, military-friendly university that is part of the American Public University System (APUS). It’s…
