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
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Take advantage of this special offer for the veteran community and get 15%-20% off on your purchase by using the promo code VETMAG!U.S. Veterans Magazine has partnered with 1800Flowers.com to offer an endless assortment of fresh flowers and gifts for every reason.1800Flowers.com is the best choice when shopping online for gifts and flowers just because, or for special occasions like Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.1800Flowers.com has become a go-to destination for celebrating life’s moments—both big and small—with style, ease, and heart. Known for its wide selection of fresh floral arrangements, gourmet gift baskets,…
Few names embody discipline and leadership like Jocko Willink. The retired Navy SEAL commander turned bestselling author, entrepreneur and podcaster has built an empire on principles forged in the chaos of combat. In an exclusive conversation with Mona Lisa Faris, president and publisher of U.S. Veterans Magazine, Willink opened up about his extraordinary journey—from leading elite SEAL Teams on the battlefield to leading companies and communities across the country.For two decades, Willink commanded some of the most elite units in the U.S. military, operating in the world’s most demanding environments. Today, he channels those lessons into a new mission: helping…
Super Bowl Sunday isn’t just about the football — it’s a full cultural moment packed with can’t-miss commercials, celebrity appearances, and a halftime performance that gets everyone talking.🎤 Halftime Show HeadlinerThis year’s Super Bowl LX (60) halftime show has already made headlines:Bad Bunny — the Puerto Rican superstar of reggaeton and Latin trap — will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show on February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.This marks a historic moment: Bad Bunny is the first solo Latin artist to lead the Super Bowl halftime show, bringing huge global interest and diverse audience…
Across generations of conflict and change, Black Americans have worn the uniform of the United States with courage and conviction—often fighting two battles at once: one abroad for freedom and another at home for equality. Their service has helped define the nation’s military legacy, even when recognition came decades too late.From the muddy trenches of World War I to today’s command centers, Black service members have not only defended the country but have pushed it closer to the ideals it promises. Their stories—sometimes forgotten or overlooked—deserve to be told, remembered and honored.The Harlem HellfightersDuring World War I, the 369th Infantry…
Military life is defined by movement. Servicemembers are transferred to new bases every few years, deployment cycles disrupt routines, and spouses often juggle parenting, employment and relocation with little warning.These shifts can make a traditional campus education all but impossible. Yet the stories of students at American Military University (AMU) show that mobility can be an asset, not a barrier. By harnessing flexible online programs and supportive faculty, military spouses and families are turning life on the move into an opportunity to learn and grow.Finding a Path That Moves With YouOne of the most striking examples comes from Chanda Chann,…
By Peter Cline, Head of Community at MilMentor   Every day, service members, veterans and spouses are using MilMentor to take real steps toward their next career. Over five thousand mentees have joined in eight months, and more than 1,000 mentors, from executives and recruiters at Fortune 500 companies to small business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals in nearly every industry, are ready to help.MilMentor is an innovative technology platform launched last year by an all-veteran and military spouse team who saw a massive gap in the community after a popular mentorship option shut down. They built it to meet a…
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…
For many veterans, the most challenging mission begins after service—finding a civilian career that matches their skills and drive. While traditional education paths can take years, a growing number of veterans are finding faster, more rewarding routes through apprenticeships and industry-recognized certifications. These programs offer hands-on training, paid work experience and a clear bridge from military expertise to in-demand civilian jobs.Civilian SuccessThe Department of Labor (DOL) reports that veterans who complete registered apprenticeships earn an average starting wage of over $80,000, evidence of how these programs directly link training with employment. Fields like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, information technology and…
On March 27, 2024, Rick Luttrell contacted the Operation Recognition Program offered through the State of Kansas, rewarding eligible veterans their honorary high school diploma if they left high school to serve during war times. Rick left high school to join the United States Marine Corps and was rewarded certification as a Field Artillery Fire Controlman, and now lives with a hearing disability. In 1972 he completed his GED and later transferred to the Military Police Unit, where he went on to complete his enlistment and was honorably discharged in March of 1975. He then worked for the Kansas City,…
