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…
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…
By Lori L. Tyler The sun has barely begun its ascent, casting long shadows across the pavement, but Herman Curry is already in motion. His steady breath paces his stride as he clocks another mile, one of 10 he’ll complete before the day is done. At 76, most people have slowed down. Not Curry. He has spent a lifetime outrunning obstacles, and he doesn’t plan to stop now.Service LegacyBorn in Ferriday, Louisiana, on November 10, 1949, Curry’s life has been defined by an unyielding commitment to discipline, resilience and service. In the 11th grade, his family relocated to Detroit, a city…
As service members transition from military duty to civilian life, employers play a critical role in shaping how that experience translates into meaningful careers. Across industries, a growing number of U.S. companies have developed structured hiring, training and mentorship programs explicitly designed to support veterans entering the civilian workforce.In 2025, Forbes again identified several employers recognized for veteran hiring and retention, citing companies such as Salesforce, Google and Microsoft for their sustained investments in recruitment, training and transition support.Technology LeadersTechnology companies continue to stand out for building scalable pathways into civilian roles. Salesforce operates the Salesforce Military Alliance, which provides…
For veterans pursuing education in 2026, a four-year degree is no longer the only—or always the most practical—path forward. Certificate programs, industry-recognized credentials and microcredentials have become increasingly visible across higher education and workforce training. For veterans balancing employment, family responsibilities or health considerations, these shorter programs offer a focused, measurable way to translate learning into civilian opportunities.Rather than replacing traditional degrees, certificates and microcredentials expand the range of options available to student veterans navigating post-service transitions.Focused SkillsCertificate and microcredential programs are designed to deliver specific, job-aligned skills in a condensed timeframe. Many can be completed in months rather than…
Normandy, France – June 2026 – In a historic tribute to courage, service, and the often-overlooked role of women in wartime resistance, an all-female team of American veterans, first responders, and law enforcement leaders will parachute into Normandy, France, during the 82nd anniversary commemoration of D-Day.The team – representing the nonprofit Fox Force Foundation, an organization focused on women’s leadership and resilience, will conduct the jump from a historic C-47 aircraft onto the same drop zones used by Allied paratroopers during the invasion of Nazi-occupied France in June 1944.Scheduled during the international D-Day commemorations in June 2026, the mission will…
Military veterans have always had a unique way of leaving their mark on entertainment. Long before streaming platforms and red carpets, veterans were already bringing their discipline, resilience, and real-world experience to screens, stages, and studios—and audiences have been better for it ever since.For many veterans, entertainment becomes a natural next chapter after service. Storytelling, performance, and creative expression offer a way to process experiences while connecting with others. That authenticity often shows up in their work. When a veteran delivers a line on screen, writes a script, or produces a project, there’s often an added layer of depth—because they’ve…
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,…
For many military spouses, building a traditional career path is a persistent challenge. Frequent relocations, uneven state licensing requirements and disrupted professional networks often derail employment just as momentum begins to build. In response, a growing number of spouses are turning to entrepreneurship—not as a trend, but as a pragmatic adaptation to the realities of military life.Unlike conventional employment, self-employment offers portability. A business that can operate remotely or move across state lines allows spouses to maintain income and professional identity through permanent change-of-station moves, deployments and transitions. For families managing the unpredictability of service life, that flexibility can be…
