Author: USVM Editor

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…

When Chef Robert Irvine first appeared on the cover of U.S. Veterans Magazine in 2017, his commitment to the military and veteran community was already unmistakable. Nearly a decade later, that commitment hasn’t slowed—it has evolved.While Irvine has continued to grow his business ventures, write books and remain a familiar face on television, some of his most meaningful work happens alongside service members, veterans, first responders and their families. Through the Robert Irvine Foundation, he identifies unmet needs and helps create practical solutions that strengthen the military community.It is why U.S. Veterans Magazine is honored to feature Irvine on its…

Luke Simianer thought his fighting days were over. A veteran of the 82nd Airborne and Purple Heart recipient, he confronted the harsh realities of civilian life, battling depression and homelessness, before founding a tech startup to help the blind secure jobs and training.Yet even as that venture took shape, Simianer couldn’t look away from a larger crisis unfolding around him. Reports revealed that one in three VA claims were denied, while veteran homelessness, drug abuse and suicide rates continued to rise. The same warriors he once served beside were now fighting invisible battles against bureaucracy and neglect.For Simianer, enough was…

Salary discussions are often among the most uncomfortable parts of the hiring process, yet also among the most important. For veterans and military-affiliated professionals transitioning into civilian careers, understanding how to approach compensation conversations can have a lasting impact on long-term financial stability.Even small differences in starting pay can compound over time, influencing future raises, retirement contributions and overall earnings. Entering salary discussions with accurate information and realistic expectations can help job seekers make better long-term decisions.Why It MattersCompensation is more than just a number attached to a job offer. It reflects the value an organization places on an employee’s…

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, offering Americans an opportunity to pause, reflect and remember. The attacks claimed thousands of lives and forever changed the nation, inspiring extraordinary acts of courage, service and sacrifice that continue to shape communities today.For those who witnessed the attacks—and for generations born afterward—Sept. 11 remains a solemn reminder of profound loss, extraordinary courage and the enduring strength of the American spirit. Across New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, first responders and ordinary citizens acted with remarkable selflessness, placing the needs of others above their own. Their actions…

Before they filled concert halls, topped the charts or changed the sound of American music, some of the country’s most recognizable musicians wore a very different kind of uniform.From rock and country to jazz, pop and hip-hop, military veterans have helped shape generations of music. Some served before anyone knew their names. Others, like Elvis Presley, stepped away from already successful careers to serve. And for a number of these artists, experiences in the military became an important chapter in the story of who they would eventually become.Elvis Presley: From the King of Rock ’n’ Roll to Army SergeantElvis Presley…

After two decades in the Air Force, Major Thomas Windley understood something many veterans know well: service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It simply takes on a new form.Today, Windley and his wife are helping others heal through their award-winning Elements Massage studio in Greenwood Village, Colorado, where wellness, compassion and community remain at the center of their work.Early in his career, Windley served as an enlisted physical therapy technician stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was later selected to serve as an athletic trainer for the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, a role that…

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 veterans, the battle does not end after military service. The transition home can bring sleepless nights, anxiety, depression and the invisible weight of trauma.Army veteran Paul Kim knows those struggles firsthand. After deploying to Iraq with the 506th Infantry following 9/11, he experienced the challenges many veterans face when seeking care. Today, he is working to improve access to behavioral health services through Sensible Care, a behavioral health organization he co-founded in 2017 with fellow veteran and psychiatrist Dr. Paul Chung.Hidden WoundsKim recalls that some of the most difficult moments during his deployment were not caused directly by…

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…