When Katie Burtch met her husband, Nick, she had no idea their love story would unfold across continents, deployments, and duty stations. Over the next two decades, Katie learned to navigate life as a military spouse — relocating every two to four years, raising three kids, and putting her own dreams on hold to keep her family moving forward.But when Nick transferred his GI Bill benefits to Katie, everything changed. Encouraged by his positive experience with American Military University (AMU), Katie enrolled and found a new path forward — one that could move her forward too.A Life Built on AdaptabilityKatie’s…
Author: USVM
Victoria and Marvin Little, along with their daughter Arryuana, share a unique bond that extends far beyond blood—they are all veterans who have found a common ground in their pursuit of higher education through American Military University (AMU).A Shared Educational JourneyWhat makes this family’s story extraordinary is not just their individual achievements, but their collective commitment to learning. Each family member has navigated the challenges of military service while simultaneously pursuing academic goals, supporting one another every step of the way.Arryuana, an Army veteran from Jackson, Mississippi, chose AMU for its flexibility—a critical factor for someone balancing military responsibilities with…
Managing multiple responsibilities is part of the daily grind as a small business owner. Balancing tasks such as operations, customer service, marketing and finances can feel overwhelming. Effective time management is crucial for keeping your business afloat and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here are some practical tips to help entrepreneurs manage their time efficiently without burning out. Block Out TimeTime blocking is an effective strategy for entrepreneurs trying to juggle numerous responsibilities. This method involves scheduling specific time blocks throughout the day to focus solely on one task or project. For instance, dedicate mornings to strategic work, such as product…
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 ExperienceYou’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 into plain…
In an unexpected move that’s stirring up conversation across both Silicon Valley and military circles, four high-powered tech executives have officially enlisted in the U.S. Army—but there’s a twist: they’re skipping boot camp. Yes, you read that right. These aren’t your average recruits. Thanks to a unique direct commissioning program typically reserved for professionals with specialized skills—like doctors, lawyers, and cyber experts—these tech leaders are joining the Army’s ranks as officers, no basic training required. Here’s what’s behind the headlines and why this unconventional enlistment is raising eyebrows and interest: Who Are These Executives? While names are still under wraps…
If you’ve never been to a business expo before, it might sound a little overwhelming—hundreds of booths, busy professionals, speakers, and stacks of business cards flying around. But here’s the thing: business expos are one of the best opportunities out there to grow your network, discover new products or services, and get your brand in front of the right people. Whether you’re attending or exhibiting, a well-planned expo visit can make a serious impact on your business.So, What Is a Business Expo?At its core, a business expo, including the Veterans in Business Network (VIBN), is an organized event that brings…
Long-distance relationships pose challenges for many military couples. Being apart from your loved one can create anxiety, sadness and even trust issues. However, with shared expectations and a commitment to planning, you and your partner can keep your relationship strong despite the distance. Military OneSource shares these tips:Plan AheadThe best time to talk about how you will stay connected during your geographic separation is while you are still together. First and foremost, you’ll want to set expectations while preparing for the unknown. Figure out what works best for you as a couple—phone calls, video chats or email. A combination of…
Music has long been a source of connection, healing, and strength for veterans. In recent years, several contemporary bands have stepped up not just to entertain, but to actively support those who have served. Whether through benefit concerts, veteran-focused charity work, or simply raising awareness, these bands are proving that music and mission can go hand in hand. Five Finger Death PunchKnown for their hard-hitting rock and unapologetic lyrics, Five Finger Death Punch has become one of the most visible bands supporting veterans today. Lead guitarist Zoltan Bathory is a strong advocate for the military community, and the band regularly…
DALLAS – MILITARY STAR® cardmembers have another reason to savor their next slice: the MILITARY STAR and Pizza Hut sweepstakes starts July 1, offering cardmembers a chance to win a share of $49,000 in prizes—including $5,000 for a shopping spree.From July 1 to July 31, cardmembers 18 years and older will be automatically entered to win a chance to win each time they use their MILITARY STAR card to make a purchase at a participating Pizza Hut location.Two grand prize winners will each receive $5,000 for a shopping spree at their nearest Exchange. Additionally, thirty winners will each receive a…
Sam Elliott’s voice is instantly recognizable—deep, rich and steeped in the history of the American West. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has embodied the rugged, principled cowboy and the battle-hardened Soldier, giving life to characters that have shaped the way audiences view heroism. But beyond the silver screen, Elliott’s dedication to honoring military service members is more than just a role—it’s a mission.Born Aug. 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California, Elliott grew up with a deep respect for the armed forces. After moving to Oregon as a teenager, he developed a passion for acting and studied theater…