By Mona Lisa Faris, Publisher, U.S. Veterans MagazineThe 17th Annual Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference (NatCon), held from Jan. 2-4, 2025, at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort and Convention Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, brought together around 1,800 diverse student veterans, academic leaders, employers and advocates. Colorado Springs, known for its picturesque backdrop, is also home to the prestigious United States Air Force Academy, demonstrating its deep connection to military excellence. The event celebrated empowerment and opportunity, aimed at helping student veterans transition successfully from military service to higher education and professional careers.At the heart of the event was…
Author: USVM
Since its inception in 1991, American Military University (AMU) has been dedicated to serving those who serve. With a rich military heritage, AMU offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, all designed to accommodate the unique needs of military students and their families.Flexible Online LearningUnderstanding the demands of military life, AMU provides flexible online programs that allow servicemembers to complete coursework from anywhere in the world. This flexibility ensures that education can continue uninterrupted, whether at home or deployed.Preferred Military RateTo make education more accessible, AMU offers a Preferred Military Rate of $250 per credit hour for both…
By Ryan Pavel and Dr. Cassie Sanchez For many veterans, college is an essential part of building toward a fulfilling civilian career. Adjusting to college and navigating the cultural shifts of transition can be a challenging experience, but it’s also full of opportunities.At Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP), we’ve helped more than 2,500 enlisted student veterans get a head start in higher education through our academic boot camps, run in partnership with leading universities nationwide. Before we dive into any type of humanities, STEM or business content at our boot camps, we start with a foundational principle of college success: mindset.Ample research…
By Sgt. Maria Elena Casneiro Army Reserve Capt. Sean Kalletta, a military police officer with the 200th Military Police Command, recently received the Carnegie Medal for his heroic efforts. Suffolk County executive Ed Romaine presented the medal to him with family and colleagues present.On January 2, 2021, Kalletta was on duty as a Suffolk County Police officer when he responded to a house fire and entered the home, saving two residents and their dogs.“I knew that it was a very serious fire when I was driving to the scene because I could see a lot of smoke in the air…
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. MilitaryOne Source offers these helpful 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…
On April 11, 2006, Captain Mark Brogan was leading a Stryker team as part of a Quick Reaction Force patrolling Al An-bar Province, Iraq. Somewhere between Falluja and the Syrian border, Mark and his team found themselves in the unremarkable little village of Rawah along the Euphrates River.“My platoon sergeant and I both intuitively knew it was way too quiet. Something was wrong. One of my NCOs turned around to say something to me when he noticed a guy run around the corner and put his hand up his shirt. Then he blew up.”The soldier behind Mark was killed instantly.…
Starting a business can be expensive, but you don’t have to fund your company alone if you’re a veteran business owner. From government-funded business grants to scholarships from nonprofit organizations, here are some top funding opportunities you should take advantage of:Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur ChallengeHosted by the Second Service Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping veteran entrepreneurs, the Military Entrepreneur Challenge is an annual coaching and competition event that awards grants to veteran, military spouse and Gold Star family entrepreneurs. Participants are given the opportunity to prepare and present a pitch to a panel of judges that award monetary…
Hiring military veterans has become a key priority for many companies seeking dedicated, skilled and reliable employees. BNSF Railway, a leader in the transportation industry, offers a model for how organizations can successfully attract, support and retain veterans. By exploring the strategies used by BNSF, other companies can learn effective ways to build a veteran-friendly workforce that aligns with their goals and values.Aligning Military Experience with Company RolesOne of the first steps in effectively hiring veterans is recognizing how military skills translate to the private sector. BNSF’s Chief Operations Officer, Matt Igoe, exemplifies this transition. Before joining BNSF in 1998,…
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that it has updated the process for awarding GI Bill benefits following the 2024 Supreme Court decision. This change provides Veterans who served multiple periods of military service, such as those who reenlisted, the opportunity to receive up to an additional 12 months of education benefits.Previously, Veterans with at least two periods of service were capped at 36 months of GI Bill benefits between the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Under the updated policy, that cap has been removed, allowing eligible Veterans to qualify for up to 48 months…
Meet Sumner Lee, the CEO of Fuse Integration, a technology firm specializing in building network systems primarily for aircraft. With a background as a Navy H-46 helicopter pilot and over a decade of leading Fuse since its founding in 2010, Lee has cultivated a company that thrives on innovation, resilience and a deep connection to the needs of military users. “We have just over 100 people, and nearly 40% of us are veterans,” Lee shares. “I love hiring veterans because of their resiliency, capabilities and knowledge.”Lee’s journey from military service to successful business leadership results from leveraging unique experiences and…
