Author: USVM Editor

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…

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…

Whether taking a break or visiting family, veterans can stretch their travel budgets thanks to hotel discounts offered by major lodging brands. From Hilton to Hyatt, many companies continue to recognize military service through discounted leisure rates designed specifically for veterans, retirees and their families. Many national and international hotel groups maintain “military” or “government/military” rate categories. These rates require proof of eligibility at check-in—such as a valid military ID, a veteran ID card or a DD214—and may apply to both leisure travel and official duty stays. IHG, which includes Holiday Inn and InterContinental among its 20 brands, offers a…

At U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM), our mission has always been rooted in service—service to veterans, military families, transitioning service members, and the organizations committed to supporting them. As we continue into 2026, we are proud to recognize the companies, institutions, and community partners who stand with us in empowering those who have served our nation. Their support not only strengthens our magazine, but also helps create life-changing opportunities across careers, education, business, wellness, and family life for the veteran community. To celebrate these partners, we are excited to introduce the USVM Sponsor Wall, a new digital showcase highlighting the employers,…

For service members, veterans and military families, navigating benefits, trusted services and available opportunities can often feel fragmented. Programs exist across government agencies, nonprofit organizations and private companies, but they are not always easy to locate—or verify.Military Connect was created to simplify that experience by bringing these opportunities together in a unified digital ecosystem designed specifically for the military community.At its core, Military Connect serves as a centralized platform where verified members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families can access meaningful benefits, resources and exclusive programs from trusted brands and organizations. The goal is to create a…

In a powerful and emotional segment of last night’s State of the Union address, President Donald Trump paused his speech to honor two extraordinary American veterans with the Medal of Honor, the highest award for bravery in military service.The first recipient, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Eric Slover, was recognized for his courage during a high-risk U.S. military operation earlier this year. Despite being seriously wounded when his helicopter came under heavy fire, Slover continued to lead and complete his mission — actions that earned him this prestigious recognition in front of a standing ovation from lawmakers and guests.WASHINGTON, DC -…

When service members transition out of the military, many are eager to find a new mission—one that still allows them to serve their country. For thousands of veterans, that next chapter begins within the federal government. Whether it’s at the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Treasury or the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans continue to play a critical role in shaping national policy, safeguarding public interests and supporting their fellow Americans.Natural FitAccording to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), veterans make up nearly 31% of the federal civilian workforce, with more than 635,000 veterans currently serving across agencies.…

When Air Force veteran Jim Dolan first launched a kayak with a few wounded service members on a quiet Texas lake in 2007, he wasn’t starting a movement—at least not intentionally. He and a handful of fellow kayak fishing enthusiasts simply wanted to give back to the military community they loved. Yet that day at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio sparked something far larger: a nationwide effort that would eventually reach more than 85,000 veterans, first responders and family members.Their vision evolved into Heroes on the Water (HOW), a nonprofit built around three simple words: Paddle. Fish. Heal.…

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…