Author: USVM Editor

Capitol Technology University, located in Laurel, Maryland, has a legacy rooted in service to veterans and a mission focused on preparing students for careers in STEM. Under the leadership of President Dr. Brad Sims, the university continues to evolve while staying committed to its specialized, career-focused education.Founded in 1927 as a radio technology training program for veterans, Capitol Tech has grown into a comprehensive institution offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees exclusively in STEM disciplines. Dr. Sims, with a background in construction project management and higher education leadership, has helped guide the university’s transformation and expansion in emerging technology fields.Serving…

When veterans transition to higher education, they leave behind a structured environment that emphasizes discipline, adherence and teamwork. This shift evokes a mix of excitement and uncertainty as veterans adjust to new expectations and challenges. Despite their discipline, leadership and resilience, veterans often struggle to find a sense of purpose and build social connections outside the military.In the military, daily life follows clear expectations, whereas civilian life requires self-direction. This transition compels veterans to redefine their identity and navigate unfamiliar social and academic landscapes. They also face a fundamental shift in their routines, as they must manage schedules independently. These…

FOX News Books will release its 17th title “The Miracles Among Us: How God’s Grace Plays a Role in Healing,” by FOX News senior medical analyst and practicing physician Dr. Marc Siegel on November 18th. Drawing on decades of medical experience and his personal faith, Dr. Siegel examines the profound and often mysterious ways in which miracles intersect with modern medicine.In commenting on the release, Dr. Siegel said, “My hope in ‘The Miracles Among Us’ is to remind readers that God’s love has the capacity to surprise us even in our darkest moments. While doctors can see scientific explanations in…

Black Friday is nearly here again, and shoppers are gearing up for one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. This year, Black Friday falls on November 28, followed by Cyber Monday on December 1. Once seen as a single day of post-Thanksgiving sales, Black Friday has transformed into a month-long retail phenomenon. With many brands launching deals as early as the first week of November, preparation is more important than ever.What to Expect This YearBlack Friday is best known for tech and electronics deals, and 2025 should be no different. Televisions, laptops and gaming consoles are expected to…

By Dawn Smith     As the possibility of retirement inches closer for our Army family, I’ve been looking for helpful transition resources. The good news is that there are many useful guides and articles on Military OneSource and connected government websites to help your service member begin the process.However, I didn’t realize transition resources are available specifically for military spouses through MySTeP. The program is all-inclusive; packed with videos, articles, checklists and guidance for just about any transition and separation topic, from career and education to survivor benefits and financial counseling, plus so much more.3 Parts to the MySTeP ProgramMySTeP…

In an era where the tech industry is racing forward, Chris Cortez, pictured above, is ensuring America’s veterans aren’t left behind. A retired Marine Corps Major General with 33 years of service and nearly two decades at Microsoft, Cortez now leads the tech giant’s Military Affairs team—helping pivot military skills into high-demand tech careers.Since 2014, Cortez has been at the helm of the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA). This 17-week intensive training program equips transitioning service members, veterans, reservists and National Guard members with the technical skills needed for civilian employment in tech. What began as a pilot program…

Brandon Villanueva isn’t someone who waits around for things to happen. At 20, he walked into an Army recruitment office with a stack of documents and a challenge: “I want to join. I can pass the PT and ASVAB right now if you’d like.” That same can-do spirit has carried him through more than seven years of active-duty service, a transition to civilian life, and a bachelor’s degree from American Military University (AMU).Today, Brandon is the Deputy Special Security Officer for a Naval unit in Virginia Beach, where he lives with his wife and their two dogs. He’s also a…

By John Register, CSP, CPAE     High performance demands high recovery.It’s a truth I learned not just through theory but also through sweat, sacrifice and some serious setbacks. As a track athlete training for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, I quickly learned that it wasn’t the hardest workouts that made me great—it was how well I recovered from them.Our coaches built this into our training cycle. We called it periodization—three weeks of intense “loading” followed by one week of “offloading.” That lighter week wasn’t optional. It was strategic. Because if you couldn’t recover, you couldn’t train at full capacity. And…

For many veterans, the transition from military life to the civilian workforce is a road filled with uncertainty. At Melton Truck Lines, that road is paved with opportunity, support and purpose. Recognized as a Top Veteran-Friendly Employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine, Melton is not just talking the talk—it is walking the walk.David Harper, a Marine Corps veteran and the company’s Military Program Supervisor, is at the heart of Melton’s efforts. “I was in the Marine Corps for 10 years,” Harper shared. “When I transitioned out, I didn’t know where my skill set would fit. But I found my way into…

By CPT(R) Kevin Byrne      Sunshine stretched across “The Plain,” the 12-acre parade field at West Point, on May 2, 1993. I was a cadet, graduating later that month to begin my career as an Army Aviation officer. While warming up for a run, I noticed members of a tour group gathered around Brigadier General Robert Foley, our Commandant and a Medal of Honor recipient, having earned the award while commanding a rifle company during a fierce battle near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, in 1966. He was telling them about American Soldiers’ tenacity throughout history. General Foley…