By David Raymond I didn’t set out to become a business owner (let alone a franchisee), but looking back, every step I’ve taken seems to have led me here.Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of structure at home. I entered foster care at 10 and bounced around for a while. I wasn’t a bad kid, but I had a tough time finding direction. I got good grades but struggled with discipline, and college just wasn’t something we could afford. So, when I turned 18, my options were pretty clear: go to a community college or go into the…
Author: USVM
For U.S. Navy veteran Patrick Eugene Miles, the transition from active duty to civilian life wasn’t without its hurdles. But joining Merck & Co., Inc. in 2017 opened the door to a new kind of service—one rooted in purpose, camaraderie and opportunity.Now an operations specialist at Merck, Miles brings decades of experience from his military career into the pharmaceutical industry, where the company’s commitment to mission-driven work resonated deeply. “A foundational principle at the company is rooted in a quote by George W. Merck, ‘We try never to forget that medicine is for the people. It’s not for the profit.’…
By Paul Peng If you are an owner of a business—regardless of size—you are vested in the ability to have the best available talent at a competitive price point so that your business can remain profitable. That’s why you or perhaps someone who works for you goes through hundreds of resumes and interviews to achieve that goal. Veterans are often touted as the ideal employee for several reasons; however, is that really the case for your business? Let’s dive into the advantages and drawbacks—real or imagined—of having a veteran in your workforce. And for the veterans out there—some advice…
An inside look at Journey to Cabanatuan and the enduring legacy of the 6th Ranger Battalion: By Annie Nelson A Legacy Worth Walking ForSome military operations transcend tactics and strategy. They live on as testaments to valor, brotherhood and sacrifice. One of those stories is the Raid at Cabanatuan—January 1945—when the 6th Ranger Battalion, supported by Filipino guerrillas and Alamo Scouts, rescued over 500 POWs in one of the greatest military operations in American history.Eighty years later, a different kind of mission took place: a journey of remembrance.Retired Command Sergeant Major Mike Burke—Army Ranger, veteran of multiple combat deployments and executive producer—helped…
As a company founded by and for military families, USAA has always been deeply committed to the veteran community. With nearly 25% of its workforce made up of veterans or military spouses, the financial services organization continues to stand out as a Top Veteran Employer—not only for its hiring practices but for its thoughtful approach to transition support and professional development.“At USAA, having employees with military skills and experience is essential to our mission,” said Christopher Flores, Assistant Vice President of Military Talent and Strategic Partnerships. “We serve the military and their families, and we prioritize hiring individuals who have…
For Army veteran and MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University) honors student John Farris, service didn’t end when he left the military. Whether working toward his aerospace degree, training service dogs or helping fellow student veterans, Farris has found ways to carry his dedication to others into every corner of his life.Originally from Columbia, Tennessee, Farris graduated from Columbia Academy at just 17 years old. By the time most people his age entered college, he was completing basic training and preparing to serve as a radio transmitter operator at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. After leaving the Army in 2021, Farris…
Jones Reunites with His Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit 15 Years After the Accident that Changed His Life Forever NEW YORK — August 4, 2025 — FOX Nation has premiered a new special helmed by FOX News contributor, best-selling author and Marine veteran Johnny Joey Jones’ titled “Alive Day: The Reunion,” now available on the platform. Marking 15 years since an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion took both of his legs above the knee and the life of his friend Reserve Engineer Daniel Greer, he is reunited with the men from his Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit to reflect on the challenges they…
In this inspiring episode, Mona Lisa Faris—President and Publisher of U.S. Veterans Magazine—joins podcast host Corey Vickers to talk about receiving the prestigious Oscar Mike Award from the Veterans in Business Network (VIB). She shares what the award means to her personally and professionally, and reflects on her journey advocating for veterans, military spouses, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. With warmth and gratitude, Mona Lisa talks about the importance of amplifying veteran voices, building inclusive opportunities, and staying “Oscar Mike”—military slang for “on the move”—when it comes to making an impact in the veteran community.It’s a heartfelt conversation with a powerhouse…
Maybe this will finally be the year that you step into franchising or start the small business you’ve always dreamed about. Whichever may be the case, starting a business involves significant planning, funding and preparation before you can truly start working for yourself. As you step closer to your entrepreneurial goals, here are some steps you’ll need to take to start your business:Research Your MarketMarket research will tell you if there’s an opportunity to turn your idea into a successful business. It’s a way to gather information about potential customers and businesses already operating in your area and how you…
Hiring veterans is more than just good business—it’s a strategic advantage. Veterans bring a wealth of skills, discipline, leadership, and a team-oriented mindset to the workplace. But if you’re hoping to attract qualified candidates from the military community, it all starts with one key step: the job description.Many employers don’t realize that a few simple tweaks to a job posting can make a big difference in whether or not a veteran sees your opportunity as a good fit. Here’s how to write a job description that speaks directly to veterans—and shows your company is serious about welcoming their talent. Start…
