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…
Author: USVM
For veterans pursuing education in 2026, a four-year degree is no longer the only—or always the most practical—path forward. Certificate programs, industry-recognized credentials and microcredentials have become increasingly visible across higher education and workforce training. For veterans balancing employment, family responsibilities or health considerations, these shorter programs offer a focused, measurable way to translate learning into civilian opportunities.Rather than replacing traditional degrees, certificates and microcredentials expand the range of options available to student veterans navigating post-service transitions.Focused SkillsCertificate and microcredential programs are designed to deliver specific, job-aligned skills in a condensed timeframe. Many can be completed in months rather than…
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…
Military life is defined by movement. Servicemembers are transferred to new bases every few years, deployment cycles disrupt routines, and spouses often juggle parenting, employment and relocation with little warning.These shifts can make a traditional campus education all but impossible. Yet the stories of students at American Military University (AMU) show that mobility can be an asset, not a barrier. By harnessing flexible online programs and supportive faculty, military spouses and families are turning life on the move into an opportunity to learn and grow.Finding a Path That Moves With YouOne of the most striking examples comes from Chanda Chann,…
For many military spouses, building a traditional career path is a persistent challenge. Frequent relocations, uneven state licensing requirements and disrupted professional networks often derail employment just as momentum begins to build. In response, a growing number of spouses are turning to entrepreneurship—not as a trend, but as a pragmatic adaptation to the realities of military life.Unlike conventional employment, self-employment offers portability. A business that can operate remotely or move across state lines allows spouses to maintain income and professional identity through permanent change-of-station moves, deployments and transitions. For families managing the unpredictability of service life, that flexibility can be…
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,…
As service members prepare to transition from military service to civilian careers, large employers play an increasingly influential role in shaping post-service opportunities. Amazon has positioned itself as one of the most visible corporate partners supporting the veteran community through structured fellowships, training programs and long-term career development pathways.Through initiatives such as its Military Fellowship and participation in the DoD’s SkillBridge program, Amazon connects military experience with roles across technology, logistics, operations and leadership functions throughout its global workforce.Hiring CommitmentAmazon employs tens of thousands of veterans and military spouses across its businesses. In 2021, the company publicly committed to hiring…
If you’re a veteran with dreams of running your own business, you’ve already proven you have the discipline, dedication, and leadership skills to succeed. But let’s be real—getting the right funding to kickstart or expand your business can feel like navigating a minefield. Luckily, there are plenty of loan options out there tailored just for veterans, and we’re here to help you figure out how to secure the financing you need.Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of business loans, let’s acknowledge one simple fact: veterans are naturally built for business. The same qualities that help service members thrive—problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork—are…
