With profound respect, the staff of U.S. Veterans Magazine joins the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) and the broader veteran community in honoring the life and legacy of NVBDC Founder and CEO, Keith King, a trusted partner for over 20 years and a steadfast advocate for veterans.King was a visionary leader whose life’s work was defined by service—both in uniform and beyond it. A decorated Vietnam veteran and a 40-year veteran advocate, he helped countless service members successfully transition from military to civilian life.King founded the NVBDC as the nation’s first credible, corporate-accepted certification program for Service-Disabled and Veteran-Owned…
Author: USVM
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,…
By Dr. LeNaya Hezel, Chief Programs Officer at Warrior-Scholar Project Going to college can be an important step toward transitioning to civilian life and securing a fulfilling career after serving in the military. But navigating the higher education landscape and finding the right fit can be daunting. Choosing a school that matches your interests is one thing, but what if you’re also looking for support as a nontraditional student and seeking other veterans who have been in your shoes? Understanding what to look for and what questions to ask can make all the difference in long-term success.In my work…
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is stepping up to connect military veterans with career mentorship in the sports and fitness sector, thanks to its new VetsEXCEL Career Transition Program. Led by SFIA President and CEO Todd Smith, the initiative bridges the gap between transitioning service members and an industry with such strong alignment to the core values of the military community.Smith, who took the helm of SFIA in October 2024, brings decades of experience across athletics, professional sports and business leadership. A lifelong athlete, he walked onto the volleyball team at UCLA before earning a master’s degree in…
By Mona Lisa Faris, President & Publisher, U.S. Veterans Magazine Trying to reach veterans? The biggest platform right now isn’t a base or a community center—it’s TikTok. With over 19 million veterans, service members and their families active on the app, TikTok has become a thriving digital hub for the military community. This year alone, military and veteran content has drawn more than 42 billion views—proving it’s far more than just entertainment. It’s a space for connection, storytelling and purpose.At the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) in Atlanta, TikTok’s presence was impossible to miss. The platform’s booth buzzed with creators, nonprofits and…
When Jocko Willink speaks, people listen. Maybe it’s the gravel in his voice, or the unmistakable authority of someone who has lived every word he says. A retired U.S. Navy SEAL commander, leadership instructor, best-selling author and podcast host, Willink has become one of the most respected voices in America on discipline, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. This winter that voice will reach an even wider audience as his best-selling book, Way of the Warrior Kid comes to life on screen.The upcoming film, produced by Skydance Media and Apple Studios, stars Chris Pratt as Uncle Jake, the Navy SEAL…
Nate Boyer has never been one to take the easy road. A former Green Beret who later suited up for the NFL, Boyer has built his life around challenge, resilience and purpose. Today, as a filmmaker, entrepreneur and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players (MVP), he continues that mission—helping veterans and athletes navigate life after their uniforms are retired. His path, unconventional at every turn, is what makes him the perfect fit for the cover of our inaugural Veterans in Sports issue.Boyer’s story begins not with football or film, but with a sense of duty. After volunteering in Darfur, he…
By Nick Lambie Aside from combat and serving on the front lines, one of the biggest challenges many military members face is the transition from active service to civilian life. For me, moving from my role as an Air Force Master Sergeant to becoming a business owner was a journey that required me to lean on the values and skills I developed in uniform.I come from a long line of veterans in my family. During my time in service, I worked as a Command & Control Battlefield Management Operator and Surveillance Technician, coordinating airborne aircraft missions and supporting operations…
When Captain Johnny Nilsen, pictured above 2nd from left, retired from the U.S. Navy after 29 years, he didn’t step away from service—he just changed uniforms. Now in his third season as Military Affairs Advisor for the San Diego Padres, Nilsen channels his decades of military leadership into one of Major League Baseball’s most ambitious and authentic military outreach programs. A lifelong baseball fan raised in a sports-obsessed family, Nilsen’s journey from Navy JAG to the Padres front office is a testament to how veterans can thrive in unexpected arenas.As the fourth retired Naval Officer to hold the role, Nilsen…
