Sam Elliott’s voice is instantly recognizable—deep, rich and steeped in the history of the American West. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has embodied the rugged, principled cowboy and the battle-hardened Soldier, giving life to characters that have shaped the way audiences view heroism. But beyond the silver screen, Elliott’s dedication to honoring military service members is more than just a role—it’s a mission.Born Aug. 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California, Elliott grew up with a deep respect for the armed forces. After moving to Oregon as a teenager, he developed a passion for acting and studied theater…
Author: USVM
By Paul Peng The United States Constitution is perhaps modern history’s oldest continuously operating sovereign contract. Signed in 1787 and enacted in 1789, this contract has been the foundation of our democracy for well over two centuries. It firmly establishes—in writing—the agreement made between a nation and its people. Yet despite this, a great many Americans know very little of this foundational document.If you were to ask your friends, co-workers, family or neighbors, how many do you think would confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day (or vice versa)? How many would know what is said in our Constitution? Or what…
In a significant move aimed at addressing veteran homelessness, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on May 9, 2025, to establish the National Center for Warrior Independence on the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs (VA) campus. This initiative seeks to revitalize a historic site and provide comprehensive support to homeless veterans.Reviving a Historic CommitmentThe West LA VA campus, originally donated over a century ago with the intent to serve disabled veterans, has seen parts of its land leased to private entities over the years. The new executive order mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to redirect the campus’s focus…
For many, higher education is a transformative journey, a way to better oneself and an opportunity for personal growth. For some, the path to educational success is shared with loved ones, bringing unique challenges and the opportunity to overcome them together.Jake and Cassie Kruskie are both military veterans and an excellent example of how pursuing higher education as a couple can contribute to academic success. The Kruskies are setting the standard for achieving educational goals as they both work towards earning their master’s degrees at American Military University (AMU).A Foundation Built on ServiceCassie and Jake both come from military families with deep roots…
By Mona Lisa Faris As the publisher of U.S. Veterans Magazine and a passionate advocate for veterans’ success, I have spent years understanding the unique skills and strengths that military veterans bring to the civilian workforce. One industry where veterans are particularly well-suited is the sports and fitness industry. Their military experience often translates seamlessly into the demanding and fast-paced nature of sports, providing them with valuable skills like leadership, teamwork, discipline, adaptability, a strong work ethic and the ability to handle high-pressure situations. Additionally, the camaraderie and community aspect of sports can be especially beneficial for veterans transitioning back…
Transitioning from military service to academic life presents unique challenges for veterans. The structured environment of the military contrasts sharply with the self-directed nature of college, but with the right strategies, veterans can excel in higher education. From leveraging military-earned skills to finding the right support systems, here are key ways to succeed in college as a veteran:Veteran ResourcesMany colleges and universities offer dedicated support programs for veterans. Veteran resource centers provide guidance on financial aid, academic advising and career services tailored to military experience. The Student Veterans of America (SVA) organization also has chapters across campuses, offering peer support…
National University (NU)—a nonprofit, veteran-founded institution serving over 50,000 nontraditional, working, and military students annually through its degree programs and 80,000 more through its workforce and professional programs—today announced the launch of a “co-learning” center designed to provide comprehensive support services for the hard-working students balancing complex career, education and family responsibilities pursuing their education. Called the Nest—an homage to “Navi,” the university’s peregrine falcon mascot—the inaugural location will open on May 9th at National University’s main campus in San Diego, with a second location set to launch this year in Escondido. “The typical student today is an ANDer: a learner…
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today released survey results highlighting the benefits of video games for U.S. veterans, with 77% of veterans saying they believe video games have a positive impact on their lives. The vast majority of respondents indicated that video game play provides a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety (86%), helps them cope with difficult times (81%), offers a valuable means of staying connected with others (77%) and that video game communities have a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being (74%).Similarly, when asked to reflect on their time in the service, they indicated that playing…
In today’s job market, creating a resume is not just about impressing hiring managers; it’s also about passing the initial screening process conducted by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI-driven tools. These systems are designed to streamline recruitment by filtering out resumes that don’t meet specific criteria, making it essential for job seekers to optimize their resumes for human and machine readers. Here are practical tips to ensure your resume doesn’t get discarded by these automated systems.Standard FormattingATS tools can struggle with overly creative designs. While it’s tempting to stand out with elaborate layouts, unconventional fonts and graphics, these elements…
You already have the mindset. Now let’s plug those skills into some of the highest-paying civilian roles out there.🧠 Leadership & StrategyWhat you did: Led troops, managed missions, handled chaos without blinking.Civilian gold mine:Corporate Executive (CEO, COO) — Leadership translates directly into running businesses.Project Manager — Big money in construction, tech, defense contracting.Translation: You already know how to organize people, manage pressure, and deliver results. Civilians pay BIG for that.🎯 Tactical Operations & Risk ManagementWhat you did: Mission planning, threat assessments, operational execution.Civilian gold mine:Financial Analyst / Investment Banker — Strategy under pressure? That’s Wall Street’s playground.Operations Manager — Logistics,…
