Entrepreneurship remains a significant pathway for former service members entering civilian careers, with millions of veteran-owned businesses operating across the nation. Military experience often builds leadership and operational focus—qualities that translate well into business ownership. Yet those same strengths can create friction when applied to civilian markets without adjustment. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and veteran-focused business mentors, several recurring challenges emerge among veteran business owners. The encouraging reality is that most can be addressed with early awareness, strategic planning and the right support systems. Adaptive Leadership One of the most common adjustments involves moving from a…
Author: USVM
For military spouses pursuing higher education, institutional support can significantly influence persistence and degree completion. While many colleges promote military tuition discounts, fewer maintain the structured advising systems and dedicated scholarships that address the realities of military life. Two factors consistently stand out: comprehensive military-affiliated student support centers and scholarships designated specifically for military spouses. Across the country, several public and private institutions demonstrate sustained commitments in these areas. Military Support Centers Large public universities often provide strong infrastructure for military-connected students. Dedicated military and veteran resource centers centralize advising, benefits guidance, career services and peer networks—reducing administrative complexity for…
When Liz Meyers talks about the Dogtopia Foundation, she returns to a simple belief: dogs have the power to change lives. That philosophy has shaped Dogtopia since its earliest days as a dog daycare, boarding and spa franchise, and it now serves as the foundation for a nationwide movement supporting veterans, students and adults with autism. At the center of that work is a growing commitment to providing highly trained service dogs to veterans—an effort that has already reached a significant milestone. Community Milestone This year, the Dogtopia Foundation surpassed $5 million raised. For Meyers, the number is more than…
LONG BEACH, Calif., May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — U.S. Veterans Magazine will honor The Queen Mary with its inaugural Service to Our Country Award on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as part of the ship’s 90th anniversary of its maiden voyage, recognizing the historic ocean liner’s legacy supporting U.S. troops and veterans.In a tribute to history, service and national pride, the recognition highlights not only one of the most iconic vessels in modern history, but also its extraordinary and often overlooked role in supporting the United States military—past and present.Originally launched in 1936, The Queen Mary became a vital Allied asset…
This month, the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) celebrates Military Appreciation Month presented by USAA, reaching a milestone of placing 169,000 veterans into high-quality jobs.Now available in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone, the C.O.D.E. Navigator: Tracer Pack was inspired by and created in collaboration with CAPT Chris Cassidy (USN, ret.), a former U.S. Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut. The pack honors his journey from sea to space and includes two Operator Skins, Weapon Blueprints, and more.100% of Activision’s net proceeds will be donated to the Endowment.The Endowment pack includes:• “Argonaut” Operator Skin• “Astronaut” Operator…
On the third Saturday in May each year, Americans observe a moment that is both simple and meaningful: Armed Forces Day. This year’s observance falls on May 16. While it may not carry the long weekend familiarity of Memorial Day or the solemn ceremony of Veterans Day, its purpose is distinct—honoring those who are serving today.For active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserve and their families, Armed Forces Day offers public recognition of a commitment lived daily. It reflects the early mornings, long deployments, relocations, training cycles and quiet sacrifices that rarely make headlines but define military…
Each May, the United States observes National Military Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the service, sacrifice, and resilience of active-duty service members, veterans, military spouses, and their families. Anchored by observances like Memorial Day, this month serves as both a tribute and a reminder of the ongoing support military communities deserve year-round. Beyond ceremonies and recognition events, businesses across the country participate by offering special discounts and promotions—helping military families save on everyday essentials, dining, travel, and more. A Nationwide Thank You National Military Appreciation Month isn’t just symbolic—it’s backed by tangible support from hundreds of companies. From…
As corporations and public-facing organizations confront heightened security threats, the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education has launched a Executive Protection: Private Executive and Corporate Protective Operations certificate program, designed to prepare professionals to protect leaders, communities and critical assets in an increasingly complex risk environment.Recent attacks targeting senior corporate executives, along with increased security concerns across the country, have intensified demand for highly trained executive protection professionals. Organizations nationwide are seeking security leaders capable of anticipating threats, assessing risk and operating effectively in high-visibility, dynamic environments.UC Irvine’s executive protection certificate program was developed by retired U.S. Secret Service special…
There’s something special about a baby shower. It’s a celebration filled with hope, excitement and support as families prepare to welcome a new life into the world. But for military moms, those moments can carry extra meaning — especially during deployments, relocations and the unique challenges that come with military life.That’s why the May 8, 2026, Milestone Baby Shower hosted by H-E-B in partnership with Operation Shower was such a memorable and meaningful event for military families in Texas.Held just ahead of Mother’s Day, the special celebration honored dozens of military moms-to-be, including active-duty service members and spouses of deployed…
Military spouses represent one of the most underutilized talent pools in the U.S. workforce. Recruiters who intentionally include them in hiring strategies can gain a competitive advantage—both in workforce quality and employer brand.According to the DoD, there are more than 578,000 spouses of active-duty service members in the United States. Despite this sizable population of qualified adults, military spouses face persistent employment challenges. The unemployment rate for spouses of active-duty service members has hovered around 21% to 22%, roughly four to five times the national civilian average.These numbers reflect systemic barriers, not a lack of talent. Frequent relocations, difficulty transferring…
