Author: USVM Editor

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…

Before they filled concert halls, topped the charts or changed the sound of American music, some of the country’s most recognizable musicians wore a very different kind of uniform.From rock and country to jazz, pop and hip-hop, military veterans have helped shape generations of music. Some served before anyone knew their names. Others, like Elvis Presley, stepped away from already successful careers to serve. And for a number of these artists, experiences in the military became an important chapter in the story of who they would eventually become.Elvis Presley: From the King of Rock ’n’ Roll to Army SergeantElvis Presley…

After two decades in the Air Force, Major Thomas Windley understood something many veterans know well: service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It simply takes on a new form.Today, Windley and his wife are helping others heal through their award-winning Elements Massage studio in Greenwood Village, Colorado, where wellness, compassion and community remain at the center of their work.Early in his career, Windley served as an enlisted physical therapy technician stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was later selected to serve as an athletic trainer for the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, a role that…

For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life is complex. For service-disabled veterans, that transition can be even more demanding—physically, mentally and emotionally. Few individuals embody that journey, and the possibility beyond it, as visibly as Noah Galloway.A former Soldier wounded during the Iraq War, Galloway sustained life-altering injuries in 2005, losing his left arm and left leg after an improvised explosive device explosion. His recovery was neither immediate nor straightforward. Like many veterans adjusting to trauma, he experienced periods of isolation and personal struggle after returning home.Rebuilding StrengthWhat distinguishes Galloway’s story is not simply survival, but…

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, offering Americans an opportunity to pause, reflect and remember. The attacks claimed thousands of lives and forever changed the nation, inspiring extraordinary acts of courage, service and sacrifice that continue to shape communities today.For those who witnessed the attacks—and for generations born afterward—Sept. 11 remains a solemn reminder of profound loss, extraordinary courage and the enduring strength of the American spirit. Across New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, first responders and ordinary citizens acted with remarkable selflessness, placing the needs of others above their own. Their actions…

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 veterans, the battle does not end after military service. The transition home can bring sleepless nights, anxiety, depression and the invisible weight of trauma.Army veteran Paul Kim knows those struggles firsthand. After deploying to Iraq with the 506th Infantry following 9/11, he experienced the challenges many veterans face when seeking care. Today, he is working to improve access to behavioral health services through Sensible Care, a behavioral health organization he co-founded in 2017 with fellow veteran and psychiatrist Dr. Paul Chung.Hidden WoundsKim recalls that some of the most difficult moments during his deployment were not caused directly by…

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…

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…

Launching a business is a major accomplishment, but many veteran entrepreneurs quickly discover that success brings a new set of challenges. Once the startup phase is behind them, growth often requires additional capital. Whether it’s hiring employees, purchasing equipment or pursuing larger contracts, expanding a business takes more than determination alone.Understanding your financing options can help transform new opportunities into sustainable growth.Growth SignalsFor many veteran business owners, the transition from startup to growth happens gradually. Revenue becomes more consistent, customers increase and new opportunities begin to outpace available resources. While growth is an encouraging milestone, it can also strain cash…