Last November, U.S. Veterans Magazine introduced readers to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) VetsEXCEL Career Transition Program—an initiative designed to connect transitioning service members with career opportunities in the sports and fitness industry. At the time, SFIA President and CEO Todd Smith pointed to a clear opportunity: aligning an industry in need of talent with a community rich in leadership, accountability and operational expertise.Now, as the inaugural cohort progresses, that vision is taking shape through real experiences, meaningful relationships and early outcomes. The VetsEXCEL pilot program—built around a small cohort of veterans paired with industry mentors—offers individualized guidance,…
Author: USVM
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,…
After more than three decades of military service, Major General (Ret.) Matt Smith has built a career defined not by rank, but by relationships. Today, as the Executive Director of Veterans Initiatives at Emory University, he applies the leadership principles he refined in high-stakes environments to help veterans navigate one of the most complex transitions of their lives: moving from military service to civilian careers.Smith’s 32-year career in the Army and Army National Guard placed him in roles requiring coordination across agencies, teams and missions. In his final assignment, he led Joint Task Force North, aligning efforts across 18 federal…
Cyber threats continue to evolve, and small businesses are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs. While many owners assume cybercriminals only target large corporations, smaller organizations are often attractive because they may have fewer security measures in place.The good news is that protecting your business doesn’t require a large IT department. Building strong cybersecurity habits and making security part of your daily operations can significantly reduce your risk and help safeguard your data, finances and customer trust.Build a Security-First CultureTechnology plays an important role in cybersecurity, but people remain your first line of defense.Provide employees with regular training on topics…
Mental health isn’t something we think about only when life feels overwhelming. It’s built through the choices we make every day—from how we fuel our bodies and manage stress to the quality of our sleep and the relationships we maintain. While no single habit is a cure-all, small, consistent actions can improve your overall well-being and help you better navigate life’s challenges.Whether you’re transitioning from military service, balancing work and family responsibilities or simply trying to create healthier routines, these everyday habits can support both your mental and physical well-being.Fuel Your BodyWhat you eat affects far more than your physical…
For more than 75 years, Mid-Hudson Works has remained committed to a singular mission: restoring dignity, purpose and financial independence through meaningful work. Based in Poughkeepsie, New York, the nonprofit was founded in the late 1940s to support Soldiers returning from World War II—individuals navigating the difficult transition back into civilian life. Today, that mission continues, serving veterans, individuals with disabilities and those facing economic hardship with the same unwavering focus.What began as a response to one generation’s need has evolved into a powerful workforce development model—one that remains highly relevant in today’s economic climate.Real WorkAt the heart of Mid-Hudson…
FOX Nation has tapped former Navy SEAL sniper and #1 New York Times bestselling author Jack Carr to host an all-new investigative docuseries, Jack Carr Investigates: Carlos the Jackal, premiering June 29th, announced Lauren Petterson, president of the platform. Across three episodes, Carr explores the life of Carlos the Jackal, the notorious terrorist who evaded capture for decades while orchestrating some of the most infamous attacks of the twentieth century. Featuring access to the only known recorded interview with Carlos himself, the series offers a rare look inside the mind of one of history’s most wanted men. In making the announcement,…
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…
When Congress passed the original Servicemen’s Readjustment Act in 1944—better known as the GI Bill—it reshaped the American workforce by giving millions of veterans access to education and economic opportunity. Eight decades later, the bill’s modern version continues to serve as one of the most powerful tools for veterans to gain skills, degrees and credentials that align with the evolving demands of the U.S. economy.The GI BillIn 2026, the labor market is being defined by rapid technological innovation, a nationwide clean energy transition and the growth of hybrid work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that fields such…
Some of America’s most influential companies were built by leaders whose first mission began in military service.As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, this spotlight recognizes 20 notable businesses founded by U.S. military veterans—entrepreneurs who transformed military experience into lasting success in the private sector.Veteran founders have long played a significant role in shaping the American economy. Trained to lead under pressure, solve complex problems and adapt quickly in unpredictable environments, many veterans bring a mission-focused mindset that translates naturally into entrepreneurship and business leadership.The companies featured here span industries ranging from technology and finance to retail, transportation and hospitality.…
