In the ever-evolving landscape of franchise opportunities, Dream Vacations stands out not only for its commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences but also for its dedication to supporting veterans and military families. Drew Daly, the general manager and senior vice president of Dream Vacations, is at the helm of this dynamic organization. With nearly three decades of experience, Daly has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s franchise division and ensuring its success.Empowering Veterans & Military FamiliesDream Vacations has established itself as a strong supporter of veterans and military families, offering a franchise model that resonates with their unique…
Author: USVM
Active-duty service members will have a new benefit in 2025: health care flexible spending accounts. The DoD will make health care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) available to servicemembers for the first time in March 2025 through a special enrollment period, allowing participating military families to set aside up to $3,200 in pretax earnings to pay for qualified medical expenses.The Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA) affirmed that MOAA and the Military Coalition (TMC), an umbrella group which represents about 5.5 million members of the uniformed services community, have long promoted authorization of these FSAs, which are similar to employment benefits…
As we enter the new year, the job market is shifting with significant opportunities in health care, technology, sustainability and finance. Here’s a snapshot of some of the highest-paying careers expected to thrive in the coming year:Artificial Intelligence & Machine LearningThe demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning experts is skyrocketing as industries incorporate AI in areas like health care, finance and autonomous vehicles. These roles are foundational in tech, with potential for growth across industries as AI integration increases.AI engineers, who design the algorithms powering these innovations, earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, with senior roles often surpassing…
The extent to which 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh had found herself in uncharted military territory became clear at a NASCAR event in February, where her dual-hat duties required her to execute quick changes between her Air Force combat utility uniform and full pageant regalia.Her schedule had her meeting the Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team and then a collection of military generals before shifting to a more conventional Miss America crowd-greeting public appearance at the race.Military Times reports that Marsh, 23, who will complete her year as the first active-duty Miss America in January, realized a level-setting conversation was in order…
For job seekers, honesty is one of the most critical traits that a manager can have in the workplace. In a study done by the Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll, 96% of job seekers said that honesty was important when it came to new managers, while 36% believe that open communication is absolutely essential.But honesty isn’t just something that makes employees happy—it is statistically shown to increase morale, productivity and business success.Impact by the NumbersExpress Professionals reports that American hiring managers agree that honesty plays a vital role in the workplace. More than half (58%) believe employee morale and productivity increases…
The Military Spouse Transition Program (MySTeP) is made for YOU – a military spouse – to support and encourage you throughout your service member’s time in the military. MySTeP will help you plan, prepare and be ready for the life your family wants after transitioning out of the military, whenever that time comes. The information, tools and programs highlighted in MySTeP will connect you with the right resources at the right time to help you successfully navigate military life at every stage of your service member’s career.Where do I Start?Start with Stepping In as you begin your journey as a…
By Capt. Sara Berner Army Capt. Chris Flournoy and Staff Sgt. Michael Holloway, both innovators from the 3rd Infantry Division’s Marne Innovation Center, were selected as champions of Dragon’s Lair 9 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hosted by the Department of Defense, Dragon’s Lair is an innovation competition that encourages service members to create new technology and solutions for military-specific issues.During the event, which served as the ninth iteration of the Department of Defense’s premier innovation competition, eight finalists—comprised of individuals and teams from different military branches—presented their creations to a panel of military leaders and industry experts. Each finalist was allotted…
As AI continues revolutionizing industries, some universities are leading the charge in AI education and research. These institutions offer world-class programs, innovative research centers and industry connections, making them top choices for students interested in AI. Here are the universities with top AI programs:Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)Location: Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaVeterans: https://www.cmu.edu/hub/registrar/veterans-benefits/ Carnegie Mellon University is widely regarded as a premier institution for AI, largely due to its exceptional School of Computer Science, home to some of the leading experts in the field. CMU is known for its interdisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration between different departments to give students a well-rounded understanding of AI’s…
By Natalie RodgersIt is imperative for every industry professional to stay on top of the latest trends, movements and topics surrounding their work. This can be especially true for the construction world, which is constantly evolving and consistently creating new job opportunities.This year, numerous construction-based conferences will be available online and in-person to educate construction professionals on safety protocols, emerging technologies and niche expertise. These conferences can also be a fantastic opportunity to network with some of the industry’s leading professionals and corporations and establish partnerships. Here are some of the top construction conferences you should consider attending:World of ConcreteWorld…
By Annie Nelson Country music superstar John Rich has red, white and blue flowing through his veins, which he credits to his family heritage of veterans. You can see his respect and loyalty to the veteran/military community through his music, businesses and life. I had the opportunity to do a Q&A with Rich and thought our readers would enjoy it! Be sure to check out his two hits, “The Man” and “Revelation” now. Were you taught about patriotism at a young age? At that point, I was mainly around grandparents—grandfathers who had both fought in WWII. One served in the…
