Author: USVM Editor

Anyone who has traveled through a busy airport knows that getting through security can sometimes be one of the most stressful parts of the trip. For veterans, service members and military families, a growing TSA initiative is designed to make that experience a little easier.The Transportation Security Administration now provides dedicated military security lanes or front-of-the-line service at more than 30 airports across the United States, with recent reporting putting the number at 34. The benefit extends beyond active-duty service members to include veterans and their families.It’s part of TSA’s broader effort to recognize the military community and improve the…

Good news is on the way for millions of disabled veterans and military retirees! Monthly benefit payments are set to increase by 3.6% in 2027, providing some welcome financial relief as Americans continue to deal with rising costs for groceries, housing, health care and everyday essentials.The Social Security Administration officially announced the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) on October 14, 2026. The increase is higher than the 2.8% adjustment in 2026 and represents the largest COLA in four years.While any increase is welcome news, what does this mean for veterans, military retirees and their families? Let’s take a closer look.How Much…

Veteran-owned businesses (VOBs) have significant potential in the federal marketplace. The U.S. government is the world’s largest buyer of goods and services, spending hundreds of billions of dollars each year. A portion of that spending is set aside for small businesses, including those owned by veterans. For entrepreneurs with military backgrounds, government contracting can provide a stable and scalable revenue stream.Why CompeteFederal agencies are required to meet small business contracting goals, including awarding at least 3% of contracts to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. This represents billions of dollars in annual opportunities, but…

For military families, one of the most important milestones isn’t just high school or college graduation—it’s when a child’s TRICARE health coverage ends. As young adults transition to independence, understanding how TRICARE works when students age out of dependent coverage is essential to avoid gaps in health care and make informed decisions about next steps.Coverage LimitsUnder current TRICARE rules, dependent children of service members and retirees remain eligible for regular TRICARE coverage until their 21st birthday. Children who are enrolled full-time at an approved institution of higher education may continue coverage until their 23rd birthday or graduation, whichever comes first.…

The transition from military to everyday life is often more disorienting than many people will admit. I know because I’ve lived it. Coming from a structured life with military norms, values and language into civilian life is hard.Sure, you’re trained, experienced and disciplined. But you’re now out of structure and out of mission. It can be overwhelming. You’re not alone. According to Laguna Treatment Center, up to 44% of veterans report having difficulties transitioning from military life.You’re not struggling because you don’t have what it takes. You’re struggling because you don’t yet have a framework to repurpose the transition. Take…

Stephanie Rose is no stranger to a flight deck. After logging more than 2,500 hours in the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft during her 22-year career in the Air Force, she now serves as a manager for Boeing’s AWACS program in Oklahoma City.Rose is one of more than 18,000 veterans across Boeing’s U.S. workforce supporting commercial aviation, defense platforms and aerospace innovation.Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, especially when translating military experience into a corporate environment. Research from the Syracuse University D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families shows that many veterans leave their first…

By Neil Brooks, real estate agent and NewDay USA spokesperson For generations, the VA home loan has been one of the most valuable benefits available to veterans and military families, designed to make homeownership more affordable and provide a path to building generational wealth.NewDay USA’s 2026 Military Homebuyer Readiness Survey, a study of more than 1,200 veterans and active-duty service members, shows just how well the benefit works when veterans use it. Among those who have used a VA home loan, 98% say they’re satisfied with the experience, and 47% say they wouldn’t have been able to buy a home without…

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…

Every Veterans Day, communities across the country come together for one important purpose: to recognize and thank the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, Veterans Day falls on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, and celebrations are taking on added significance as the nation commemorates America’s 250th anniversary.From solemn ceremonies and wreath-layings to colorful parades, concerts and family celebrations, there are plenty of opportunities to honor our nation’s veterans.Here are some of the notable events already planned for Veterans Day 2026.A National Tribute at Arlington National CemeteryOne of the nation’s most meaningful Veterans Day traditions…

At U.S. Veterans Magazine, we believe that principled leadership and inclusive practices are essential for long-term business success. Companies and institutions that intentionally cultivate supportive environments—where veterans and other talented individuals can grow—are not only doing what’s right, but they’re also setting themselves up to thrive.According to recent findings from Ethisphere, organizations with strong ethical cultures outperform competitors by 7.1%. A separate study by i-Sight revealed that companies recognized for fostering inclusive, veteran-ready workplaces earned more than twice the profits of their peers.Each year, our Top Veteran recognition lists spotlight the employers, educational institutions and government agencies that go above…