Author: USVM Editor

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…

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…

In all honesty, becoming a certified veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprise (VOBE/SDVOBE) is no walk in the park. There is documentation to submit and research to be completed. The process can seem overwhelming to any business owner; however, earning this certification can be immensely helpful to your business. If you have been considering certification but want to be prepared, here are some things you should know before taking the leap: Certification Opens Doors Becoming a certified business owner is more than just a label; it’s one of the best ways to grow your business. As a VOBE or an…

Opened in 2017, the Education & Outreach Center brings civilians and defenders together. Through speaking series, workshops, and summits,  hosted events focus on character building exercises and educating communities about the importance of service over self.Bridging the GapWith less than 1% of our population in the armed services today, and all serving on a volunteer basis, our military and civilian communities rarely interact. This facility provides a casual, communal environment to bring these two worlds together for constructive dialogues and inspiring events.Raising AwarenessA service member’s successful transition to civilian life starts with a welcoming community. Our forthcoming multimedia exhibit and…

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,…

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…

Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce can be both exciting and challenging—whether you’re 25 or 55. One of the biggest hurdles veterans often face is mastering the job interview. It’s a different kind of mission, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can absolutely nail it. Here are some practical and conversational tips to help veterans of all ages succeed in their next job interview: Translate Your Military Experience You’ve done some amazing things in uniform—but civilian employers might not understand terms like “MOS,” “TDY,” or “squad leader.” Before the interview, take time to translate your experience…

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel daunting. Many veterans wonder how to translate their leadership, discipline, and specialized skills into a new career. The experiences of American Military (AMU) students show that education can be the bridge between service and civilian success. By choosing programs tailored to military needs and drawing on a supportive community, veterans are forging new paths that honor their service and expand their horizons.Finding Purpose and CommunityFor Thyshown Esperience, a Marine Corps veteran turned deputy sheriff, the pivotal moment was discovering a program that connected his diverse experiences “from military to civilian into…

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…