Following the 9/11 attacks, Eli Crane answered the call to serve by enlisting in the Navy, where he became a member of SEAL Team 3. Over 13 years of service, he completed five wartime deployments—three to Iraq—dedicating himself to defending America’s freedom, way of life and Constitution.After transitioning to civilian life in 2014, Crane and his wife, Jen, founded Bottle Breacher, a U.S.-based company that created patriotic-themed bottle openers crafted from once-fired, decommissioned .50 caliber ammunition. Their business was featured on Shark Tank, securing investments from Kevin O’Leary and Mark Cuban. As the company flourished, they expanded their product line…
Author: USVM
For many military veterans, transitioning from active duty to civilian employment can be challenging yet exciting. One of the most significant adjustments is navigating a work environment that places a premium on work-life balance. In the military, long hours, frequent relocations and high-intensity situations often leave little room for personal time. However, in civilian life, the emphasis on work-life balance can be a refreshing change, albeit one that requires some adaptation.For veterans, achieving work-life balance is about finding time for rest, adjusting to a new pace and setting boundaries. Here are some key strategies to help veterans transition to a…
Scott Wuestner’s path to entrepreneurship is a story of discipline, leadership and an unwavering commitment to safety. As the Founder and CEO of Centurion Construction Management Solutions (C2MS), he has brought his extensive military experience to the construction industry, creating innovative safety solutions that are transforming the way companies protect their workerA Distinguished Military CareerBefore stepping into the world of construction management, Wuestner served 28 years in the Army, retiring as a Colonel. His service included assignments in the 2d Ranger Battalion, 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force) and the 82d Airborne Division. He also commanded a battalion in Iraq for 16…
Big news for veterans in 2025: the GI Bill has seen significant updates aimed at expanding access and increasing support for education and career advancement. Whether you’re planning to return to school, start a new career, or continue your training, here’s a breakdown of the key changes you should be aware of.Expanded Eligibility: Up to 48 Months of BenefitsThanks to the 2024 Supreme Court decision in Rudisill v. McDonough, veterans who have served multiple qualifying periods of active duty can now combine benefits from both the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This change increases the maximum…
Veterans bring unique knowledge, skills and life experiences that can significantly contribute to the success of companies. With their leadership abilities and adaptive behavior, veterans are well-equipped to excel in professional settings. To fully harness their potential, managers and recruiters must take deliberate steps to attract, hire and retain veteran employees. Here are some strategies businesses should implement to integrate veterans into their workforce effectively:Recognizing TalentVeterans possess distinctive abilities cultivated during their military service. Their experience in disciplined environments and problem-solving under high-pressure conditions equips them to handle complex challenges. Additionally, veterans’ exposure to diverse teams and multifaceted roles makes…
Update: The United States Army marked a major milestone—its 250th birthday—with a grand parade in the heart of Washington, D.C. on June 14th, 2025. This historic celebration honored two and a half centuries of bravery, sacrifice, and service to the nation. The 250th Army Birthday parade, coinciding with President Trumps 79th birthday, showcased a powerful display of patriotism, tradition, fireworks and military excellence, bringing together veterans, active-duty soldiers, families, and the American public for a once-in-a-generation event.A Legacy Forged in BattleThe U.S. Army was founded on June 14, 1775, when the Continental Congress established the Continental Army to fight for…
By John Register For Roberts & Ryan, a veteran-owned broker-dealer, honoring veterans isn’t confined to one day on the calendar. It’s embedded in their business model, shaping their mission to provide world-class financial services while giving back to those who have served.Roberts & Ryan was founded by Dan Roberts, a U.S. Marine Vietnam War veteran in 1987 and recapitalized by Navy veterans Brian Rathjen and Ed D’Alessandro in 2018. Roberts & Ryan operates with a distinct purpose: to channel a percentage of every transaction toward veteran-focused organizations. Since 2018, the firm has donated over $2.4 million, supporting over 1,000…
As the nation’s first line of defense against crises, first responders—firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency management personnel—are often tasked with high-stakes decision-making in life-or-death situations. For many veterans, transitioning from military service to these critical roles is a natural progression, leveraging the skills they honed in the armed forces to protect and serve their communities.Veterans are increasingly joining the ranks of fire departments, EMS teams and emergency management agencies, where their unique training and experiences provide invaluable benefits. The skills learned during military service—such as leadership, teamwork, discipline and crisis management—translate seamlessly into first responder positions.First Responder RolesThe…
This July 4th, enjoy special appreciation with free park entries. Spending the holiday at a Zoo or water park with family and friends is a great way to celebrate America’s birthday. Check out this list of amusement parks and attractions offering discounts this upcoming holiday.Blue Star Museums — Free admission for active-duty military and their families from Armed Forces Day (May 17) through Labor Day (Sept 1).Busch Gardens Parks & Aquatica— Free one-day admission (plus up to 3 guests) for veterans and retirees. Register by June 22 and visit by July 6.California’s Great America — Discounted single-day admission tickets to all military personnel,…
Finding the perfect place to call home is important for everyone — but for disabled veterans, it’s even more crucial. After everything you’ve given and everything you’ve been through, you deserve a place that’s comfortable, welcoming, and supportive. So let’s talk about some of the best places in the U.S. where disabled veterans can truly thrive.What Makes a City Great for Disabled Veterans?Before we dive into specific places, let’s set the scene. A great city for a disabled veteran usually checks a few important boxes:Affordable cost of living (because financial stress should not be part of the deal)Good VA hospitals…
