The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) today released survey results highlighting the benefits of video games for U.S. veterans, with 77% of veterans saying they believe video games have a positive impact on their lives. The vast majority of respondents indicated that video game play provides a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety (86%), helps them cope with difficult times (81%), offers a valuable means of staying connected with others (77%) and that video game communities have a positive impact on their mental and emotional well-being (74%).Similarly, when asked to reflect on their time in the service, they indicated that playing…
Author: USVM
As part of Military Appreciation Month and Memorial Day, several businesses and organizations across the country are offering free and discounted services to servicemembers and veterans this month. Check out the list below and be sure to check in to see if there is an extra discount for the upcoming holiday. Unless otherwise specified, these deals apply to all branches of the military for active-duty, retired, and veteran members. Meal Deals: (Please confirm 2025 deals by visiting their website) Bob Evans: As a general rule of thumb, Bob Evans offers a 10% discount for active, veterans and retired military every…
In today’s job market, creating a resume is not just about impressing hiring managers; it’s also about passing the initial screening process conducted by applicant tracking systems (ATS) and AI-driven tools. These systems are designed to streamline recruitment by filtering out resumes that don’t meet specific criteria, making it essential for job seekers to optimize their resumes for human and machine readers. Here are practical tips to ensure your resume doesn’t get discarded by these automated systems.Standard FormattingATS tools can struggle with overly creative designs. While it’s tempting to stand out with elaborate layouts, unconventional fonts and graphics, these elements…
You already have the mindset. Now let’s plug those skills into some of the highest-paying civilian roles out there.🧠 Leadership & StrategyWhat you did: Led troops, managed missions, handled chaos without blinking.Civilian gold mine:Corporate Executive (CEO, COO) — Leadership translates directly into running businesses.Project Manager — Big money in construction, tech, defense contracting.Translation: You already know how to organize people, manage pressure, and deliver results. Civilians pay BIG for that.🎯 Tactical Operations & Risk ManagementWhat you did: Mission planning, threat assessments, operational execution.Civilian gold mine:Financial Analyst / Investment Banker — Strategy under pressure? That’s Wall Street’s playground.Operations Manager — Logistics,…
Transitioning from military life to civilian life can feel like trading combat boots for flip-flops—comfortable, but unfamiliar. And while the mission might have changed, taking care of your physical and mental health is still a priority. That’s where today’s veteran-friendly wellness programs come in—stronger, smarter, and more holistic than ever.Let’s break down the newest trends that are making waves among veterans who want to thrive, not just survive.🧠 1. Mental Fitness, Not Just Mental HealthRemember when “mental health” used to feel like a taboo topic? That’s changing—fast. The new focus is on mental fitness: building mental resilience just like you…
If you’re a veteran looking to level up your career — whether in corporate leadership, consulting, government, or even your own business — you’ve probably thought about advanced education. But not just any education. You want something that values experience, sharpens your edge, and opens doors.Enter the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at The University of Texas at Dallas’ Naveen Jindal School of Management (JSOM) — a top-tier choice for high-performing professionals ready to make an impact.Why a DBA — and Why Now?Unlike a traditional PhD, a DBA is geared toward practical, real-world business leadership. It’s not about locking…
May 9 is Military Spouse Appreciation Day, and National University—a Veteran-founded, nonprofit, Military Friendly® school—is helping address a persistent issue: military spouses face an unemployment rate 5x the national average, often due to relocations and career disruptions.This is an important and timely conversation, as military spouses are often overlooked in national workforce and education discussions—despite playing a critical role in the stability of military families.As part of its commitment, NU launched the Whisper Military Spouse Scholarship, providing $10,000 in tuition assistance to help spouses overcome financial barriers and pursue flexible, career-focused education.National University, a Yellow Ribbon School, is committed to…
Transitioning from military service to civilian life brings new challenges — but also new opportunities. If you’re a veteran looking for a rewarding career or a chance to grow your own business, BNSF Railway may be the right destination for your next chapter.BNSF: A Company That Values VeteransBNSF Railway is one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America, and they have a long-standing commitment to hiring military veterans. In fact, over 7,500 veterans already work at BNSF, and the company continues to actively recruit former service members across all branches.Veterans are a natural fit at BNSF because of…
Alright, listen up — if you’re curious about where the real money’s at in the civilian world, you came to the right place. After years of service, you deserve to know how the other side makes their fortunes — and maybe, just maybe, how you can line up your next mission to cash in.Let’s break it down. No fluff. Just facts.1. Surgeon (Especially the Specialized Ones)Top of the food chain — surgeons. These folks don’t just make a good living; they make serious bank, pulling anywhere from $400,000 to $800,000 a year depending on their specialty.The catch? You’re looking at…
This year, the GI Film Festival San Diego commemorates a decade of presenting films for, by and about military service members and veterans. The 10th annual military-themed film festival returns May 7-9, 2025 at the Museum of Photographic Arts at the San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA @ SDMA) in Balboa Park.Over the last decade, the film festival has become a trusted destination where service members and veterans feel their stories are honored and truthfully represented, fostering understanding, respect, and community in the San Diego region through the power of authentic military storytelling and cinema. Each year, the festival showcases…
