Author: USVM Editor

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…

Military families face unique challenges, from frequent relocations to parental deployments. To support military children and teens, the Department of Defense (DoD) and affiliated organizations offer a range of summer camps that provide enriching experiences, build resilience and foster friendships with peers who share similar life experiences. These programs cater to various age groups and interests, covering everything from outdoor adventures to STEM education. Here are some of the top summer camps available for military kids:Military Youth & Teen ProgramsDoD youth and teen programs operate year-round and provide supervised environments where military children can engage in activities that promote social…

You’ve served your country, led teams, kept cool under pressure—and now, maybe you’re thinking about leading a classroom. Teaching can be a natural next chapter for military veterans. After all, you already have the discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills schools are desperate for.But how exactly do you go from tactical gear to textbooks? Let’s walk through the process—step by step, without the jargon.Step 1: Know That You’re NeededFirst off, let’s get something straight: schools want veterans. Why? Because you bring:A strong sense of missionReal-life experienceGrit and resilienceThe ability to connect with students from all walks of lifeThere are even special…

By Brian Rolf    As a veteran and business owner, I often reflect on how my time in the Marine Corps directly shaped the way I run my franchises. Transitioning from military service to becoming a Pet Supplies Plus franchisee was no easy feat. Still, the skills, discipline and mindset I developed in the military became the backbone of my success.Today, as I continue to grow my business, I’m eager to share how my fellow veterans can leverage their military experience to pursue their own entrepreneurial journey.Lead from the Front & Set the PaceOne of the biggest lessons I learned during…