Author: USVM Editor

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…

Transitioning from military service to civilian employment can be daunting, but many veterans find that their skills and experiences are highly valued across various industries. Whether leaving active duty or retiring, veterans bring a wealth of qualities—discipline, leadership, adaptability and problem-solving—that make them an asset to employers in several key sectors. Here’s a look at some of the top industries hiring veterans.Logistics & Supply Chain ManagementVeterans are often drawn to the logistics and supply chain management sector due to their experience coordinating and overseeing the movement of goods, equipment and personnel in high-pressure environments. These skills translate to the civilian…

Sam Elliott’s voice is instantly recognizable—deep, rich and steeped in the history of the American West. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he has embodied the rugged, principled cowboy and the battle-hardened Soldier, giving life to characters that have shaped the way audiences view heroism. But beyond the silver screen, Elliott’s dedication to honoring military service members is more than just a role—it’s a mission.Born Aug. 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California, Elliott grew up with a deep respect for the armed forces. After moving to Oregon as a teenager, he developed a passion for acting and studied theater…

After serving eight years in the military, Laquan Taylor returned home from his final tour only to face another battle—surviving after being shot 15 times. That journey led him to Neurofit360, an experience that changed his life. He’s bringing that same intensity and life-changing therapy to Atlanta through Neurofit360 ATL. We spoke with Taylor about his journey, the impact of Neurofit360 and his vision for the future.Tell us about your military background.I joined the Navy right after high school. I graduated in May and enlisted in December. I signed up to become an engineman, though I had no idea what…