At the invitation of Chancellor John K. Pierre, Southern University and A&M College hosted Emmy-winning journalist Harris Faulkner, host of FOX News Channel’s (FNC) Outnumbered and The Faulkner Focus, on Sunday, Feb. 23 to acknowledge her contributions to journalism and community. Faulkner, who is the first recipient of the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence and Lifetime Achievement, met with student groups. She also broadcasted FNC’s “The Faulkner Focus” live from campus on Monday, February 25. “This special event on campus is designed to celebrate Ms. Faulkner’s extraordinary accomplishments and contributions to journalism, while also highlighting her trailblazing career and personal story…
Author: USVM
After 21 years of distinguished service in the Navy, Sharonda Perry embarked on a new mission: business ownership. Today, as the owner of a ComForCare franchise in Arlington, Texas, Perry’s dedication to service continues, albeit in a different capacity. Her path from Chief Aviation Electronics Technician to franchise owner exemplifies how military values can seamlessly translate into the business world. A Call to Serve Beyond the UniformPerry’s transition to business ownership was deeply personal. Following her retirement from the Navy, she faced a significant challenge when her beloved grandmother was diagnosed with dementia. Determined to provide the best care possible, Perry…
By Larry Broughton Change is the natural order of the universe. For those of us who are approaching the “third half” of our lives, change seems to be coming at us faster each year. Transitioning service members can also attest to this speed of change as they embark on new careers in the civilian sector. Hiring managers today face a rapidly changing workforce and job market as well.The skills required for many positions are evolving quickly, especially with the advent of new technologies. For veterans transitioning to civilian roles, this can present both opportunities and challenges.SKILL TRANSLATIONChallenge: Veterans often struggle…
At the 2025 Presidential Inauguration, Senator JD Vance, a former Marine who served in Iraq in 2005, delivered a compelling vision for supporting U.S. veterans:“Too often, the men and women who have borne the cost of our nation’s freedom return home to a system that fails them. That ends now,” Vance declared during his speech. This promise wasn’t just rhetoric—it was the launchpad for a detailed agenda aimed at revolutionizing how America treats its veterans.Approach to Health CareCentral to Vance’s plan is a bold overhaul of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). He has proposed increasing funding to modernize VA…
Dogs have already been proven to boost their owner’s mood and decrease loneliness, but service dogs take this further. For veterans, service dogs can act as a mobility aid, alert their owners to danger, improve mental health, increase independence and provide companionship that supports emotional well-being. This was scientifically proven in a study done by the Department of Veterans Affairs, where veterans with service dogs were 66% less likely to receive a PTSD diagnosis than those without. Veterans with PTSD also significantly benefited from a service dog, showing fewer and less severe symptoms than those with PTSD without a service…
Animals bring a wealth of benefits to people, especially those dealing with physical and mental health conditions. However, having a pet isn’t always an option for the people who need them most due to communal living, allergies, etc. But a partnership between Capital Caring Health, part of the nation’s largest not-for-profit advanced illness care and hospice provider, Chapters Health System, and Ageless Innovation, the award-winning Joy for All Companion Pets makers, is changing that narrative.Through their collaboration, the groups are distributing Companion Pets to veterans with dementia and those suffering from social isolation and loneliness as part of their innovative…
Capitol Technology University (Capitol Tech), based in Laurel, Maryland, has a long-standing history of preparing students, particularly veterans, for successful careers in STEM fields. Under the leadership of Dr. Brad Sims, the university’s president, Capitol Tech has remained true to its mission of providing specialized education that leads directly to career opportunities in science, technology, engineering and evolving technologies.Dr. Sims, who has been with Capitol Tech for nearly eight years, began his career in construction project management before transitioning into higher education. His experience across state and private nonprofit universities uniquely positions him to lead Capitol Technology University, a school…
Sean and Sara Bess are no strangers to discipline, dedication and teamwork. Their shared military service shaped their lives and laid the foundation for their entrepreneurial journey. Today, the couple runs Mosquito Joe of Northwest Florida, a thriving franchise that helps families reclaim their outdoor spaces. Their story is a testament to how skills honed in the military can translate into success in the business world.A Foundation of ServiceThe Bess family’s journey began in 1998 when Sean and Sara were commissioned as officers in the Air Force. An Air Force Academy graduate, Sean pursued pilot training and later excelled in…
By Natalie Rodgers As tedious as they may seem, writing a cover letter is essential for many of the open job positions in today’s market. You want to ensure that you make a great first impression, convey all the reasons why you’re a qualified candidate and do so without over- or under-explaining yourself.To craft the perfect cover letter for your next job, here are some tips to keep in mind:LengthSome job positions have hundreds of applicants, many of which will have a cover letter they’ve prepared for the hiring manager. When you write your cover letter, you want to make…
J.R. Gil, CEO and co-founder of Lenox VIP Global (lenoxvipglobal.com), a luxury transportation company, has transformed the discipline and skills he developed in the military into a thriving business career. His journey from Soldier to entrepreneur offers valuable insights for veterans looking to navigate the challenging transition from military service to the civilian workforce.As the leader of a company dedicated to excellence and high standards, Gil credits much of his success to the traits he developed in the Army. “The discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills from my time in the Army have been instrumental in my business career,” he explains.…
