Author: USVM Editor

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…

By Brady RhoadesPiloting the U2 Dragon Lady, Merryl Tengesdal saw one of the most stunning sights of her life: a shooting star.From her 70,000-foot perch above Los Angeles, she looked down at it.“I saw a shooting star going under my aircraft,” she said, in an interview with U.S. Veterans Magazine. “The perspective you get…you see infinite amount of stars unobstructed…you see things you wouldn’t see from the ground.”Her experience in the air made her want to go farther up and out, to see more. She’d traveled a long way from the Bronx, where she was raised, to an assignment in…

You’ve led teams, solved problems under pressure, and adapted in the most unpredictable environments on Earth. So guess what? You’re already more prepared than most to start an online business.You don’t need an MBA or a Silicon Valley investor. You just need a laptop, a game plan, and that military grit you’ve already got in spades.Here’s how to get started—step by step, no fluff.🧭 Step 1: Find Your Mission (AKA Your Business Idea)Don’t overthink it. Start by asking:What do people always ask you for help with?What skills did you develop in the military?What could you talk about for hours (and…

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company, is proud to announce the return of its Folds of Honor national charity ride, benefitting families of fallen or disabled U.S. military service members and first responders. On September 20, 2025, riders around the country can join a ride at their local Indian Motorcycle dealership. Riders can donate or register now at the Indian Motorcycle IMRG National Charity webpage.Building on the success from last year, the 2025 charity ride aims to support even more families of military personnel and first responders. In 2024, Indian Motorcycle demonstrated the generosity and dedication of its owners’ community,…

The job market is shifting at an unprecedented pace, driven by automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability efforts and evolving consumer needs. Some professions are growing rapidly, offering new career opportunities, while others are fading due to technological advancements and changing business practices. Understanding these trends can help job seekers, employers and policymakers make informed decisions about the future of work.FASTEST GROWING JOBSSeveral industries are expanding, creating demand for highly skilled technology, sustainability and data analysis professionals. According to the World Economic Forum’s (WEF’s) Future of Jobs Report 2025, these are some of the fastest-growing occupations: AI & Machine Learning SpecialistsArtificial intelligence…

Health care is growing rapidly, and for those interested in helping others, it offers a broad range of careers. Whether you’re passionate about direct patient care, research or management, there is a role that fits your interests. Here are some of the best health care jobs of 2025, detailing their responsibilities, education requirements and salaries:PhysicianPhysicians, commonly known as doctors, diagnose and treat diseases, perform surgical procedures and administer vaccines. They specialize in various fields, including pediatrics, cardiology, surgery, psychiatry and internal medicine. Physicians work in hospitals, private practices and research institutions. Their role involves patient consultations, ordering and interpreting diagnostic…

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant shift that requires careful planning and support. Whether you are retiring after decades of service or separating after a few years, the transition can be both exciting and challenging. Fortunately, numerous resources and strategies can help make the process smoother. Career and Employment AssistanceOne of the most pressing concerns for transitioning service members is finding employment. Several programs are available to help:Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Offered by the Department of Defense, TAP provides career counseling, resume-building workshops, and job placement assistance.Veteran Employment Services Office (VESO): Helps veterans find federal jobs and…