By Dawn Smith When you ask military families about the best things about the military lifestyle, they’ll likely mention the extraordinary people they’ve met along the way and their fantastic travel opportunities. Some travel adventures are PCS-related, of course, but there are a few other ways to enjoy seeing the world with military discounts.The following programs are valid for military ID holders, so take advantage of your benefits soon—time flies!Space-A-TravelSpace-A-Travel provides free (or extremely low-cost) flights to and from Europe, Asia and more. Those sound like pretty sweet military travel perks, right? For many military families, Space-A (available) flights are…
Author: USVM
What is your name, title, role and tenure with Charles Schwab, and could you please share your journey from the military to working at the company?I’m Russell Simmons, a Director in Advisor Services, and I’ve been with Schwab for 13 years and in the Army Reserves for nearly 22 years. I am a Chief Warrant officer in the Engineer Branch. I transitioned to Schwab from the military in 2011 after my second deployment. I was able to easily transition my leadership experience making important decisions in stressful environments.Can you tell us about Charles Schwab’s military and veteran Employee Resource Group…
This four-part documentary series drops you right into the world of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) — one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ frontline forces — as they train, work, and live together in the Pacific. What Marines Is All About Unlike scripted shows, Marines isn’t fiction — it’s a docuseries that follows actual Marines aboard Navy ships and during rigorous training exercises, often hundreds of miles from home. You’ll see: Grueling training and readiness exercises that test physical and mental limits Life aboard the USS America and USS Green Bay, from work routines to downtime Marines of various…
Long-distance relationships pose challenges for many military couples. Being apart from your loved one can create anxiety, sadness and even trust issues. However, with shared expectations and a commitment to planning, you and your partner can keep your relationship strong despite the distance. MilitaryOne Source offers these helpful tips:Plan AheadThe best time to talk about how you will stay connected during your geographic separation is while you are still together. First and foremost, you’ll want to set expectations while preparing for the unknown. Figure out what works best for you as a couple—phone calls, video chats or email. A combination…
On April 11, 2006, Captain Mark Brogan was leading a Stryker team as part of a Quick Reaction Force patrolling Al An-bar Province, Iraq. Somewhere between Falluja and the Syrian border, Mark and his team found themselves in the unremarkable little village of Rawah along the Euphrates River.“My platoon sergeant and I both intuitively knew it was way too quiet. Something was wrong. One of my NCOs turned around to say something to me when he noticed a guy run around the corner and put his hand up his shirt. Then he blew up.”The soldier behind Mark was killed instantly.…
Jessica Huntsman, a regional vice president of Walmart U.S., will mark 15 years with the company in 2025. Her journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability, culminating in her transition from the military to her career as a key executive at one of the world’s largest retail companies.Transition to Civilian LifeHuntsman’s story is one of determination and overcoming obstacles. After serving in the Army for eight years, she faced a daunting transition into civilian life. Her military career was distinguished, leading a platoon of 32 Soldiers in Iraq and deploying to Afghanistan. However, despite her extensive experience and academic…
Meet Sumner Lee, the CEO of Fuse Integration, a technology firm specializing in building network systems primarily for aircraft. With a background as a Navy H-46 helicopter pilot and over a decade of leading Fuse since its founding in 2010, Lee has cultivated a company that thrives on innovation, resilience and a deep connection to the needs of military users. “We have just over 100 people, and nearly 40% of us are veterans,” Lee shares. “I love hiring veterans because of their resiliency, capabilities and knowledge.”Lee’s journey from military service to successful business leadership results from leveraging unique experiences and…
The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) is pleased to announce its 2025 Annual Conference and Vanguard Awards Dinner, scheduled for July 15-18, 2025, at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. The conference will feature the Senior Enlisted Panel, where top leaders from each branch of the Armed Forces will discuss the current state of their services and answer questions from attendees. Guest speakers from various Military and Veteran organizations will also cover topics that are vital to the Military community. One of the highlights of the event is the Vanguard Awards Dinner, where one service member from each…
Archie Smart, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dose Reconstruction Program, managed by a team led by ORAU, embodies a lifelong commitment to service and leadership. Over his 21-year tenure at ORAU, Smart has managed complex projects with a focus on operations, acquisition, budgeting, HR and training, all while overseeing the seamless integration of facility, property, subcontractor and transportation management. However, his journey to this leadership role is deeply rooted in his early experiences as an Army Adjutant General Corp officer. This path shaped his approach to career and life.From Military Roots to Civilian LeadershipSmart’s…
By Mona Lisa Faris, Publisher, U.S. Veterans MagazineThe 17th Annual Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference (NatCon), held from Jan. 2-4, 2025, at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort and Convention Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, brought together around 1,800 diverse student veterans, academic leaders, employers and advocates. Colorado Springs, known for its picturesque backdrop, is also home to the prestigious United States Air Force Academy, demonstrating its deep connection to military excellence. The event celebrated empowerment and opportunity, aimed at helping student veterans transition successfully from military service to higher education and professional careers.At the heart of the event was…
