Author: USVM Editor

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.…

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a monumental shift, and for many veterans, entrepreneurship offers a promising path forward. It’s an opportunity to leverage discipline, leadership and resilience honed in service while creating a fulfilling career and achieving personal goals. For Jason Stucky, a Navy veteran, this journey led to owning two Color Me Mine franchises in Geneva and Glenview, Illinois—paint-your-own-pottery studios where creativity meets community.A Passion Beyond ServiceStucky’s path to entrepreneurship began with a longing for balance. After four years in the Navy, serving as an Aircraft Maintenance Administration (AZ) specialist stationed in California and Japan, he…

John Flynn, Senior Vice President of Administration and Aviation at MGM Resorts, embodies the values of service, leadership and dedication—qualities honed during his years in the military. After seven years with MGM Resorts, Flynn now leads the company’s global security and aviation teams, applying his military experience to foster a safe and secure environment for MGM Resorts’ guests and employees. He has discovered that veterans bring invaluable skills to the corporate world, making them assets to people-driven companies like MGM Resorts.From Military Service to Civilian SuccessTransitioning from military to civilian life can be a challenging journey for many veterans. Flynn…

By Blake BourneThe military community provides a strong sense of belonging, purpose and stability for service members and their families. This environment, supported by intentional efforts from command teams across branches, fosters wellness, connection and care. During service, members benefit from robust social networks, professional purpose and access to high-quality medical and community care.While a resilient military force should translate into a strong veteran population, the transition from military to civilian life can be challenging. This shift often removes familiar structures and support systems, making it difficult for veterans to find purpose, maintain financial stability and navigate post-service care. These challenges…