When Jennifer Ferrell and Kirstin Navaroli, better known as Jen and Kirst, met at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, neither could have imagined the community they would one day create together. Both were navigating the early stages of military spouse life—Jen newly married and Kirst not yet engaged—when they connected through their husbands’ shared background at the Air Force Academy. What began as a cautious friendship blossomed during their first deployments, ultimately evolving into a deep bond and a shared mission.Today, they are the co-founders of Wives of the Armed Forces (WAF), a growing online community that empowers military spouses across all…
Author: USVM
Maureen Carlson understands that a safe, healthy home is more than just a roof over one’s head—it’s a foundation for opportunity. As president and CEO of Rebuilding Together, a national nonprofit dedicated to critical home repairs and community revitalization, Carlson brings decades of leadership in health systems and social impact to the forefront of a mission that deeply supports the veteran community.“Housing is the thread that connects health, equity and community,” Carlson said. “A safe, healthy home supports better physical and mental health, stronger families and more resilient communities. It’s where opportunity begins.”A Clear MissionSince joining the organization in 2024,…
When U.S. Veterans Magazine sat down with the leadership team of Learning Alliance, it was clear why the institution earned recognition as a Top Veteran School. Joining the conversation were Cesar Ruiz, President and Founder; Fred Arnold, Executive Director; Derrick Francis, Chief Operating Officer; and Ken Minter, Chief Revenue Officer. Each offered powerful insights into how Learning Alliance empowers veterans, helping them transition from military service to high-demand careers.Mission Rooted in ServiceFor Cesar Ruiz, who founded Learning Alliance 22 years ago, the recognition validates a mission that has always been focused on workforce development. “It just means that we’re doing…
By Matt RuggieriWhen I left the Army after more than eight years of service, I thought the hard part was behind me. I earned my associate’s degree when I joined, and after transitioning to civilian life, I went on to earn both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I had leadership experience, a strong work ethic and the ability to perform under pressure. What I didn’t have was a clear direction for the next chapter of my life.Like many veterans, I initially gravitated toward familiar territory: structured roles in construction and logistics. I eventually became a senior project manager for a…
At Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, supporting veterans is more than a commitment—it’s a calling. With a growing population of military-connected students, Whitworth has distinguished itself as a leader in veteran education, earning recognition from U.S. Veterans Magazine as both a Top Veteran School and Top Yellow Ribbon School.Much of this success can be attributed to Phil Labrie, Whitworth’s Associate Director, Military & Veterans Outreach. A U.S. Air Force veteran and university alum, Labrie brings a unique perspective to the role. “When I got out of the Air Force in 2003, I used my GI Bill to attend Whitworth. That decision…
By Tanecia Favors Deployment is a dreaded word that sends heartache through each of us, whether you’re a spouse who’s new to this lifestyle or have been at it for years. Truthfully, in terms of time, I’d probably be considered a seasoned spouse. When it comes to my feelings though, it often feels like I was thrown into this world of unknowns yesterday.My husband and I recently celebrated our 11-year anniversary, and honestly, time has flown by. So much has changed—our family has grown by two, we’ve experienced three different duty stations, and over the past few years, he’s…
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…
The Military Basketball Association (MBA) is coming home — and bringing its mission to save lives through basketball back to where it all began. The 2026 MBA World Championship Games will take place at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, honoring the service, strength, and resilience of America’s military community.Before the championship tip-off, the MBA will host a three-day tournament focused on suicide prevention, May 1–3, 2026, at Clune Arena during Mental Health Awareness Month. The top two men’s and women’s teams will go head-to-head in the nationally televised, livestreamed MBA World Championship Games on Sunday,…
If you’re looking for something gripping, human, and visually striking to dive into this November, look no further than MARINES, the new docuseries from Netflix. It premiered in early November and takes you inside the life of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) — America’s rapid-response “force in readiness” based in the Pacific.Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll find, why it matters, and why it might stick with you long after the credits roll.What’s the show about?At its core, MARINES is a coming-of-age story in military gear. It’s not just explosive drills and heroic poses; it’s the quieter, scarred, messy stuff…
SAN DIEGO, CA – October 28, 2025 – National University (NU)—a nonprofit, Veteran-founded institution serving nontraditional, working, and military-connected students—today announced the launch of a national initiative called “The ANDers™ Movement” to recognize the resilience and determination of NU’s “ANDers” – students who are parents and professionals, caregivers and servicemembers, and others balancing multiple roles while pursuing higher education.“National University was founded over 50 years ago to serve students who have often been overlooked—career professionals, parents, and military-connected learners,” said Dr. Mark D. Milliron, president and CEO of National University. “The ANDers Movement celebrates the strength, ambition, and determination of…
