Author: USVM Editor

Military life is defined by movement. Servicemembers are transferred to new bases every few years, deployment cycles disrupt routines, and spouses often juggle parenting, employment and relocation with little warning.These shifts can make a traditional campus education all but impossible. Yet the stories of students at American Military University (AMU) show that mobility can be an asset, not a barrier. By harnessing flexible online programs and supportive faculty, military spouses and families are turning life on the move into an opportunity to learn and grow.Finding a Path That Moves With YouOne of the most striking examples comes from Chanda Chann,…

Transitioning from military service to the civilian workforce can be both exciting and challenging—whether you’re 25 or 55. One of the biggest hurdles veterans often face is mastering the job interview. It’s a different kind of mission, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can absolutely nail it. Here are some practical and conversational tips to help veterans of all ages succeed in their next job interview: Translate Your Military Experience You’ve done some amazing things in uniform—but civilian employers might not understand terms like “MOS,” “TDY,” or “squad leader.” Before the interview, take time to translate your experience…

Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel daunting. Many veterans wonder how to translate their leadership, discipline, and specialized skills into a new career. The experiences of American Military (AMU) students show that education can be the bridge between service and civilian success. By choosing programs tailored to military needs and drawing on a supportive community, veterans are forging new paths that honor their service and expand their horizons.Finding Purpose and CommunityFor Thyshown Esperience, a Marine Corps veteran turned deputy sheriff, the pivotal moment was discovering a program that connected his diverse experiences “from military to civilian into…

Anyone who has traveled through a busy airport knows that getting through security can sometimes be one of the most stressful parts of the trip. For veterans, service members and military families, a growing TSA initiative is designed to make that experience a little easier.The Transportation Security Administration now provides dedicated military security lanes or front-of-the-line service at more than 30 airports across the United States, with recent reporting putting the number at 34. The benefit extends beyond active-duty service members to include veterans and their families.It’s part of TSA’s broader effort to recognize the military community and improve the…

Have you ever thought about owning a business but weren’t sure where to begin? The 2026 IFA World Franchise Show could be the place to start exploring the possibilities.Coming to the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, September 25–26, 2026, the free two-day event will bring the world of franchising together under one roof. Presented through a partnership between the International Franchise Association (IFA) and Business Show Media, the event is designed to connect franchise brands with prospective business owners while giving attendees an opportunity to learn more about franchise ownership.More Than a Business ExpoWhat makes the IFA…

Salary discussions are often among the most uncomfortable parts of the hiring process, yet also among the most important. For veterans and military-affiliated professionals transitioning into civilian careers, understanding how to approach compensation conversations can have a lasting impact on long-term financial stability.Even small differences in starting pay can compound over time, influencing future raises, retirement contributions and overall earnings. Entering salary discussions with accurate information and realistic expectations can help job seekers make better long-term decisions.Why It MattersCompensation is more than just a number attached to a job offer. It reflects the value an organization places on an employee’s…

Before they filled concert halls, topped the charts or changed the sound of American music, some of the country’s most recognizable musicians wore a very different kind of uniform.From rock and country to jazz, pop and hip-hop, military veterans have helped shape generations of music. Some served before anyone knew their names. Others, like Elvis Presley, stepped away from already successful careers to serve. And for a number of these artists, experiences in the military became an important chapter in the story of who they would eventually become.Elvis Presley: From the King of Rock ’n’ Roll to Army SergeantElvis Presley…

After two decades in the Air Force, Major Thomas Windley understood something many veterans know well: service doesn’t end when the uniform comes off. It simply takes on a new form.Today, Windley and his wife are helping others heal through their award-winning Elements Massage studio in Greenwood Village, Colorado, where wellness, compassion and community remain at the center of their work.Early in his career, Windley served as an enlisted physical therapy technician stationed at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He was later selected to serve as an athletic trainer for the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School, a role that…

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, offering Americans an opportunity to pause, reflect and remember. The attacks claimed thousands of lives and forever changed the nation, inspiring extraordinary acts of courage, service and sacrifice that continue to shape communities today.For those who witnessed the attacks—and for generations born afterward—Sept. 11 remains a solemn reminder of profound loss, extraordinary courage and the enduring strength of the American spirit. Across New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, first responders and ordinary citizens acted with remarkable selflessness, placing the needs of others above their own. Their actions…

For many veterans, the battle does not end after military service. The transition home can bring sleepless nights, anxiety, depression and the invisible weight of trauma.Army veteran Paul Kim knows those struggles firsthand. After deploying to Iraq with the 506th Infantry following 9/11, he experienced the challenges many veterans face when seeking care. Today, he is working to improve access to behavioral health services through Sensible Care, a behavioral health organization he co-founded in 2017 with fellow veteran and psychiatrist Dr. Paul Chung.Hidden WoundsKim recalls that some of the most difficult moments during his deployment were not caused directly by…