As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, Navy Federal Credit Union is teaming up with the National Flag Foundation as the national presenting sponsor of the Light to Unite initiative, a nationwide effort encouraging communities to come together in a shared display of patriotism and unity.On July 4 at 9 p.m. ET, Americans across the country are invited to illuminate their homes, businesses and community spaces in red, white and blue. On social media, they’re also encouraged to tag @NationalFlagFoundation and #LightToUnite when sharing photos or videos of their lights.Light to Unite is endorsed by America250 and supported…
Author: USVM
After 32 years in uniform, I know stability matters to the men and women who have served. Home is the anchor that provides security and a sense of belonging. Yet even with a well-earned VA home loan benefit, many veterans struggle to establish roots after leaving the structured world of military life. Today, as a retired Rear Admiral and Executive Chairman of NewDay USA, I have the privilege of helping veterans become homeowners while mentoring young executives dedicated to serving them.Despite the powerful advantages of a VA home loan, only about 22%—roughly 3.9 million—of the nation’s 18 million veterans use…
Franchising is often positioned as a strong fit for service members transitioning into business ownership. Structured systems, defined roles and operational playbooks can feel familiar to those accustomed to clear chains of command and standardized procedures. To attract military-affiliated buyers, many franchisors promote incentive programs—most commonly discounted franchise fees or expanded training packages.These offers can create a meaningful entry point. But before making a financial commitment, it’s important to understand exactly what franchise incentives cover—and what they do not.Upfront SavingsMost franchise incentives focus on reducing the initial franchise fee, the upfront payment required to join a franchise system. That fee…
Celebrate America’s 250th Independence Day with exclusive military discounts, special offers and free admission opportunities at select parks and attractions. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a weekend getaway or simply looking to enjoy the holiday, these savings can help make the celebration even more memorable.Don’t miss out—explore this year’s July 4 military deals and start planning your Independence Day celebration.Blue Star Museums — Free admission for active-duty military and their families from Armed Forces Day (May 17) through Labor Day (Sept 1).California’s Great America — Discounted single-day admission tickets for all military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their immediate family members.Cincinnati…
Stories of young men leaving high school to serve their country during World War II are well known. Less often told, however, are the stories of the wives and families who made sacrifices at home while their loved ones were away serving overseas.Norma Lou Parker (née Morton) was one of those individuals. Although she had completed all of her high school coursework, she left school before formally receiving her diploma to marry the love of her life. The young couple relocated to Salt Lake City, where her husband was soon drafted into military service during World War II.For three years,…
When Brianna Keilar reports on the movement of a carrier strike group or the deployment of troops overseas, she no longer hears numbers. She sees families.“A thousand troops,” she said, reflecting on how her perspective has evolved over the years. “That’s a thousand families.”For more than two decades at CNN, Keilar has covered politics, policy and the defining stories shaping the nation. Military developments were part of that coverage—carrier groups repositioned, troops mobilized, strategies debated. But it was not until she became a military spouse that the headlines she delivered each day took on a deeper, more personal meaning.Click here…
(Visitors walk across the bow of the Queen Mary in Long Beach on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, on the 90th anniversary of the ship’s maiden voyage. (Photo by Howard Freshman, Contributing Photographer, The Orange County Register)By Christina Merino | cmerino@scng.comThe Queen Mary, one of Long Beach’s most iconic landmarks, marked 90 years since its maiden voyage with a daylong celebration and ceremonial rechristening on Wednesday, May 27.Thousands of locals and visitors stepped aboard the iconic ship to celebrate on the exact date the legendary ocean liner first set sail in 1936. As part of the ship’s ongoing, yearlong anniversary programming,…
In all honesty, becoming a certified veteran-owned or service-disabled veteran-owned business enterprise (VOBE/SDVOBE) is no walk in the park. There is documentation to submit and research to be completed. The process can seem overwhelming to any business owner; however, earning this certification can be immensely helpful to your business. If you have been considering certification but want to be prepared, here are some things you should know before taking the leap: Certification Opens Doors Becoming a certified business owner is more than just a label; it’s one of the best ways to grow your business. As a VOBE or an…
By Mackenzie Yaede“Thank you for your service.”It’s a phrase I’ve heard countless times. More often than not, I glance over my shoulder, assuming it’s meant for my husband—a United States Navy pilot. He deploys, straps into an aircraft, and serves our country in the most visible way.But sometimes, the words are meant for me.At first, they made me uncomfortable. I would smile politely while thinking, I’m not the one serving—he is. Eventually, I came to understand something deeper. While my husband wears the uniform, I carry the invisible weight of loving—and sharing—someone who does.Military spouses rarely make the headlines. We…
Military spouses often face career disruption tied to PCS moves, deployments and unpredictable schedules. These realities can make it challenging to maintain consistent employment or advance in traditional career tracks. Selecting an education pathway that prioritizes portability and flexibility is, therefore, essential for long-term career sustainability within military families.Education programs aligned with nationally recognized credentials, remote-capable work and interstate licensing agreements can help reduce interruptions caused by relocation. Federal resources such as Military OneSource and scholarship programs designed specifically for spouses play a central role in making these options accessible.Career GuidanceThe Department of Defense’s Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program,…
