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…
Author: USVM
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,…
As employers place greater emphasis on employee well-being, many are expanding support beyond traditional benefits to include comprehensive mental health initiatives. Organizations across industries are recognizing that workplace wellness requires more than access to insurance coverage—it demands open dialogue, accessible resources and leadership engagement that reduce stigma and encourage early support.Research shows that stigma remains one of the most significant barriers to seeking mental health care in professional environments. Employees may hesitate to access services out of concern that doing so could affect their career advancement or workplace perception. Companies that actively normalize wellness conversations and visibly support mental health…
DALLAS – It’s the Army’s 251st birthday on June 14th, but these gifts are for military shoppers. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is rolling out an Army birthday sweepstakes, with 176 prizes totaling nearly $7,700.From June 12 through July 18, eligible Exchange shoppers can visit ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes, to enter. Prizes include:Rocky RKC050 tactical military boots (one of five). $199 value each.ESS Rollbar ballistic sunglasses (one of three). $127 value each.Police Security Skylar rechargeable flashlight with power bank (one of six). $109.99 value each.Rite in the Rain weatherproof mechanical pencil pack (one of 25). $25.95 value each.Outdoor Element Fire Escape…
Deloitte has received the Gold Award—the highest tier—in Tennessee’s Veteran Ready Business Recognition Program. This statewide initiative recognizes employers who demonstrate sustained, measurable support for service members, veterans and their families. The program was launched under Gov. Bill Lee to encourage Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining efforts across the state’s private and public sectors.The award was presented at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, where Jonathan Alford, a former U.S. Army staff sergeant and Green Beret, accepted the recognition on Deloitte’s behalf. Alford now serves as a Government and Public Services manager at Deloitte Consulting LLC, leading data architecture and AI…
Hey there, veteran entrepreneurs!So, you’ve served your country, started your own business (no small feat!), and now you’re wondering: How can I get officially certified as a veteran-owned or disabled veteran-owned business? Whether you’re aiming to land government contracts, access special programs, or just want to make your status official, you’re in the right place.Let’s break it down—plain and simple—so you can get certified without pulling your hair out.First Things First: What Does Certification Even Do?Being certified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) opens doors. We’re talking:Access to set-aside government contractsIncreased visibility on federal…
PCS orders can disrupt nearly every aspect of military family life. For military spouses pursuing higher education, relocations often interrupt coursework, clinical requirements, internships and registration timelines. A mid-semester move can force decisions about withdrawals, credit transfers and enrollment gaps that delay graduation and increase costs.Despite this mobility, many spouses continue progressing toward degrees and certifications. Their success often depends on early planning, clear communication and strategic school selection.Proactive PlanningService members typically relocate every two to three years, meaning many spouses experience multiple PCS moves during a degree program. Because orders can arrive with limited notice, advisors recommend reviewing institutional…
Opened in 2017, the Education & Outreach Center brings civilians and defenders together. Through speaking series, workshops, and summits, hosted events focus on character building exercises and educating communities about the importance of service over self.Bridging the GapWith less than 1% of our population in the armed services today, and all serving on a volunteer basis, our military and civilian communities rarely interact. This facility provides a casual, communal environment to bring these two worlds together for constructive dialogues and inspiring events.Raising AwarenessA service member’s successful transition to civilian life starts with a welcoming community. Our forthcoming multimedia exhibit and…
This month, the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) celebrates Military Appreciation Month presented by USAA, reaching a milestone of placing 169,000 veterans into high-quality jobs.Now available in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone, the C.O.D.E. Navigator: Tracer Pack was inspired by and created in collaboration with CAPT Chris Cassidy (USN, ret.), a former U.S. Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut. The pack honors his journey from sea to space and includes two Operator Skins, Weapon Blueprints, and more.100% of Activision’s net proceeds will be donated to the Endowment.The Endowment pack includes:• “Argonaut” Operator Skin• “Astronaut” Operator…
For military spouses pursuing higher education, institutional support can significantly influence persistence and degree completion. While many colleges promote military tuition discounts, fewer maintain the structured advising systems and dedicated scholarships that address the realities of military life. Two factors consistently stand out: comprehensive military-affiliated student support centers and scholarships designated specifically for military spouses. Across the country, several public and private institutions demonstrate sustained commitments in these areas. Military Support Centers Large public universities often provide strong infrastructure for military-connected students. Dedicated military and veteran resource centers centralize advising, benefits guidance, career services and peer networks—reducing administrative complexity for…
