Author: USVM Editor

For many veterans, the transition from military service to civilian life is complex. For service-disabled veterans, that transition can be even more demanding—physically, mentally and emotionally. Few individuals embody that journey, and the possibility beyond it, as visibly as Noah Galloway.A former Soldier wounded during the Iraq War, Galloway sustained life-altering injuries in 2005, losing his left arm and left leg after an improvised explosive device explosion. His recovery was neither immediate nor straightforward. Like many veterans adjusting to trauma, he experienced periods of isolation and personal struggle after returning home.Rebuilding StrengthWhat distinguishes Galloway’s story is not simply survival, but…

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…

For many military spouses, building a traditional career path is a persistent challenge. Frequent relocations, uneven state licensing requirements and disrupted professional networks often derail employment just as momentum begins to build. In response, a growing number of spouses are turning to entrepreneurship—not as a trend, but as a pragmatic adaptation to the realities of military life.Unlike conventional employment, self-employment offers portability. A business that can operate remotely or move across state lines allows spouses to maintain income and professional identity through permanent change-of-station moves, deployments and transitions. For families managing the unpredictability of service life, that flexibility can be…

If you’re a veteran with dreams of running your own business, you’ve already proven you have the discipline, dedication, and leadership skills to succeed. But let’s be real—getting the right funding to kickstart or expand your business can feel like navigating a minefield. Luckily, there are plenty of loan options out there tailored just for veterans, and we’re here to help you figure out how to secure the financing you need.Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of business loans, let’s acknowledge one simple fact: veterans are naturally built for business. The same qualities that help service members thrive—problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork—are…

Launching a business is a major accomplishment, but many veteran entrepreneurs quickly discover that success brings a new set of challenges. Once the startup phase is behind them, growth often requires additional capital. Whether it’s hiring employees, purchasing equipment or pursuing larger contracts, expanding a business takes more than determination alone.Understanding your financing options can help transform new opportunities into sustainable growth.Growth SignalsFor many veteran business owners, the transition from startup to growth happens gradually. Revenue becomes more consistent, customers increase and new opportunities begin to outpace available resources. While growth is an encouraging milestone, it can also strain cash…

For many transitioning service members, moving from military to civilian life can feel unfamiliar. What is often overlooked, however, is how closely many civilian careers align with the skills veterans already bring to the table. Leadership, adaptability, technical expertise and the ability to perform under pressure are not just transferable—they are in high demand.The real challenge is not whether veterans are qualified, but where to apply their strengths. Four sectors in particular—STEM, energy, construction and finance—stand out for those seeking meaningful, stable and growth-oriented careers.STEM CareersCareers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics allow veterans to build on the technical training…

Across the United States, a growing number of universities are redefining how they support those who have served. While the Post-9/11 GI Bill has expanded access to higher education, leading institutions are building comprehensive systems that address the academic, professional and personal transitions veterans face when entering civilian life. From resource centers to career pipelines and peer networks, these universities are raising the standard.National ModelAt Syracuse University, that commitment is evident in both the infrastructure and the approach. The university is home to the Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF), a nationally recognized organization focused on research, policy and…

For veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, housing is often the critical first step toward rebuilding stability. Rising rents, limited inventory and shifting job markets have made that transition even more challenging in recent years, particularly for families seeking to establish financial security after service. Operation Homefront’s Transitional Homes for Veterans program was created to address that gap by pairing short-term housing with long-term planning to support independence.Housing FirstThe program centers on the belief that stable housing provides the foundation for every other part of a family’s reintegration. Veteran households accepted into the initiative receive rent-free transitional housing along…

Labor Day weekend may mark the unofficial end of summer, but there is at least one reason to look forward to it: the sales are already getting good.With Labor Day falling on Monday, September 7, 2026, Amazon has started rolling out early discounts across tech, home, kitchen, fashion, beauty and travel. Some of the strongest deals we’ve spotted are taking 40%, 50% and even 60% off popular products.And you don’t necessarily have to wait until Labor Day weekend. Here are some of the deals worth checking out now.☕ Keurig K-Supreme Coffee Maker — 53% OffIf your morning doesn’t officially begin…