Across generations of conflict and change, Black Americans have worn the uniform of the United States with courage and conviction—often fighting two battles at once: one abroad for freedom and another at home for equality. Their service has helped define the nation’s military legacy, even when recognition came decades too late.From the muddy trenches of World War I to today’s command centers, Black service members have not only defended the country but have pushed it closer to the ideals it promises. Their stories—sometimes forgotten or overlooked—deserve to be told, remembered and honored.The Harlem HellfightersDuring World War I, the 369th Infantry…
Author: USVM
By Peter Cline, Head of Community at MilMentor Every day, service members, veterans and spouses are using MilMentor to take real steps toward their next career. Over five thousand mentees have joined in eight months, and more than 1,000 mentors, from executives and recruiters at Fortune 500 companies to small business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals in nearly every industry, are ready to help.MilMentor is an innovative technology platform launched last year by an all-veteran and military spouse team who saw a massive gap in the community after a popular mentorship option shut down. They built it to meet a…
President’s Day isn’t just a day off for some and a quick history refresher for others—it’s also one of the first big sales weekends of the year. If you’ve been waiting to make a major purchase, chances are this holiday has your name written all over it.Originally set aside to honor U.S. presidents (with George Washington’s birthday at its core), President’s Day has evolved into a go-to moment for retailers to roll out deep discounts. And shoppers? We’re more than happy to participate.So, what’s usually on sale? Just about everything. Mattress and furniture stores go all out during President’s Day,…
For many veterans, the most challenging mission begins after service—finding a civilian career that matches their skills and drive. While traditional education paths can take years, a growing number of veterans are finding faster, more rewarding routes through apprenticeships and industry-recognized certifications. These programs offer hands-on training, paid work experience and a clear bridge from military expertise to in-demand civilian jobs.Civilian SuccessThe Department of Labor (DOL) reports that veterans who complete registered apprenticeships earn an average starting wage of over $80,000, evidence of how these programs directly link training with employment. Fields like advanced manufacturing, clean energy, information technology and…
On March 27, 2024, Rick Luttrell contacted the Operation Recognition Program offered through the State of Kansas, rewarding eligible veterans their honorary high school diploma if they left high school to serve during war times. Rick left high school to join the United States Marine Corps and was rewarded certification as a Field Artillery Fire Controlman, and now lives with a hearing disability. In 1972 he completed his GED and later transferred to the Military Police Unit, where he went on to complete his enlistment and was honorably discharged in March of 1975. He then worked for the Kansas City,…
When Congress passed the original Servicemen’s Readjustment Act in 1944—better known as the GI Bill—it reshaped the American workforce by giving millions of veterans access to education and economic opportunity. Eight decades later, the bill’s modern version continues to serve as one of the most powerful tools for veterans to gain skills, degrees and credentials that align with the evolving demands of the U.S. economy.The GI BillIn 2026, the labor market is being defined by rapid technological innovation, a nationwide clean energy transition and the growth of hybrid work. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that fields such…
Like many military members, Rebecca Waupoose felt daunted by the transition into the everyday workforce.The Wisconsin native had served six years in the Navy as a master-at-arms, a law-enforcement position. Ready to step away from active duty, Waupoose wanted to enter construction project management but was unsure how to make the jump.“I thought I didn’t have the right skills,” she recalled. “I was a military police officer. How does that pertain to being a project manager?”Finding Vets RISE Waupoose joined Veterans Reskilled in Innovative Solutions for Employment (Vets RISE), a program run in partnership with UMass Lowell and Headlamp to…
Super Bowl Sunday isn’t just about the football — it’s a full cultural moment packed with can’t-miss commercials, celebrity appearances, and a halftime performance that gets everyone talking.🎤 Halftime Show HeadlinerThis year’s Super Bowl LX (60) halftime show has already made headlines:Bad Bunny — the Puerto Rican superstar of reggaeton and Latin trap — will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl halftime show on February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.This marks a historic moment: Bad Bunny is the first solo Latin artist to lead the Super Bowl halftime show, bringing huge global interest and diverse audience…
[Irvine, CA — January 15, 2026] – U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM), one of America’s most beloved and fastest-growing veteran publications, proudly releases its 2026 Top Milspouse Employer Recognition List in the May issue, available digitally nationwide. Ranked by Google as #2 among the top veteran magazines, USVM has spent nearly 15 years providing trusted stories, resources and career, business and educational opportunities for veterans, service members and military spouses. While every issue highlights the military spouse community, this special issue offers in-depth stories, resources and opportunities for spouses to advance their careers, businesses and education. “As a proud daughter of…
By Chris Flaherty, Chief Executive Officer of Nation’s Finest A new year often brings resolutions and fresh intentions. For many of us who’ve served in the military, it’s also a time to confront the silent wounds we carry. While PTSD Awareness Month is designated for June, the need for awareness doesn’t follow the calendar. In fact, January may be the most fitting moment for all—not just for public campaigns but also for personal reckoning. The awareness needed most for PTSD is not for the general public; it is found within oneself, especially for those of us who have worn…
