Author: USVM Editor

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…

Thunderly, the franchise marketing agency behind the year-long “American Dreamers: The Stories of Franchising”© campaign, is dedicating its August storytelling series to military veterans who transferred the discipline, organization and leadership skills developed in service to their country into successful post-military careers as franchise business owners.This month’s featured franchise owners include:Cory Boxall, owner of multiple TeamLogic IT locations throughout Virginia, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and the United States Diplomatic Security Service. Today, he leads a nationally recognized managed IT and cybersecurity organization serving businesses, government contractors and enterprise clients across…

For military families, one of the most important milestones isn’t just high school or college graduation—it’s when a child’s TRICARE health coverage ends. As young adults transition to independence, understanding how TRICARE works when students age out of dependent coverage is essential to avoid gaps in health care and make informed decisions about next steps.Coverage LimitsUnder current TRICARE rules, dependent children of service members and retirees remain eligible for regular TRICARE coverage until their 21st birthday. Children who are enrolled full-time at an approved institution of higher education may continue coverage until their 23rd birthday or graduation, whichever comes first.…

For generations, service members have often viewed sacrificing sleep as part of the job. Long hours, demanding missions and the expectation to push through fatigue have become ingrained in military culture. But retired Air Force Gen. Mike Minihan believes that mindset deserves a second look. After more than 34 years in uniform, he argues that recovery is a critical component of sustained performance, effective leadership and long-term health.Minihan retired as commander of Air Mobility Command, where he led more than 110,000 Airmen and directed one of the nation’s largest mobility operations. His experience overseeing combat missions, humanitarian relief efforts and…