Author: USVM Editor

As America marks its 250th anniversary, much of the national conversation reflects on the past, founding leaders, defining victories and historic milestones. But for Air Force veteran and entrepreneur Lisa Ducharme, the more important story is still unfolding. It’s not just history, it’s a pattern. And at the center of that pattern is the veteran entrepreneur.Through her national initiative, America 250: Celebrating Veteran Inventors, Entrepreneurs and Businesses, Ducharme is documenting 250 veteran inventors, entrepreneurs and businesses spanning from the Revolutionary War to today. What emerges is not a series of isolated success stories, but something far more consistent: a repeatable…

AI is no longer simply a technology trend. It is becoming a workforce reality—and higher education is responding.As companies across industries integrate AI into operations, decision-making and customer experiences, universities are moving quickly to prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving economy. One of the clearest examples comes from Georgia, where Kennesaw State University recently announced plans to launch the state’s first bachelor’s degree dedicated entirely to artificial intelligence.The program is noteworthy on its own, but it also reflects a much broader shift in higher education: AI is moving from specialization to strategy.For students evaluating degree paths, that evolution…

Stephanie Rose is no stranger to a flight deck. After logging more than 2,500 hours in the Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft during her 22-year career in the Air Force, she now serves as a manager for Boeing’s AWACS program in Oklahoma City.Rose is one of more than 18,000 veterans across Boeing’s U.S. workforce supporting commercial aviation, defense platforms and aerospace innovation.Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, especially when translating military experience into a corporate environment. Research from the Syracuse University D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families shows that many veterans leave their first…

By Woody Bradshaw     Patriotism is often associated with symbols; a flag waving in the breeze, the national anthem before a ballgame or a holiday dedicated to remembering those who served. While those traditions remain important, genuine patriotism is built on something much deeper: gratitude.Gratitude for the freedoms many of us enjoy every day.Gratitude for the opportunities we’ve been given.And perhaps most importantly, gratitude for the people who have sacrificed to make those freedoms possible.In today’s world, conversations about patriotism can quickly become divided by politics, opinions or personal experiences. Yet regardless of where we come from or what we…

After nearly three decades in the Air Force, Felice Parker didn’t slow down—she shifted gears. What followed wasn’t just a transition to civilian life, but the launch of a second career rooted in structure, leadership and continuous learning.Her path into franchising reflects a growing trend among veterans: turning military experience into successful business ownership.Early StartParker retired in 2012 after 27 years of service, carrying forward more than formal education in elementary and early childhood development. She brought with her a leadership mindset shaped by years of training, responsibility and real-world execution.“The Air Force prepared me for those roles with numerous…

Last November, U.S. Veterans Magazine introduced readers to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) VetsEXCEL Career Transition Program—an initiative designed to connect transitioning service members with career opportunities in the sports and fitness industry. At the time, SFIA President and CEO Todd Smith pointed to a clear opportunity: aligning an industry in need of talent with a community rich in leadership, accountability and operational expertise.Now, as the inaugural cohort progresses, that vision is taking shape through real experiences, meaningful relationships and early outcomes. The VetsEXCEL pilot program—built around a small cohort of veterans paired with industry mentors—offers individualized guidance,…

After more than three decades of military service, Major General (Ret.) Matt Smith has built a career defined not by rank, but by relationships. Today, as the Executive Director of Veterans Initiatives at Emory University, he applies the leadership principles he refined in high-stakes environments to help veterans navigate one of the most complex transitions of their lives: moving from military service to civilian careers.Smith’s 32-year career in the Army and Army National Guard placed him in roles requiring coordination across agencies, teams and missions. In his final assignment, he led Joint Task Force North, aligning efforts across 18 federal…

Cyber threats continue to evolve, and small businesses are increasingly finding themselves in the crosshairs. While many owners assume cybercriminals only target large corporations, smaller organizations are often attractive because they may have fewer security measures in place.The good news is that protecting your business doesn’t require a large IT department. Building strong cybersecurity habits and making security part of your daily operations can significantly reduce your risk and help safeguard your data, finances and customer trust.Build a Security-First CultureTechnology plays an important role in cybersecurity, but people remain your first line of defense.Provide employees with regular training on topics…

Mental health isn’t something we think about only when life feels overwhelming. It’s built through the choices we make every day—from how we fuel our bodies and manage stress to the quality of our sleep and the relationships we maintain. While no single habit is a cure-all, small, consistent actions can improve your overall well-being and help you better navigate life’s challenges.Whether you’re transitioning from military service, balancing work and family responsibilities or simply trying to create healthier routines, these everyday habits can support both your mental and physical well-being.Fuel Your BodyWhat you eat affects far more than your physical…

For more than 75 years, Mid-Hudson Works has remained committed to a singular mission: restoring dignity, purpose and financial independence through meaningful work. Based in Poughkeepsie, New York, the nonprofit was founded in the late 1940s to support Soldiers returning from World War II—individuals navigating the difficult transition back into civilian life. Today, that mission continues, serving veterans, individuals with disabilities and those facing economic hardship with the same unwavering focus.What began as a response to one generation’s need has evolved into a powerful workforce development model—one that remains highly relevant in today’s economic climate.Real WorkAt the heart of Mid-Hudson…