Author: USVM

Starting a business can be expensive, but you don’t have to fund your company alone if you’re a veteran business owner. From government-funded business grants to scholarships from nonprofit organizations, here are some top funding opportunities you should take advantage of:Second Service Foundation Military Entrepreneur ChallengeHosted by the Second Service Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping veteran entrepreneurs, the Military Entrepreneur Challenge is an annual coaching and competition event that awards grants to veteran, military spouse and Gold Star family entrepreneurs. Participants are given the opportunity to prepare and present a pitch to a panel of judges that award monetary…

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Hiring military veterans has become a key priority for many companies seeking dedicated, skilled and reliable employees. BNSF Railway, a leader in the transportation industry, offers a model for how organizations can successfully attract, support and retain veterans. By exploring the strategies used by BNSF, other companies can learn effective ways to build a veteran-friendly workforce that aligns with their goals and values.Aligning Military Experience with Company RolesOne of the first steps in effectively hiring veterans is recognizing how military skills translate to the private sector. BNSF’s Chief Operations Officer, Matt Igoe, exemplifies this transition. Before joining BNSF in 1998,…

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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently announced that it has updated the process for awarding GI Bill benefits following the 2024 Supreme Court decision. This change provides Veterans who served multiple periods of military service, such as those who reenlisted, the opportunity to receive up to an additional 12 months of education benefits.Previously, Veterans with at least two periods of service were capped at 36 months of GI Bill benefits between the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Under the updated policy, that cap has been removed, allowing eligible Veterans to qualify for up to 48 months…

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In the ever-evolving landscape of franchise opportunities, Dream Vacations stands out not only for its commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences but also for its dedication to supporting veterans and military families. Drew Daly, the general manager and senior vice president of Dream Vacations, is at the helm of this dynamic organization. With nearly three decades of experience, Daly has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s franchise division and ensuring its success.Empowering Veterans & Military FamiliesDream Vacations has established itself as a strong supporter of veterans and military families, offering a franchise model that resonates with their unique…

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Active-duty service members will have a new benefit in 2025: health care flexible spending accounts. The DoD will make health care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) available to servicemembers for the first time in March 2025 through a special enrollment period, allowing participating military families to set aside up to $3,200 in pretax earnings to pay for qualified medical expenses.The Military Officer’s Association of America (MOAA) affirmed that MOAA and the Military Coalition (TMC), an umbrella group which represents about 5.5 million members of the uniformed services community, have long promoted authorization of these FSAs, which are similar to employment benefits…

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As we enter the new year, the job market is shifting with significant opportunities in health care, technology, sustainability and finance. Here’s a snapshot of some of the highest-paying careers expected to thrive in the coming year:Artificial Intelligence & Machine LearningThe demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning experts is skyrocketing as industries incorporate AI in areas like health care, finance and autonomous vehicles. These roles are foundational in tech, with potential for growth across industries as AI integration increases​.AI engineers, who design the algorithms powering these innovations, earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, with senior roles often surpassing…

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The extent to which 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh had found herself in uncharted military territory became clear at a NASCAR event in February, where her dual-hat duties required her to execute quick changes between her Air Force combat utility uniform and full pageant regalia.Her schedule had her meeting the Air Force Thunderbirds demonstration team and then a collection of military generals before shifting to a more conventional Miss America crowd-greeting public appearance at the race.Military Times reports that Marsh, 23,  who will complete her year as the first active-duty Miss America in January, realized a level-setting conversation was in order…

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For job seekers, honesty is one of the most critical traits that a manager can have in the workplace. In a study done by the Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll, 96% of job seekers said that honesty was important when it came to new managers, while 36% believe that open communication is absolutely essential.But honesty isn’t just something that makes employees happy—it is statistically shown to increase morale, productivity and business success.Impact by the NumbersExpress Professionals reports that American hiring managers agree that honesty plays a vital role in the workplace. More than half (58%) believe employee morale and productivity increases…

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The Military Spouse Transition Program (MySTeP) is made for YOU – a military spouse – to support and encourage you throughout your service member’s time in the military. MySTeP will help you plan, prepare and be ready for the life your family wants after transitioning out of the military, whenever that time comes. The information, tools and programs highlighted in MySTeP will connect you with the right resources at the right time to help you successfully navigate military life at every stage of your service member’s career.Where do I Start?Start with Stepping In as you begin your journey as a…

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By Capt. Sara Berner     Army Capt. Chris Flournoy and Staff Sgt. Michael Holloway, both innovators from the 3rd Infantry Division’s Marne Innovation Center, were selected as champions of Dragon’s Lair 9 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Hosted by the Department of Defense, Dragon’s Lair is an innovation competition that encourages service members to create new technology and solutions for military-specific issues.During the event, which served as the ninth iteration of the Department of Defense’s premier innovation competition, eight finalists—comprised of individuals and teams from different military branches—presented their creations to a panel of military leaders and industry experts. Each finalist was allotted…

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