When it comes to special offers and discounts, your status as a veteran or active-duty service member gets you more than the special discounts available on Veterans Day. Many retailers, restaurants, services and more offer special benefits for military personnel and their families every day of the year. Here’s a look at some of the best perks you can take advantage of year-round. Please note that the discounts below may require a military ID. Discounts that can be redeemed by spouses and dependents will be noted as such. Discounts that require a Veterans Advantage membership will also be noted. Airlines…
Author: USVM
As the nation’s first line of defense against crises, first responders—firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS) and emergency management personnel—are often tasked with high-stakes decision-making in life-or-death situations. For many veterans, transitioning from military service to these critical roles is a natural progression, leveraging the skills they honed in the armed forces to protect and serve their communities.Veterans are increasingly joining the ranks of fire departments, EMS teams and emergency management agencies, where their unique training and experiences provide invaluable benefits. The skills learned during military service—such as leadership, teamwork, discipline and crisis management—translate seamlessly into first responder positions.First Responder RolesThe…
Finding the perfect place to call home is important for everyone — but for disabled veterans, it’s even more crucial. After everything you’ve given and everything you’ve been through, you deserve a place that’s comfortable, welcoming, and supportive. So let’s talk about some of the best places in the U.S. where disabled veterans can truly thrive.What Makes a City Great for Disabled Veterans?Before we dive into specific places, let’s set the scene. A great city for a disabled veteran usually checks a few important boxes:Affordable cost of living (because financial stress should not be part of the deal)Good VA hospitals…
Hey there, veteran entrepreneurs!So, you’ve served your country, started your own business (no small feat!), and now you’re wondering: How can I get officially certified as a veteran-owned or disabled veteran-owned business? Whether you’re aiming to land government contracts, access special programs, or just want to make your status official, you’re in the right place.Let’s break it down—plain and simple—so you can get certified without pulling your hair out.First Things First: What Does Certification Even Do?Being certified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) opens doors. We’re talking:Access to set-aside government contractsIncreased visibility on federal…
Military families face unique challenges, from frequent relocations to parental deployments. To support military children and teens, the Department of Defense (DoD) and affiliated organizations offer a range of summer camps that provide enriching experiences, build resilience and foster friendships with peers who share similar life experiences. These programs cater to various age groups and interests, covering everything from outdoor adventures to STEM education. Here are some of the top summer camps available for military kids:Military Youth & Teen ProgramsDoD youth and teen programs operate year-round and provide supervised environments where military children can engage in activities that promote social…
You’ve served your country, led teams, kept cool under pressure—and now, maybe you’re thinking about leading a classroom. Teaching can be a natural next chapter for military veterans. After all, you already have the discipline, leadership, and problem-solving skills schools are desperate for.But how exactly do you go from tactical gear to textbooks? Let’s walk through the process—step by step, without the jargon.Step 1: Know That You’re NeededFirst off, let’s get something straight: schools want veterans. Why? Because you bring:A strong sense of missionReal-life experienceGrit and resilienceThe ability to connect with students from all walks of lifeThere are even special…
By Brian Rolf As a veteran and business owner, I often reflect on how my time in the Marine Corps directly shaped the way I run my franchises. Transitioning from military service to becoming a Pet Supplies Plus franchisee was no easy feat. Still, the skills, discipline and mindset I developed in the military became the backbone of my success.Today, as I continue to grow my business, I’m eager to share how my fellow veterans can leverage their military experience to pursue their own entrepreneurial journey.Lead from the Front & Set the PaceOne of the biggest lessons I learned during…
Transitioning from military service to civilian employment can be daunting, but many veterans find that their skills and experiences are highly valued across various industries. Whether leaving active duty or retiring, veterans bring a wealth of qualities—discipline, leadership, adaptability and problem-solving—that make them an asset to employers in several key sectors. Here’s a look at some of the top industries hiring veterans.Logistics & Supply Chain ManagementVeterans are often drawn to the logistics and supply chain management sector due to their experience coordinating and overseeing the movement of goods, equipment and personnel in high-pressure environments. These skills translate to the civilian…
After serving eight years in the military, Laquan Taylor returned home from his final tour only to face another battle—surviving after being shot 15 times. That journey led him to Neurofit360, an experience that changed his life. He’s bringing that same intensity and life-changing therapy to Atlanta through Neurofit360 ATL. We spoke with Taylor about his journey, the impact of Neurofit360 and his vision for the future.Tell us about your military background.I joined the Navy right after high school. I graduated in May and enlisted in December. I signed up to become an engineman, though I had no idea what…
By Paul Peng The United States Constitution is perhaps modern history’s oldest continuously operating sovereign contract. Signed in 1787 and enacted in 1789, this contract has been the foundation of our democracy for well over two centuries. It firmly establishes—in writing—the agreement made between a nation and its people. Yet despite this, a great many Americans know very little of this foundational document.If you were to ask your friends, co-workers, family or neighbors, how many do you think would confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day (or vice versa)? How many would know what is said in our Constitution? Or what…
