Author: USVM Editor

In the world of higher education, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Annie De La Cruz. A child of immigrants, a military spouse, and a mother of two—one with special needs—Annie’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education. As an alumna and current student, Annie exemplifies the commitment to self improvement and service that defines so many military families. The Rewards and Challenges of Military Life As a military family, Annie and her loved ones have experienced both the joys and trials of this unique lifestyle. Her husband’s nearly 15 years of…

In the wellness world, the humble mushroom has become a powerhouse ingredient, gaining immense popularity for its potential health benefits. What once seemed like a niche interest is now a booming industry, with everything from powders to gummies and even mushroom-infused coffee hitting the shelves. But what’s behind this surge in interest, and why are mushrooms now at the forefront of modern wellness?Ancient Remedies, Modern AppealMushrooms have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Eastern cultures. Chinese and Japanese herbal practices have long included medicinal mushrooms such as reishi, shiitake, and cordyceps. These fungi were revered for their…

Hey there, Veterans! Whether you’re winding down after a busy day, enjoying a quiet weekend, or just looking for something new to binge, Netflix has a treasure trove of content tailored to your interests. From gripping military dramas to heartwarming comedies, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. Here’s a quick guide to help you find your next favorite show or movie. Military Dramas That Hit Home The Outpost – Based on true events, this intense war drama dives into the Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan. It’s raw, real, and resonates with the experiences of many who served. Medal of Honor…

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…

U.S. Veterans Magazine is proud to announce the release of its highly anticipated February 2025 issue, honoring military appreciation with a compelling cover story: Merryl Tengesdal – Fearless, Relentless.Merryl Tengesdal, an American retired career military officer, is the first and only Black woman to fly the United States Air Force’s U-2 spy plane, used for specialized high-altitude reconnaissance missions. A true trailblazer, she is one of just five women and only the fourth Black person to join the elite U-2 program. Her extraordinary journey, marked by courage and determination, sets the tone for this special edition dedicated to celebrating American heroes…

The transition from the military to the civilian sector typically focuses on job opportunities. While this is important, it’s also vital to consider the financial aspects of transitioning into the civilian world and a new career. Preparation is key to success, and Veteran Saves has a treasure trove of tools and information to support you. With some planning and a willingness to learn, you can build a solid foundation to help you address your financial needs as a veteran.Creating a Spending PlanWhen managing your finances, it’s essential to understand all facets of your monthly income and expenses. Collect data from…

Looking to get into manufacturing engineering? A degree in manufacturing engineering is a gateway to an exciting and essential field that focuses on improving production processes and designing systems to make manufacturing more efficient, innovative and sustainable.But what does this degree involve and is it the right choice for you? Here’s what you should know:What Is Manufacturing Engineering?Manufacturing engineering is a specialized branch of engineering that focuses on designing, analyzing and improving manufacturing processes. Professionals in this field work to enhance production efficiency, reduce costs and maintain high-quality standards. Using tools like computer-aided design (CAD) software, manufacturing engineers innovate and…

By Dawn Smith   When you ask military families about the best things about the military lifestyle, they’ll likely mention the extraordinary people they’ve met along the way and their fantastic travel opportunities. Some travel adventures are PCS-related, of course, but there are a few other ways to enjoy seeing the world with military discounts.The following programs are valid for military ID holders, so take advantage of your benefits soon—time flies!Space-A-TravelSpace-A-Travel provides free (or extremely low-cost) flights to and from Europe, Asia and more. Those sound like pretty sweet military travel perks, right? For many military families, Space-A (available) flights are…

What is your name, title, role and tenure with Charles Schwab, and could you please share your journey from the military to working at the company?I’m Russell Simmons, a Director in Advisor Services, and I’ve been with Schwab for 13 years and in the Army Reserves for nearly 22 years. I am a Chief Warrant officer in the Engineer Branch. I transitioned to Schwab from the military in 2011 after my second deployment. I was able to easily transition my leadership experience making important decisions in stressful environments.Can you tell us about Charles Schwab’s military and veteran Employee Resource Group…

This four-part documentary series drops you right into the world of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) — one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ frontline forces — as they train, work, and live together in the Pacific. What Marines Is All About Unlike scripted shows, Marines isn’t fiction — it’s a docuseries that follows actual Marines aboard Navy ships and during rigorous training exercises, often hundreds of miles from home. You’ll see: Grueling training and readiness exercises that test physical and mental limits Life aboard the USS America and USS Green Bay, from work routines to downtime Marines of various…