The Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA) is pleased to announce its 2025 Annual Conference and Vanguard Awards Dinner, scheduled for July 15-18, 2025, at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel in Norfolk, Virginia. The conference will feature the Senior Enlisted Panel, where top leaders from each branch of the Armed Forces will discuss the current state of their services and answer questions from attendees. Guest speakers from various Military and Veteran organizations will also cover topics that are vital to the Military community. One of the highlights of the event is the Vanguard Awards Dinner, where one service member from each…
Author: USVM
Archie Smart, the Director of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Dose Reconstruction Program, managed by a team led by ORAU, embodies a lifelong commitment to service and leadership. Over his 21-year tenure at ORAU, Smart has managed complex projects with a focus on operations, acquisition, budgeting, HR and training, all while overseeing the seamless integration of facility, property, subcontractor and transportation management. However, his journey to this leadership role is deeply rooted in his early experiences as an Army Adjutant General Corp officer. This path shaped his approach to career and life.From Military Roots to Civilian LeadershipSmart’s…
By Mona Lisa Faris, Publisher, U.S. Veterans MagazineThe 17th Annual Student Veterans of America (SVA) National Conference (NatCon), held from Jan. 2-4, 2025, at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort and Convention Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, brought together around 1,800 diverse student veterans, academic leaders, employers and advocates. Colorado Springs, known for its picturesque backdrop, is also home to the prestigious United States Air Force Academy, demonstrating its deep connection to military excellence. The event celebrated empowerment and opportunity, aimed at helping student veterans transition successfully from military service to higher education and professional careers.At the heart of the event was…
Since its inception in 1991, American Military University (AMU) has been dedicated to serving those who serve. With a rich military heritage, AMU offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates, all designed to accommodate the unique needs of military students and their families.Flexible Online LearningUnderstanding the demands of military life, AMU provides flexible online programs that allow servicemembers to complete coursework from anywhere in the world. This flexibility ensures that education can continue uninterrupted, whether at home or deployed.Preferred Military RateTo make education more accessible, AMU offers a Preferred Military Rate of $250 per credit hour for both…
By Ryan Pavel and Dr. Cassie Sanchez For many veterans, college is an essential part of building toward a fulfilling civilian career. Adjusting to college and navigating the cultural shifts of transition can be a challenging experience, but it’s also full of opportunities.At Warrior-Scholar Project (WSP), we’ve helped more than 2,500 enlisted student veterans get a head start in higher education through our academic boot camps, run in partnership with leading universities nationwide. Before we dive into any type of humanities, STEM or business content at our boot camps, we start with a foundational principle of college success: mindset.Ample research…
By Sgt. Maria Elena Casneiro Army Reserve Capt. Sean Kalletta, a military police officer with the 200th Military Police Command, recently received the Carnegie Medal for his heroic efforts. Suffolk County executive Ed Romaine presented the medal to him with family and colleagues present.On January 2, 2021, Kalletta was on duty as a Suffolk County Police officer when he responded to a house fire and entered the home, saving two residents and their dogs.“I knew that it was a very serious fire when I was driving to the scene because I could see a lot of smoke in the air…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
