Sgt. 1st Class Lisa Tavai Knight holds a unique position in the U.S. Army. As a geospatial engineer, her job is to provide maps and other materials that are critical to the U.S. Army Sustainment Command (ASC) and the U.S. Army Material Command (AMC). Most interestingly of all, Knight is the only person in the ASC and the only uniformed individual in the AMC to serve in the position. “I never thought I would be doing what I do now. I enlisted in the Army on a whim and 13 years later, I create and design maps and geographic products…
Author: USVM
In a longstanding tradition with the U.S. Navy, towing, salvage and rescue ships are always named after prominent Native Americans or Native American tribes to honor Native American history, heritage and contributions to the U.S. military.This year, the newest Navajo-class Towing, Salvage, and Rescue (T-ATS) ship will be named in honor of Solomon Atkinson, a pioneering Navy SEAL and an Alaskan Native of the Metlakatla Indian Community, Annette Islands Reserve. The announcement was made on Metlakatla’s Founders Day by Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro.“I am honored to name the next T-ATS after Solomon Atkinson, a man who…
By Jon Micheal Connor The Permanent Change of Station process, otherwise known as PCS, can be an immensely stressful time, but thanks to some new initiatives to come in the new year, some of the stresses of moving day may be lifted. Reimbursements for pet ownersAccording to a memorandum signed by Donna Haddix, the Military Advisory Panel will soon be authorizing a higher reimbursement fee for the moving costs of pets. The memorandum authorizes reimbursement of up to $550 for a “PCS within the continental United States and up $2,000 for a PCS to and from a location outside the continental…
By Katie Lange As the National Football League kicks into high gear, one player who spent part of his summer visiting troops in Okinawa, Japan, has returned to the field with a newfound respect for our armed forces. Johnathan Abram, a free safety for the New Orleans Saints, took part in a week-long USO tour in June, where he got to see what life was like for service members and their families at Kadena Air Base, as well as Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Camp Hansen, Camp Schwab and Camp Foster. The trip marked the first time the NFL has…
What happens when the uniform comes off? U.S. Veterans Magazine works with transitioning service members through TAP programs to help them find gainful, sustained employment as they shift to the civilian sector and, ultimately, find their next purpose.I invite you to read “Leaving a Purpose Bigger Than You: 3 Steps to Help Make the Military Transition” on page 14 of the current issue, and “Veterans’ Preference Can Help You Secure Your Next Job” on page 26 to help with your own transition.We all know Chuck Norris as the ultimate “Man of Action” (page 74). After serving in the Air Force,…
As the spring semester begins, one of the biggest things on your mind may be the cost of the next step in your educational journey. Whether you’re jumping into the classroom this upcoming semester or preparing to join next year, you have an extensive number of resources you can utilize to help fund your STEM degree. Here are some great scholarships that you can apply for to aid your educational journey: KnowBe4 Military, Veterans & Spouse Cybersecurity Scholarship For veterans, military personnel and their spouses, cybersecurity is one of the most sought-out fields in STEM. Through the KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Scholarship,…
Eric Vasquez is a veteran, owner and founder of Veterans Logistics Group. With a background in military service, Vasquez’s leadership style prioritizes compassion and inclusivity. While running his company, Vasquez still serves as a senior master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM) sat down with Vasquez to discuss veteran entrepreneurship, the military and how certification has helped his business. USVM: How did you select a military branch; how long did you serve and what inspired you to join the military? Eric Vasquez (EV): In 1998, during my junior year of high school, a Navy recruiter…
With a generous grant of $750,000, the Wells Fargo Foundation announced it’s is initiating the creation of the Team Rubicon TRades Academy, aimed at addressing the pressing need for qualified contractors in communities nationwide, particularly following natural disasters. Veteran-led humanitarian organization Team Rubicon has long recognized the acute shortage of skilled contractors capable of providing homeowners with efficient and high-quality rebuild and repair services in the aftermath of disasters. To tackle this shortfall, Team Rubicon is launching the TRades Academy program, designed to equip trainees with essential trade skills such as contracting, electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC installation, which they…
U.S. Veterans Magazine (USVM) was honored to partner with and attend the Heroes Linked Gala, an exceptional event that showcased the platform’s impact on the veteran community. As a partner, USVM aligns itself with Heroes Linked’s mission of empowering veterans through meaningful connections and valuable career insights.In a world where veterans seek seamless transitions from military to civilian life, platforms like Heroes Linked emerge as beacons of support. Unlike traditional veteran programs or job sites, Heroes Linked stands out as a free, user-friendly online platform connecting veterans, transitioning service members and military spouses with industry-diverse professionals. These mentors offer vital…
In a partnership between eSight, an eyewear company for those with visual impairments, and Marathon Medical, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business, the two companies are coming together with the Department of Veterans Affairs to increase accessibility for life-altering devices for veterans. U.S. Veterans Magazine spoke with eSight about their company, their partnership with Marathon Medical, and SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) ownership, accessibility and using your business platform to give back to veterans. Tell us about eSight and how you got started. eSight Eyewear was founded and developed by an electrical engineer named Conrad Lewis. He was determined to find a…
