In today’s competitive hiring environment, recruiters who want to attract veteran talent must do more than simply say “veteran-inclusive.” They must speak a language that veterans understand and that hiring managers recognize. That means moving away from military-specific titles and acronyms—and instead writing job descriptions that emphasize competencies, transferable skills and real-world outcomes.Veterans bring strong skills in management, teamwork, adaptability and mission focus. But when recruiters post jobs using civilian wording like “team player,” “fast-paced” or “manage people,” the connection to what service members actually did can get lost. By contrast, when job descriptions emphasize measurable competencies—for example, “lead a…
Author: USVM
By Tanecia Favors Can I just say if this life has taught me anything, it should have taught me to always expect the unexpected. So, when this deployment got extended (as they almost always do), I should not have been surprised. While this extension was a shock, my reaction to it was not.I responded like I’m sure many other spouses do. But as the days turned into weeks, I came to the usual realization: We could be sad, but life had to go on. The kids and I decided to send one care package each week for the next…
With profound respect, the staff of U.S. Veterans Magazine joins the National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) and the broader veteran community in honoring the life and legacy of NVBDC Founder and CEO, Keith King, a trusted partner for over 20 years and a steadfast advocate for veterans.King was a visionary leader whose life’s work was defined by service—both in uniform and beyond it. A decorated Vietnam veteran and a 40-year veteran advocate, he helped countless service members successfully transition from military to civilian life.King founded the NVBDC as the nation’s first credible, corporate-accepted certification program for Service-Disabled and Veteran-Owned…
By Dr. LeNaya Hezel, Chief Programs Officer at Warrior-Scholar Project Going to college can be an important step toward transitioning to civilian life and securing a fulfilling career after serving in the military. But navigating the higher education landscape and finding the right fit can be daunting. Choosing a school that matches your interests is one thing, but what if you’re also looking for support as a nontraditional student and seeking other veterans who have been in your shoes? Understanding what to look for and what questions to ask can make all the difference in long-term success.In my work…
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is stepping up to connect military veterans with career mentorship in the sports and fitness sector, thanks to its new VetsEXCEL Career Transition Program. Led by SFIA President and CEO Todd Smith, the initiative bridges the gap between transitioning service members and an industry with such strong alignment to the core values of the military community.Smith, who took the helm of SFIA in October 2024, brings decades of experience across athletics, professional sports and business leadership. A lifelong athlete, he walked onto the volleyball team at UCLA before earning a master’s degree in…
By Mona Lisa Faris, President & Publisher, U.S. Veterans Magazine Trying to reach veterans? The biggest platform right now isn’t a base or a community center—it’s TikTok. With over 19 million veterans, service members and their families active on the app, TikTok has become a thriving digital hub for the military community. This year alone, military and veteran content has drawn more than 42 billion views—proving it’s far more than just entertainment. It’s a space for connection, storytelling and purpose.At the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) in Atlanta, TikTok’s presence was impossible to miss. The platform’s booth buzzed with creators, nonprofits and…
When Jocko Willink speaks, people listen. Maybe it’s the gravel in his voice, or the unmistakable authority of someone who has lived every word he says. A retired U.S. Navy SEAL commander, leadership instructor, best-selling author and podcast host, Willink has become one of the most respected voices in America on discipline, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. This winter that voice will reach an even wider audience as his best-selling book, Way of the Warrior Kid comes to life on screen.The upcoming film, produced by Skydance Media and Apple Studios, stars Chris Pratt as Uncle Jake, the Navy SEAL…
Nate Boyer has never been one to take the easy road. A former Green Beret who later suited up for the NFL, Boyer has built his life around challenge, resilience and purpose. Today, as a filmmaker, entrepreneur and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players (MVP), he continues that mission—helping veterans and athletes navigate life after their uniforms are retired. His path, unconventional at every turn, is what makes him the perfect fit for the cover of our inaugural Veterans in Sports issue.Boyer’s story begins not with football or film, but with a sense of duty. After volunteering in Darfur, he…
When Captain Johnny Nilsen, pictured above 2nd from left, retired from the U.S. Navy after 29 years, he didn’t step away from service—he just changed uniforms. Now in his third season as Military Affairs Advisor for the San Diego Padres, Nilsen channels his decades of military leadership into one of Major League Baseball’s most ambitious and authentic military outreach programs. A lifelong baseball fan raised in a sports-obsessed family, Nilsen’s journey from Navy JAG to the Padres front office is a testament to how veterans can thrive in unexpected arenas.As the fourth retired Naval Officer to hold the role, Nilsen…
Dream Vacations has once again been recognized as a Top Veteran Employer, and Air Force veteran David Johnson says the honor is well deserved. As a franchise owner and member of the company’s Advisory Council, Johnson has seen firsthand how Dream Vacations invests in service members, veterans and military spouses.“The company doesn’t just talk about being veteran-friendly—it delivers with a support system that understands the unique strengths and challenges of military life,” Johnson said.Reducing BarriersThat support begins with financial incentives. Dream Vacations offers one of the most generous veteran startup programs in the franchise industry, reducing initial costs and making…
