By Joe Syznkowski Dogs have always been essential to the well-being of veterans, whether they are working as a service dog or simply providing companionship. But when dogs come together with today’s modern technology, we can create a way for our furry friends to support our veterans further. Dogs For Our Brave is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professionally trained service dogs at no cost to veterans who have suffered debilitating injuries or illness while in service to our country. “We truly believe this helps us save two lives at once,” said April Haskins, executive director at Dogs For…
Author: USVM
By Tim Madden A career in the military has many rewards, but it also has foundational relevance for a civilian career. According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, around 200,000 service members transition out of the military each year. Various federal programs are designed to facilitate this transition, including helping service members achieve their education, employment and other goals, and overcome potential challenges in adjusting to civilian life. Unfortunately, many of these programs fall flat, and thousands of veterans are left without any options or viable plans to fall back on post service. Fortunately, military experience proves to be an…
If you’re transitioning to the civilian workforce, or educational institution and interested in working in the STEM field with a stable income and opportunities for growth, here are some of the most popular STEM fields you should consider. Software Developer Rated as the top job in STEM by U.S. News & World Report, software developers are becoming more and more of a necessity in today’s world. As a software developer, you create computer applications that allow users to do specific tasks and the underlying systems that run the devices or control networks. This may include designing and developing software according…
Prepare to be inspired and empowered at the Women Veterans Engage Conference – Virtual, happening on April 27, 2024, from 9am to 2pm EST. Whether you’re a woman veteran, active duty, guard, reserve, spouse, or supporter, this event offers a unique opportunity for professional development, personal growth, and community connection. Event Details Mark your calendars for April 27, 2024, as Women Veterans Engage (WVE) hosts a virtual conference from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM EST. Organized by WVE, this year’s theme is “Empowered Warriors: Navigating Transitions, Igniting Purpose, and Cultivating Well-Being.” The conference will be broadcasted live in person throughout…
By Cpl. Andrew Bray Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) has emerged as a critical center for innovation within the United States Marine Corps. The largest Marine Corps training facility of its kind, MCAGCC has become an essential testing ground for emerging technologies. Marines with Tactical Training and Exercise Control Group (TTECG), Marine Air Ground Task Force Training Command, in concert with the Office of Naval Research (ONR), tested a quadruped robotic platform referred to as the “robotic goat” on Sept. 9, 2023. TTECG and ONR test fired an M72 LAW (light anti-armor weapon) rocket launcher from the robotic…
Check out the Women’s Bureau’s Military Spouses Fact Sheet on dol.gov/wb for insights into collaborative efforts with various sectors to bolster job opportunities for military spouses. Key Points: Objective: Our aim is to work alongside government agencies, private entities, non-profits, educational institutions, and labor organizations to foster increased employment prospects for military spouses. Quick Stats: 92% of military spouses are women. 53% are part of the labor force, compared to 76% of the general population. Unemployment rate stands at 13%, nearly three times the national average (as of May 2017). 89% have pursued some form of college education, with 30%…
Connect and Grow: VIB Network Express Connect Event Join us for an exciting opportunity at the VIB Network Express Connect event, coming to Boston/Cambridge, MA on April 25, 2024. Hosted at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, this event promises a day filled with networking, learning and growth opportunities for veteran businesses and key stakeholders. Experience a day jam-packed with informative panels, insightful speakers and tactical networking sessions. The event aims to connect veteran businesses with key buyers and supplier diversity professionals from corporations and government agencies nationwide. Learn from success stories, gain valuable insights and discover new opportunities to grow your business. What…
For those with aviation experience from their time in the service, you have a critical skillset that the commercial airline industry is looking for. Take Mark Rutledge, an Air Force veteran and commercial airline pilot who took his childhood love for flying and transformed it into service and a civilian career. U.S. Veterans Magazine sat down with Rutledge to discuss his origins, careers and how you can follow in his footsteps. How and when did you realize you wanted to be a pilot? Ironically, my parents told me I dreamt of flying well before I was old enough to have…
Why Jeffrey Mittman’s experience made him who he is today. I am the president and CEO of Bosma Enterprises, Indiana’s largest statewide employer of people who are blind or visually impaired. I became Bosma’s first legally blind CEO in August 2019, but my journey to become the luckiest man alive began long before then. In 2005, I was a 35-year-old sergeant first class with 16 years of service under my belt on my fourth combat tour in the Middle East. I was serving as an adviser to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior forces. On July 7, I was traveling to…
By John Register As a professional keynote speaker specializing in How to Amputate Fear and Transform Adversity into Advantage, I understand veterans’ fears when transitioning to civilian life. The daunting question, “Who am I now?” and uncertainties about identity post-military service are rampant. However, these fears can be mitigated by job recruiters who value military personnel’s unique skills and resilience. These recruiters can craft strategic approaches to integrate military veteran talent into the civilian workforce. My recent encounter at Dallas Love Field Airport’s USO with GySgt Brian Schiller (Ret.), who played a role in helping me develop the Paralympic Military…
