Author: USVM Editor

In 2019, the U.S. military established the Space Force, a specialty branch of the Air Force dedicated to operations and protections in space. Less than five years after its conception, a Space Force Guardian is finally heading to the stars. Space Force Col. Nick Hague will be the first Guardian to launch into space on a NASA mission to the International Space Station. Though his exact launch date is unknown, Hague will embark on the mission no sooner than August 1st of this year. Commander Zena Cardman, Mission Specialist Stephanie Wilson and Roscosmos cosmonaut Mission Specialist Aleksandr Gorbunov will join…

Embrace the Celebration: LA Fleet Week at the Port of Los Angeles Join us for an unforgettable celebration at LA Fleet Week, Southern California’s largest Memorial Day event, happening from May 22 to May 27, 2024, over Memorial Day weekend. This annual extravaganza takes place on the LA Waterfront at the Port of Los Angeles and features a dynamic lineup of activities, demonstrations, and live entertainment – and best of all, it’s FREE for everyone! Event Details LA Fleet Week is a vibrant multi-day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services, showcasing military equipment demonstrations, educational activities, and exciting live entertainment.…

WHAT/WHY: Girl Scouts San Diego will host the Operation Thin Mint℠ Sendoff and Family Festival on Saturday, May 4 for more than 1,500 attendees. The event commemorates 23 years of Operation Thin Mint℠ (OTM), a service project launched in San Diego that has inspired the donation of more than 4.2 million Girl Scout Cookie packages for U.S. military personnel since its inception in 2002. Girl Scouts San Diego will also recognize two groups of Girl Scouts who rose above and beyond during the 2024 cookie program, the world’s largest girl-led entrepreneurial program: The top 10 Operation Thin Mint℠ Entrepreneurs, who reached…

Navigating the interview process as a veteran or transitioning service member is a critical step towards successfully transitioning into civilian employment. Understanding how to effectively prepare and showcase your unique skills and experiences can significantly enhance your confidence and prospects during job interviews. Preparing thoroughly for interviews is essential as it not only demonstrates professionalism but also allows individuals to effectively communicate their qualifications and suitability for civilian roles. By investing time in interview preparation, veterans can confidently articulate their value to potential employers and address any gaps between military and civilian job requirements. Key Tips for Interview Success Research…

Established in 2015, the GI Film Festival San Diego is a multi-day showcase of films for, by, and about military and veteran experiences. Films featured in the festival reveal the struggles, triumphs, and experiences of service members and veterans. The festival also provides veterans and service members with an opportunity to further their creative skills. Documentaries, shorts, narratives, and feature-length films are presented. The festival includes local films, which feature San Diego filmmakers, events, people, or places. Post-screening discussions with filmmakers, actors and documentary subjects are also part of the festival. The 2024 event takes place May 6-11 in San…

The Department of Veterans Affairs has recently implemented a final rule to amend its regulations concerning character of discharge determinations, aiming to broaden access to VA care and benefits for certain former service members who were discharged under conditions other than honorable or through special court-martial proceedings. When former service members with other than honorable discharges and those discharged by special court-martial apply for VA benefits and services, their records are thoroughly examined to assess eligibility for the requested care and benefits. This meticulous process ensures that deserving former service members, including those who may have experienced discrimination, survived sexual…

Starting and maintaining a business takes a lot of organization, dedication and drive. While it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day of entrepreneurial life, it’s also important to take the time to celebrate and reflect on the accomplishments you’ve made.    “We need to take a small break to reflect and celebrate,” says Dan O’Toole, the CEO of the delivery service company, Arrive, “We need some encouragement from time to time, so take some time to give yourself a silent, or not so silent, toast for the occasion.” According to NorthOne, there are around 582 million entrepreneurs globally,…

Jonathan Lehrfeld/ Air Force Times A Florida alligator harboring apparent dreams to one day serve as an Air Force pilot sadly did not have the chomps for the role. Officials at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, shared Monday on social media that a gator who wandered onto the flightline was quickly wrangled and relocated to a nearby river with assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “The gator is now in the Hillsborough River,” the base said on social media. It suggested in the cheeky post that another infamous alligator, nicknamed Elvis, who local outlets previously reported was…

Millions of retirees, military family members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities have access to a range of wellness services through their Army & Air Force Exchange Service benefit. The Exchange offers vital wellness services such as dental, optometry and chiropractic care, as well as nutrition centers and durable medical equipment stores, right on military installations. In 2023, more than 1 million patients were served through Exchange wellness services. Easy and convenient access to these services is part of the Exchange’s BE FIT 360, a program dedicated to furthering holistic wellness for the military community. Wellness services include optical stores, optometry…

If you’ve ever considered pursuing higher education but hesitated due to financial concerns, the Military Tuition Assistance program might be the solution you need. This program is accessible to active duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members. Making the decision to pursue a degree can be daunting, but TA can significantly alleviate your financial burden by covering up to 100% of tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less. You can pursue academic or technical courses and degree programs from two- or four-year institutions, whether on-installation, off-installation, or through distance learning, provided that the institution is accredited by…