Author: USVM

Opened in 2017, the Education & Outreach Center brings civilians and defenders together. Through speaking series, workshops, and summits,  hosted events focus on character building exercises and educating communities about the importance of service over self.Bridging the GapWith less than 1% of our population in the armed services today, and all serving on a volunteer basis, our military and civilian communities rarely interact. This facility provides a casual, communal environment to bring these two worlds together for constructive dialogues and inspiring events.Raising AwarenessA service member’s successful transition to civilian life starts with a welcoming community. Our forthcoming multimedia exhibit and…

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Looking for a government job? Federal work is an excellent choice to ensure career sustainability, great benefits and a profitable paycheck, but the hiring process may be a little different then what you’re used to. The Department of Labor lists many tips for the process. Here’s what you need to know:How to Find Job Listings The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) maintains a central database, called USAJOBS, which lists nearly every federal job opening. Available job opportunity announcements (JOAs) provide applicants with information about job qualifications, duties, salary, duty location, benefits and security requirements. JOAs can help you determine if…

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A Lancet study found that people living with a disability are 16% to 62% less likely to meet the needed physical activity threshold recommended by medical professionals.While this is mostly due to the disability itself, many have a difficult time being active as they aren’t aware of or don’t have access to resources that could help them get moving.Regardless of your circumstances, here is what you can do to lead a more active lifestyle safely:Talk to Your DoctorEveryone has a different threshold of what they can do physically, but this can be especially true for people with certain disabilities. Adults…

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The veteran entrepreneurs we do business with make Walmart a stronger company. Veteran suppliers are an important part of our mission to deliver the products and services our customers want and need. Walmart spent $1.2 billion with veteran-owned suppliers in FY23.Honoring service members is in our DNA. We’re committed to supporting those who serve, and we have been since the very beginning. Our founder, Sam Walton, served in the U.S. Army during the second World War.The skills our military veterans developed while serving our country like leading diverse teams and making critical decisions under pressure naturally align with the entrepreneurial…

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By Annie Nelson, Founder, American Soldier Network   In 1917, Loretta Perfectus Walsh became the first woman to enlist in the military when she joined the Navy. As of 2022, women constituted an average of 17.5% of all active-duty military personnel, totaling nearly 229,000 members. For context, women were first granted the ability to serve as permanent members of the armed services under the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act, signed into law on June 12, 1948. One of these esteemed women is U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant Danielle Hopkins. Hopkins is an Intelligence Analyst with the 118th Operational Support Squadron, 118th Wing at Berry…

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Graduating from college and entering the workforce is an exciting, yet often overwhelming, transition. As you take the first steps into your professional life, it’s important to be equipped with the right strategies to set yourself up for success. If you’re a recent graduate, here are 10 tips below to help you navigate the beginning of your career and make a positive impact: Conduct Informational MeetingsInstead of jumping straight into job applications, take time to conduct informational meetings with professionals in your desired field. These casual conversations provide insights into different roles, company cultures and industry expectations, and they can…

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Updated 10-9-2024: Navy Federal Careers link.Transitioning from military service to a civilian career can be a challenging journey. Christopher “CJ” Kane, a veteran and current talent scout supervisor at Navy Federal Credit Union, offers a compelling narrative on how he completed the transition and is now helping others do the same. In an in-depth conversation, Kane shares insights into his position at the credit union, the importance of veteran support in the workforce, and Navy Federal’s commitment to military communities.From Military Service to Talent AcquisitionKane’s journey is marked by a blend of military discipline and a passion for human resources.…

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October marks the start of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), a time that raises awareness on disability employment. People with disabilities have always had a harder time obtaining work, mostly due to preconceived notions of their capabilities and unconscious bias.While 2023 saw the highest rate of disability employment in history—averaging at about 37%—there is still so much work to be done to further inclusion and independence opportunities for the community. This year’s NDEAM theme, “Access and Good Jobs for All” will be focusing on this idea—promoting fair access to well-paying jobs for people with disabilities to further raise these…

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You may have heard the term ‘supplier diversity’ and the benefits it can bring to your small business or corporation. If you’re interested in what supplier diversity is, where its headed and how it can grow your business, here is what you should know:What is supplier diversity?Supplier diversity refers to the use of veteran and minority-owned businesses as suppliers. A supplier diversity program is a proactive business program that encourages use within an organization’s supply chain. Supplier diversity most often refers to the partnership between larger scale businesses and businesses owned by underrepresented minority-, women-, veteran-, disability- and LGBTQ+-owned businesses.How…

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By Dr. Katie Cagle-Holtcamp    His heart races as Jason (name changed for anonymity) puts his foot in the stirrup and swings his leg over the saddle. He’s never ridden a horse before, but that’s not the issue. Extreme anxiety has become a normal part of everyday life ever since he returned from deployment. He’s constantly on edge, can’t sleep and his mind races. The only thing that seems to help is alcohol, but that’s become habitual and unsustainable.Today, he’s looking for a fresh start. As part of his addiction treatment, Jason is participating in a special program that combines therapist-led…

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