In an era where the tech industry is racing forward, Chris Cortez, pictured above, is ensuring America’s veterans aren’t left behind. A retired Marine Corps Major General with 33 years of service and nearly two decades at Microsoft, Cortez now leads the tech giant’s Military Affairs team—helping pivot military skills into high-demand tech careers.Since 2014, Cortez has been at the helm of the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA). This 17-week intensive training program equips transitioning service members, veterans, reservists and National Guard members with the technical skills needed for civilian employment in tech. What began as a pilot program…
Author: USVM
Brandon Villanueva isn’t someone who waits around for things to happen. At 20, he walked into an Army recruitment office with a stack of documents and a challenge: “I want to join. I can pass the PT and ASVAB right now if you’d like.” That same can-do spirit has carried him through more than seven years of active-duty service, a transition to civilian life, and a bachelor’s degree from American Military University (AMU).Today, Brandon is the Deputy Special Security Officer for a Naval unit in Virginia Beach, where he lives with his wife and their two dogs. He’s also a…
By John Register, CSP, CPAE High performance demands high recovery.It’s a truth I learned not just through theory but also through sweat, sacrifice and some serious setbacks. As a track athlete training for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, I quickly learned that it wasn’t the hardest workouts that made me great—it was how well I recovered from them.Our coaches built this into our training cycle. We called it periodization—three weeks of intense “loading” followed by one week of “offloading.” That lighter week wasn’t optional. It was strategic. Because if you couldn’t recover, you couldn’t train at full capacity. And…
For many veterans, the transition from military life to the civilian workforce is a road filled with uncertainty. At Melton Truck Lines, that road is paved with opportunity, support and purpose. Recognized as a Top Veteran-Friendly Employer by U.S. Veterans Magazine, Melton is not just talking the talk—it is walking the walk.David Harper, a Marine Corps veteran and the company’s Military Program Supervisor, is at the heart of Melton’s efforts. “I was in the Marine Corps for 10 years,” Harper shared. “When I transitioned out, I didn’t know where my skill set would fit. But I found my way into…
By CPT(R) Kevin Byrne Sunshine stretched across “The Plain,” the 12-acre parade field at West Point, on May 2, 1993. I was a cadet, graduating later that month to begin my career as an Army Aviation officer. While warming up for a run, I noticed members of a tour group gathered around Brigadier General Robert Foley, our Commandant and a Medal of Honor recipient, having earned the award while commanding a rifle company during a fierce battle near Quan Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, in 1966. He was telling them about American Soldiers’ tenacity throughout history. General Foley…
By Rob WoloszynStarting an e-commerce business after military service isn’t a shortcut—it’s a mission. Veterans should begin laying the groundwork 18 to 24 months before selling their first product. Google doesn’t care how good your product looks or sounds. What matters is time-in-grade: how long your website has existed, how often it’s updated and how much content is published. Just like in the military, you don’t get promoted until you’ve earned time-in-grade and time-in-service.I’m Rob Woloszyn, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who transitioned to a 24-year career in the FBI as a Special Agent. After six years in the Marines,…
For Brian Britton, service has always been more than a duty—it’s a calling. From the cockpit of a Navy patrol aircraft to the boardrooms of America’s most iconic companies, Britton’s journey exemplifies how military-honed leadership can shape successful careers in business. Today, as president and CEO of Kilwins—a beloved American confectionery brand—Britton is achieving sweet success while staying true to his core values of service, discipline and joy. Powered by Military Principles Britton’s military background is foundational to his leadership style. A naval flight officer for nine years, he was recognized as one of the top-performing P-3 Orion Tactical Commanders…
In a groundbreaking moment for gender integration and combat readiness, Army First Lt. Gabrielle White has become the first woman to complete the Army’s elite Best Ranger Competition. The achievement not only breaks barriers but also highlights the evolving role of women in the most demanding corners of the military.White, 25, competed alongside Capt. Seth Deltenre, her teammate from the 101st Airborne Division. The duo finished 14th out of 52 teams during the grueling 62-hour event held in April at Fort Moore in Georgia, formerly known as Fort Benning. The physically punishing competition includes long-distance foot marches, land navigation, obstacle…
Transitioning from military service to higher education can present unique challenges for veterans and military spouses, as well as their children. Many colleges and universities have established veteran resource centers (VRCs) to assist military-affiliated students in navigating academic life, securing benefits and connecting with support networks.Academic Support & AdvisingOne of the key functions of a VRC is to provide academic support tailored to veterans and their families. Many centers offer dedicated advisors who understand the complexities of military benefits, such as the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Yellow Ribbon Program. These advisors can help students maximize their education benefits, select…
When it comes to serving veterans in higher education, Eastern Michigan University (EMU) stands as a national leader—not just in recognition but in action. At the heart of this commitment is Michael Wise, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel who serves as the assistant director of EMU’s Kettles Military and Veteran Services Resource Center. Wise, whose military career brought him to EMU in 2010 as the professor of military science, has since become a guiding light in how the university supports student veterans and their families.“I want Eastern Michigan Military and Veterans Services to be the military-friendly aspect of our…
