By Elton Johnson Jr. For the first time in NASCAR’s history, a racing team is cooperating with a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business (SDVOB). This unique racing team is comprised of a husband-wife-owned professional racing team cooperating with a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) SDVOB member firm to honor American veterans.Team AmeriVet is led by William Auchmoody and his wife, Rebecca Auchmoody. William began his connection to NASCAR at 14 years of age as a crew member for the #13 Linro Motorsports car. He became a championship-winning driver on both asphalt and dirt tracks until he transitioned into motorsports management with teams…
Author: USVM
Let’s be real—college is expensive. But if you or a family member has served in the military, there’s some good news: a ton of scholarships are out there just waiting to be claimed! Whether you’re an active-duty service member, a veteran, or a military spouse or dependent, there’s likely a scholarship with your name on it. The trick? Knowing where to find them and how to apply.Step 1: Know What You’re Eligible ForBefore you dive headfirst into applications, take a moment to figure out which scholarships you qualify for. There are military scholarships for:✅ Active-duty service members – Some scholarships…
Transitioning from military service to civilian life is no small feat, and for many veterans, stepping into the world of higher education can feel like entering a whole new battlefield. While the structure and discipline of military life differ vastly from the flexibility and independence of academia, veterans bring unique strengths to the classroom that can enrich their educational experience and the learning environment as a whole.The Challenges of the TransitionOne of the biggest hurdles veterans face when starting school is adjusting to a less rigid structure. In the military, schedules are strict, responsibilities are clear, and teamwork is second…
Have you ever watched a movie and been surprised to learn that one of the actors actually served in the military? It’s more common than you might think! The connection between military service and the entertainment industry runs deep, with veterans not only gracing our screens but also shaping the stories we see.From Combat Boots to Hollywood SuitsSome of the most well-known stars spent time in uniform before stepping into the limelight. Take Morgan Freeman, for example—before his legendary acting career, he served in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician. Or how about Adam Driver? The Star Wars…
So, you’re thinking about going back to school? That’s amazing! As a military spouse, you already juggle a lot—PCS moves, deployments, unpredictable schedules—but that doesn’t mean your education has to take a back seat. Whether you’re looking to start a new career, finish a degree, or just pursue something you’re passionate about, going back to school is 100% possible (and totally worth it!).But let’s be real—balancing military life and school can be a challenge. So, here are some must-know tips to make your education journey smoother and more successful. Choose a Military-Friendly SchoolNot all colleges understand the unique lifestyle of…
Companies like DISH and EchoStar (DISH) have earned a reputation as a veteran-friendly company, creating a culture where military veterans feel welcomed, supported and appreciated for their service. At the heart of this initiative is Doug Balsbough, EVP, and Chief Human Resources Officer for EchoStar Corporation. With a background in the Army as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot and a career spanning decades in aerospace and industrial sectors, Balsbough’s commitment to fostering an inclusive, mission-driven culture at EchoStar is apparent. He explains, “Veterans are some of the best talent out there—the skillset and mindset they come with are such valuable assets.…
The nuclear energy landscape in the U.S. is changing rapidly as demand for clean power rises and the nation strives to meet its climate goals. The people who build, operate and maintain nuclear power plants are highly trained, hard-working and well-paid. While some workers have engineering and science degrees, you don’t have to be an engineer to work in nuclear energy. According to the Department of Energy, here are seven career fields you can enter to work in the nuclear energy sector: Reactor OperatorReactor operators are responsible for a nuclear plant’s most essential functions, from starting and stopping the reactor to…
Transitioning from military service to civilian life can be a daunting challenge, especially when it comes to finding the right job. The good news? Many companies actively seek to hire veterans, recognizing their leadership, discipline, problem-solving skills, and strong work ethic. Whether you’re a veteran looking for your next mission or know someone who is, here are some top companies that value military experience and are committed to hiring those who have served. AmazonAmazon has a strong commitment to hiring veterans and military spouses through their Military Recruitment Program. The company offers roles in operations, logistics, cloud computing, and even…
Creating job descriptions that are inclusive and appealing to veterans is an essential step in bridging the gap between military and civilian careers. You can better connect with this valuable talent pool by tailoring your postings to recognize military personnel’s unique skills and experiences. Here are strategies to help your organization craft effective, military-friendly job descriptions: Translate Military ExperienceVeterans often possess skills and experiences that align with civilian job requirements but may not immediately see the connection. To improve outreach, identify military-specific competencies—such as leadership, problem-solving or technical expertise—that align with the role. Avoid industry-specific jargon or acronyms that might create…
In the summer of 2005, John W. Thompson walked into Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) in Washington, D.C., for the first time. He was there to have lunch with his wife, a medical resident at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. What he encountered that day would change the trajectory of his life. Witnessing the young men and women recovering from severe injuries was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Thompson began volunteering with the American Red Cross (ARC) at WRAMC, determined to make a difference. This decision would eventually lead to the creation of Servicemembers Undertaking Disabled Sports (SUDS). From Scuba…
