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…
Author: USVM
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…
When Katie Burtch met her husband, Nick, she had no idea their love story would unfold across continents, deployments, and duty stations. Over the next two decades, Katie learned to navigate life as a military spouse — relocating every two to four years, raising three kids, and putting her own dreams on hold to keep her family moving forward.But when Nick transferred his GI Bill benefits to Katie, everything changed. Encouraged by his positive experience with American Military University (AMU), Katie enrolled and found a new path forward — one that could move her forward too.A Life Built on AdaptabilityKatie’s…
Many franchise companies across the U.S. are committed to supporting military veterans in their transition to business ownership. These veteran-supportive franchises often provide special incentives such as reduced franchise fees, financing assistance, and tailored training programs. By combining proven business models with veteran discipline and leadership skills, these opportunities create a strong pathway for veterans to succeed as entrepreneurs. The list of top franchises for veterans highlights companies across industries—ranging from food & beverage and moving services to business services and travel—that actively welcome and empower veterans in their franchise networks. JDog BrandsIndustry: Junk Removal & Carpet CleaningA veteran-owned and…
