Author: USVM Editor

DALLAS – It’s the Army’s 251st birthday on June 14th, but these gifts are for military shoppers. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is rolling out an Army birthday sweepstakes, with 176 prizes totaling nearly $7,700.From June 12 through July 18, eligible Exchange shoppers can visit ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes, to enter.  Prizes include:Rocky RKC050 tactical military boots (one of five). $199 value each.ESS Rollbar ballistic sunglasses (one of three). $127 value each.Police Security Skylar rechargeable flashlight with power bank (one of six). $109.99 value each.Rite in the Rain weatherproof mechanical pencil pack (one of 25). $25.95 value each.Outdoor Element Fire Escape…

Deloitte has received the Gold Award—the highest tier—in Tennessee’s Veteran Ready Business Recognition Program. This statewide initiative recognizes employers who demonstrate sustained, measurable support for service members, veterans and their families. The program was launched under Gov. Bill Lee to encourage Recruiting, Hiring and Retaining efforts across the state’s private and public sectors.The award was presented at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, where Jonathan Alford, a former U.S. Army staff sergeant and Green Beret, accepted the recognition on Deloitte’s behalf. Alford now serves as a Government and Public Services manager at Deloitte Consulting LLC, leading data architecture and AI…

Hey there, veteran entrepreneurs!So, you’ve served your country, started your own business (no small feat!), and now you’re wondering: How can I get officially certified as a veteran-owned or disabled veteran-owned business? Whether you’re aiming to land government contracts, access special programs, or just want to make your status official, you’re in the right place.Let’s break it down—plain and simple—so you can get certified without pulling your hair out.First Things First: What Does Certification Even Do?Being certified as a Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) opens doors. We’re talking:Access to set-aside government contractsIncreased visibility on federal…

PCS orders can disrupt nearly every aspect of military family life. For military spouses pursuing higher education, relocations often interrupt coursework, clinical requirements, internships and registration timelines. A mid-semester move can force decisions about withdrawals, credit transfers and enrollment gaps that delay graduation and increase costs.Despite this mobility, many spouses continue progressing toward degrees and certifications. Their success often depends on early planning, clear communication and strategic school selection.Proactive PlanningService members typically relocate every two to three years, meaning many spouses experience multiple PCS moves during a degree program. Because orders can arrive with limited notice, advisors recommend reviewing institutional…

This month, the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) celebrates Military Appreciation Month presented by USAA, reaching a milestone of placing 169,000 veterans into high-quality jobs.Now available in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone, the C.O.D.E. Navigator: Tracer Pack was inspired by and created in collaboration with CAPT Chris Cassidy (USN, ret.), a former U.S. Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut. The pack honors his journey from sea to space and includes two Operator Skins, Weapon Blueprints, and more.100% of Activision’s net proceeds will be donated to the Endowment.The Endowment pack includes:• “Argonaut” Operator Skin• “Astronaut” Operator…

Transitioning from military service to civilian life is a major milestone. While leaving the armed forces often means saying goodbye to a familiar way of life, it also opens the door to exciting new career opportunities. The good news? Veterans already possess many of the skills employers value most—leadership, discipline, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, and a strong work ethic.Whether you’re preparing to separate from the military or have been a civilian for years, there are countless careers where your experience can give you a competitive advantage. Here are some of the top career paths that are especially well-suited for veterans. Project…

Entrepreneurship remains a significant pathway for former service members entering civilian careers, with millions of veteran-owned businesses operating across the nation. Military experience often builds leadership and operational focus—qualities that translate well into business ownership. Yet those same strengths can create friction when applied to civilian markets without adjustment. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and veteran-focused business mentors, several recurring challenges emerge among veteran business owners. The encouraging reality is that most can be addressed with early awareness, strategic planning and the right support systems. Adaptive Leadership One of the most common adjustments involves moving from a…

In 2026’s fast-paced job market, interviews have evolved into more than just a conversation—they’re a test of preparation, adaptability and strategy. Whether you’re a transitioning service member, veteran, military spouuse or a recent graduate,  landing the role requires more than a polished résumé. Interviewing well means understanding the current hiring landscape, anticipating employer expectations and showcasing your value quickly.Here’s what job seekers need to know to excel in interviews this year: First Impressions MatterResearch continues to show that first impressions are made quickly—some experts say within the first 7 to 15 seconds. According to sales trainer Sean McPheat, one of the…

LONG BEACH, Calif., May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — U.S. Veterans Magazine will honor The Queen Mary with its inaugural Service to Our Country Award on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, as part of the ship’s 90th anniversary of its maiden voyage, recognizing the historic ocean liner’s legacy supporting U.S. troops and veterans.In a tribute to history, service and national pride, the recognition highlights not only one of the most iconic vessels in modern history, but also its extraordinary and often overlooked role in supporting the United States military—past and present.Originally launched in 1936, The Queen Mary became a vital Allied asset…

By Navy Federal Credit Union With government shutdown-related pay disruptions, financial strain on military families is immediate and often unavoidable. Paychecks pause, but everyday expenses do not, leaving households to navigate mortgage payments, rent, groceries, childcare, and other essentials amid uncertainty. Rapid Relief During the 2026 Government Shutdown In response to the partial government shutdown in early 2026, Navy Federal re-launched its Government Shutdown Program, which provides eligible members with no-interest payments proportionate to their paychecks. From February through the end of April, the credit union distributed $40.2 million in assistance to more than 7,800 members affected by delays in…