Transitioning from military service to civilian life can feel daunting. Many veterans wonder how to translate their leadership, discipline, and specialized skills into a new career. The experiences of American Military (AMU) students shows that education can be the bridge between service and civilian success. By choosing programs tailored to military needs and drawing on a supportive community, veterans are forging new paths that honor their service and expand their horizons.Finding Purpose and CommunityFor Thyshown Esperience, a Marine Corps veteran turned deputy sheriff, the pivotal moment was discovering a program that connected his diverse experiences “from military to civilian into…
Author: USVM
Few names embody discipline and leadership like Jocko Willink. The retired Navy SEAL commander turned bestselling author, entrepreneur and podcaster has built an empire on principles forged in the chaos of combat. In an exclusive conversation with Mona Lisa Faris, president and publisher of U.S. Veterans Magazine, Willink opened up about his extraordinary journey—from leading elite SEAL Teams on the battlefield to leading companies and communities across the country.For two decades, Willink commanded some of the most elite units in the U.S. military, operating in the world’s most demanding environments. Today, he channels those lessons into a new mission: helping…
The labor market is cooling from its red-hot pace, but the next wave of hiring is already visible. Based on federal projections and 2025 trend data, five sectors are expected to stand out for job growth in 2026: health care and social assistance; technology roles tied to AI and cybersecurity; clean energy and electric vehicles; construction and infrastructure; and advanced manufacturing, particularly in the semiconductor sector.Health Care is LeadingThe Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects health care and social assistance will drive the largest share of U.S. job gains this decade, propelled by an aging population and ongoing demand for…
Whether taking a break or visiting family, veterans can stretch their travel budgets thanks to hotel discounts offered by major lodging brands. From Hilton to Hyatt, many companies continue to recognize military service through discounted leisure rates designed specifically for veterans, retirees and their families. Many national and international hotel groups maintain “military” or “government/military” rate categories. These rates require proof of eligibility at check-in—such as a valid military ID, a veteran ID card or a DD214—and may apply to both leisure travel and official duty stays. IHG, which includes Holiday Inn and InterContinental among its 20 brands, offers a…
The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) is stepping up to connect military veterans with career mentorship in the sports and fitness sector, thanks to its new VetsEXCEL Career Transition Program. Led by SFIA President and CEO Todd Smith, the initiative bridges the gap between transitioning service members and an industry with such strong alignment to the core values of the military community.Smith, who took the helm of SFIA in October 2024, brings decades of experience across athletics, professional sports and business leadership. A lifelong athlete, he walked onto the volleyball team at UCLA before earning a master’s degree in…
By Mona Lisa Faris, President & Publisher, U.S. Veterans Magazine Trying to reach veterans? The biggest platform right now isn’t a base or a community center—it’s TikTok. With over 19 million veterans, service members and their families active on the app, TikTok has become a thriving digital hub for the military community. This year alone, military and veteran content has drawn more than 42 billion views—proving it’s far more than just entertainment. It’s a space for connection, storytelling and purpose.At the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) in Atlanta, TikTok’s presence was impossible to miss. The platform’s booth buzzed with creators, nonprofits and…
Military life is defined by movement. Servicemembers are transferred to new bases every few years, deployment cycles disrupt routines, and spouses often juggle parenting, employment and relocation with little warning.These shifts can make a traditional campus education all but impossible. Yet the stories of students at American Military University (AMU) show that mobility can be an asset, not a barrier. By harnessing flexible online programs and supportive faculty, military spouses and families are turning life on the move into an opportunity to learn and grow.Finding a Path That Moves With YouOne of the most striking examples comes from Chanda Chann,…
When Jocko Willink speaks, people listen. Maybe it’s the gravel in his voice, or the unmistakable authority of someone who has lived every word he says. A retired U.S. Navy SEAL commander, leadership instructor, best-selling author and podcast host, Willink has become one of the most respected voices in America on discipline, resilience and the pursuit of excellence. This winter that voice will reach an even wider audience as his best-selling book, Way of the Warrior Kid comes to life on screen.The upcoming film, produced by Skydance Media and Apple Studios, stars Chris Pratt as Uncle Jake, the Navy SEAL…
Nate Boyer has never been one to take the easy road. A former Green Beret who later suited up for the NFL, Boyer has built his life around challenge, resilience and purpose. Today, as a filmmaker, entrepreneur and co-founder of Merging Vets and Players (MVP), he continues that mission—helping veterans and athletes navigate life after their uniforms are retired. His path, unconventional at every turn, is what makes him the perfect fit for the cover of our inaugural Veterans in Sports issue.Boyer’s story begins not with football or film, but with a sense of duty. After volunteering in Darfur, he…
By Nick Lambie Aside from combat and serving on the front lines, one of the biggest challenges many military members face is the transition from active service to civilian life. For me, moving from my role as an Air Force Master Sergeant to becoming a business owner was a journey that required me to lean on the values and skills I developed in uniform.I come from a long line of veterans in my family. During my time in service, I worked as a Command & Control Battlefield Management Operator and Surveillance Technician, coordinating airborne aircraft missions and supporting operations…
