Jonathan Lehrfeld/ Air Force Times A Florida alligator harboring apparent dreams to one day serve as an Air Force pilot sadly did not have the chomps for the role. Officials at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, shared Monday on social media that a gator who wandered onto the flightline was quickly wrangled and relocated to a nearby river with assistance from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. “The gator is now in the Hillsborough River,” the base said on social media. It suggested in the cheeky post that another infamous alligator, nicknamed Elvis, who local outlets previously reported was…
Author: USVM
Established in 2015, the GI Film Festival San Diego is a multi-day showcase of films for, by, and about military and veteran experiences. Films featured in the festival reveal the struggles, triumphs, and experiences of service members and veterans. The festival also provides veterans and service members with an opportunity to further their creative skills. Documentaries, shorts, narratives, and feature-length films are presented. The festival includes local films, which feature San Diego filmmakers, events, people, or places. Post-screening discussions with filmmakers, actors and documentary subjects are also part of the festival. The 2024 event takes place May 6-11 in San…
Embracing Inclusion for Veteran Success Recognizing the challenges veterans face as they transition from military to civilian life, we believe that inclusion is crucial for creating successful and supportive workplaces for veterans. That’s why we take pride in recognizing and celebrating the Top Veteran-Friendly Companies and Schools. This annual list showcases organizations that lead the way in promoting inclusive work environments tailored to the unique skills and experiences of veterans, directly addressing the needs of those transitioning into civilian careers. Our Veteran-Friendly lists feature companies and schools from various industries committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting a veteran-friendly workforce and…
Millions of retirees, military family members and Veterans with service-connected disabilities have access to a range of wellness services through their Army & Air Force Exchange Service benefit. The Exchange offers vital wellness services such as dental, optometry and chiropractic care, as well as nutrition centers and durable medical equipment stores, right on military installations. In 2023, more than 1 million patients were served through Exchange wellness services. Easy and convenient access to these services is part of the Exchange’s BE FIT 360, a program dedicated to furthering holistic wellness for the military community. Wellness services include optical stores, optometry…
If you’ve ever considered pursuing higher education but hesitated due to financial concerns, the Military Tuition Assistance program might be the solution you need. This program is accessible to active duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component service members. Making the decision to pursue a degree can be daunting, but TA can significantly alleviate your financial burden by covering up to 100% of tuition expenses for semester hours costing $250 or less. You can pursue academic or technical courses and degree programs from two- or four-year institutions, whether on-installation, off-installation, or through distance learning, provided that the institution is accredited by…
Numerous businesses today recognize the valuable skills and qualities that military veterans bring to the table, and are actively seeking to recruit them. With a growing number of service members transitioning to civilian life annually, many companies are eager to tap into the pool of well-educated, disciplined, and professional individuals. Not too long ago, veterans faced challenges in finding suitable employment, but the landscape has shifted significantly. Companies now vie for top veteran talent, striving to position themselves as military and veteran-friendly organizations to attract veterans. Whether you’re independently recruiting veterans or collaborating with recruitment firms, adopting certain practices can…
As April marks Month of the Military Child, Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit philanthropic organization that serves post-9/11 veterans, active duty service members and their families through a nationwide system of mental health clinics, recvently announced its collaboration with the National Military Family Association (NMFA), a nonprofit that works to strengthen military families, and Bloom, NMFA’s youth program by and for military teens, for an initiative aimed at supporting military teens and their parents. The organizations are joining forces for an online campaign titled, Ask Us Anything: Military Teen Edition, in which military teens will share insights about…
Are you a degreed veteran, milspouse seeking new career opportunities? Don’t miss out on the Military MOJO Hiring Event happening at the Omni La Mansion del Rio in San Antonio, TX from May 2nd to May 3rd. This boutique-style event promises a high-touch, white-glove experience tailored to veterans and military spouses. Connect and Grow: Military MOJO Hiring Event The Military MOJO Hiring Event is your chance to engage with top employers looking to hire degreed veterans. Join us for an exclusive welcome reception with recruiters, including food, beverages and networking opportunities. Take advantage of resume assistance to ensure you present…
Working from home is an option to consider Whether you’re entering the workforce, or it’s been a number of years, it can be challenging to enter that world. Work environments and culture can change quickly. Brushing up on the latest technological advancements employers are using is a great first step. Familiarizing yourself with technology will help ease the transition into the workforce and provide you with much more marketable skills. Social media Social media is a powerful business tool for companies and for job seekers as well. Get to know companies that interest you through various social media platforms. Facebook,…
Last year, the Defense Department kicked off the Military Spouse Career Accelerator Pilot program. As the program enters its second quarter of the second year, lessons learned from the first year will be used to make it even better going forward. The three-year MSCAP program is designed to help military spouses find employment fellowships with participating companies. Following the conclusion of those fellowships, some military spouses may be offered full-time employment. The DoD’s C. Todd Lopez reports on challenges Military Spouses face as well as the Pilot program’s success: Eddy Mentzer, the program manager for spouse education and career opportunities…
