
Virginia’s women veterans are a powerful force—leaders, caregivers, warriors, and community builders. And now, there’s someone dedicated to making sure your voices, needs, and experiences are seen and supported. Meet Nikki, the new Women Veterans Liaison at the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS). She brings a genuine passion for advocacy and a commitment to…

On November 12th, I had the honor of representing the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVS) at the ALVA DC Awards Reception, an inspiring gathering that highlighted the achievements of Latino and Hispanic leaders who continue to uplift our communities through service, innovation, and advocacy. The event, hosted in partnership with the ALPFA – Washington,…

Transitioning from military life into the civilian world can feel like stepping into a space with too much room—too many choices, too much unstructured time, and not enough clarity on what to do with it all. For many veterans, the structure of military life wasn’t just a schedule; it was a grounding rhythm. A framework.…

The Strategic Mindset Strategy isn’t about predicting the future — it’s about preparing for it.Veterans, leaders, and communicators share one challenge: seeing the big picture while acting in the moment. In my recent post, Decision-Making Under Pressure: Military Lessons for Civilian Success, I shared how veterans apply calm clarity in fast-changing situations. This post builds…

When I came home from deployment, I could lead a team, manage complex logistics, and handle stress most people can’t imagine—but none of that fit neatly into a job title on LinkedIn. Like many veterans, I learned that a civilian career isn’t about starting over—it’s about translating what you’ve already done into language employers understand.…

If you’ve served in the military, you’ve earned more than just respect—you’ve earned real, tangible benefits. But many veterans still miss out on life-changing opportunities simply because they don’t know what’s available. Here are seven key benefits that every U.S. veteran should know about in 2025. 1. Expanded VA Healthcare AccessIn 2025, VA healthcare has…

Planning a vacation should be exciting, not overwhelming. For veterans, there are many ways to make travel more affordable and rewarding by tapping into exclusive benefits. From hotels to cruises, airlines to theme parks, many organizations show appreciation for service by offering special rates and packages. Knowing where to look can help you stretch your…

Having your VA claim denied can feel discouraging, but it doesn’t mean the process is over. Veterans have the right to reopen a VA claim if they can provide new and material evidence. This type of evidence must be something the VA hasn’t previously reviewed and that could change the outcome of your case. Examples…

Filing a VA claim can feel overwhelming. The process is filled with forms, deadlines, and medical evidence requirements that can easily frustrate even the most organized Veteran. That’s where a Veterans Service Representative (VSR) becomes essential. A VSR is trained to guide Veterans step by step through the claims process. They help ensure paperwork is…