The holidays are fast approaching and families are beginning to prepare for Thanksgiving. Before we enjoy this cherished holiday and start to contemplate Christmas, let’s remember the one group of Americans who will not be able to celebrate the holidays at home. They are the gallant men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, who are scattered across the globe fighting for freedom in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Africa and other areas of the world.

Preparation is key for many meaningful activities in life. So why do some service members transition out of the military and conduct civilian job missions without being fully prepared?

I recall the emotion as if it happened only yesterday: the overwhelming pride, the pure joy and the unshakable belief that I had truly helped another human being. Two years ago, I began mentoring a young veteran on how to start a small ecommerce business. Six months ago, he notified me that his online niche t-shirt business was earning just over $100,000 per month in gross sales.

I move a lot. Serving in the U.S. military for 10 years and then running my own business as a veteran, I have become somewhat of a relocation expert. My most recent home purchase was on August 25, using the VA home loan process from start to finish.

The U.S. military can be incredibly inflexible or extremely creative. It all depends on the circumstances.

Last week, we secured an interview with a recently retired U.S. Navy captain who spent 20 years at sea and 10 in the Pentagon, working on process improvement projects to discuss the Navy’s recent at-sea incidents.

Those who “go down to the sea in ships” have long been aware of maritime risks, both natural and manmade. Failure to identify and mitigate security and safety issues results in serious bodily harm or even death.

Words by Wes O’Donnell, Managing Editor InMilitary, Veteran U.S. Army & U.S. Air Force. Reach out to Wes on…

Good news – you’ve successfully separated from the military and can now find the perfect corporate job! Bad News: corporate employees have been separated from traditional English-speaking society for quite some time and speak in an odd, confusing dialect. Here’s a guide to what they’re saying (or not saying).