The Service
The Service™ is the WeSalute (founded as Veterans Advantage) Community blog for those who serve, those who care, and those who want to connect to all things military
The Service
The Service
The Service™ is the WeSalute (founded as Veterans Advantage) Community blog for those who serve, those who care, and those who want to connect to all things military
Military & Veterans Life
Cover Story: Heroes Meet Heroes 2024
On November 7, WeSalute held its fifth streaming of the “Heroes Meet Heroes” event, where military heroes meet Olympic heroes. Moderated by WeSalute co-founder and Chairman Scott Higgins, the annual conversation was started 12 years ago by WeSalute CEO Lin Higgins. It celebrates both the military and sports successes and similarities across two panel discussions. This year’s session was dedicated to Captain Paul “Bud” Bucha, a Medal of Honor recipient and longtime member of the WeSalute Advisory Board who passed away this year at the age of 80.Military & Veterans Life
Scott’s View: The Spirit of Veterans Day Was Alive in 2024 With Heroes Meet Heroes
For the past thirteen years, Veterans Advantage (now WeSalute) has proudly hosted events to honor U.S. active-duty military, veterans, and their families in recognition of Veterans Day. This year is no different.Military & Veterans Life
CelebVet: Dick Van Dyke
“I'm looking for work if anybody has," joked 98-year old comedian and entertainer Dick Van Dyke recently. Best known for his iconic roles in television shows and films like “Mary Poppins,” “The Dick Van Dyke Show,” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” the actor also served in World War II like most of his generation.Military & Veterans Life
VetFamily: Tyra Banks
Many know supermodel and television host Tyra Banks for her beauty, charm, and style, but few are aware she is part of a military family: her brother Devin served in the Air Force for more than 15 years and now works on Capitol Hill. Banks is said to consider the military a "personal family thing" and visited her older brother in Okinawa when he served.Military & Veterans Life
Scott’s View: Recognizing National POW/MIA Recognition Day: Leave No One Behind
Today, September 20, is National POW/MIA Recognition Day. This day honors those who were prisoners of war and those who are still missing in action.Military & Veterans Life
Cover Story: Marking an Anniversary for Women Pilots
Today we mark an anniversary for the advancement of women in the military, particularly in air combat for over 30 years.Military & Veterans Life
VetFamily: Ryan Seacrest
Household name Ryan Seacrest will make new regular appearances in the homes of viewers of one of the most popular game shows next month. The son of an Army veteran, Seacrest will begin hosting the 42nd season of “Wheel of Fortune” in September, taking over for longtime host Pat Sajak. Sajak served in the Army in Vietnam as a DJ for the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service, and hosted the family favorite TV show for four decades.Military & Veterans Life
VetFamily: Steve Carell
Actor Steve Carell is a household name known for his comedy. The brilliant Golden Globe winner’s latest film “Despicable Me 4” just opened at number one at the box office - and he comes from a military family. His father Edwin A. Carell served in the Army during World War II.Military & Veterans Life
Cover Story: U.S. Army Song
You might not be familiar with the lyrics of the official Army song, but you definitely know the tune. Here are some fun facts about the iconic Army anthem.Military & Veterans Life
Scott’s View: U.S. Army Birthday and Flag Day for 2024
As an Army vet, I was fascinated by today’s Cover Story about the Army Song. Sometimes, we just have to stop and marvel at the rich history that makes our military so special. Fun facts, too!Military & Veterans Life
TopVet: Air Force Captain Ed Joseph Dwight
90-year old retired Air Force Captain Ed Joseph Dwight held his fists in the air sporting a smile from ear to ear last week as he exited rocket-capsule combo New Shepard. He became the oldest person to reach space, 63 years after President John F. Kennedy selected him, a former test pilot, as a candidate to be the first Black astronaut in 1961.Military & Veterans Life
Scott's View: We Will Never Forget - Memorial Day 2024
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and a long weekend to unwind, enjoy the outdoors, and be with friends and family. Most importantly, however, it is the most solemn day on our nation’s calendar.Military & Veterans Life
Scott’s View: Paul “Bud” Bucha: An American Original
They say the best friendships are the ones that remain unchanged and endure no matter how many years pass. That describes the friendship between Paul W. “Bud” Bucha and myself.Military & Veterans Life
Cover Story: “Black Hawk Down” Comes Back into Perspective Over 30 Years Later
In the storied annals of military history, there are tales that transcend time, serving as reminders of the indomitable spirit and unwavering courage of those who wear the uniform. One such narrative unfolded in the streets of Mogadishu, Somalia, where Retired U.S. Army Maj. Larry Moores etched his name into the annals of valor, culminating in a long-overdue recognition with the Silver Star Medal.Military & Veterans Life
Cover Story: How & Why WeSalute Was Founded 25 Years Ago
WeSalute founders Scott and Lin Higgins have spent a lifetime in the military community, from Scott’s combat service in Vietnam and the service of Lin’s father in WWII, to serving families and veterans through the creation of memorials and parades as part of charitable and government initiatives. It was this lifetime of service that led them to establish WeSalute, originally founded as Veterans Advantage, and to continue giving back.Military & Veterans Life
Scott’s View: Black History Month & Our Nation’s Veterans
With the close of February next week, we want to take a moment to recognize all the great Americans who served our nation and the spirit of Black History Month.Military & Veterans Life
TopRank: Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell
Shawna Rochelle Kimbrell, a name now synonymous with courage, determination, and breaking barriers, made history as the first Black female fighter pilot in the United States Air Force (USAF). Born on April 20, 1976, in Lafayette, Indiana, Kimbrell's journey from a childhood dream to soaring through the skies in an F-16 Fighting Falcon is nothing short of remarkable.Military & Veterans Life
Scott’s View: Service That’s Never Forgotten
It was January 31st, 1968. 4am. That’s when the shelling began. I was stationed at the III Corps HQ near Saigon. Of the 4 Corps of the Army of South Vietnam, III Corps had the most Americans. I was 22 at the time, ranked 2nd Lieutenant supply officer, and at the time, I had been in Vietnam for 3 months.Military & Veterans Life
Cover Story: Heroes Meet Heroes 2023 - U.S. Military Veterans & Olympians on One Stage
To honor Veterans Day, last week Veterans Advantage hosted its 11th annual “Heroes Meet Heroes” event via Zoom. The two-part panel discussion brought together notable veterans with Olympic athletes to share insights into their experiences, careers, communities, and challenges.Military & Veterans Life
Scott's View: Heroes Meet Heroes with Veterans Advantage
Top companies join U.S. military & olympians as we salute Veterans Day 2023Military & Veterans Life
Scott’s View: Vietnam Veteran Finally Gets Recognized With Medal of Honor
With less than 70 living Medal of Honor Recipients, news of a new one always brings great interest and pride in our military & veteran community. And to finally recognize Larry Taylor’s heroism from 55 years ago is especially meaningful for Vietnam Veterans like myself.Military & Veterans Life
Cover Story: The wife of the famous ‘kissing sailor’ is in the iconic 1945 photo – and it’s not the nurse
You don't have to be a history buff to be familiar with Alfred Eisenstaedt's "Kissing Sailor" photo — though its actual title is "V-J Day in Times Square." It was taken hours before President TrumaMilitary & Veterans Life
HeroVet: Rob Newson
From the front lines to the White House, to the front office of the NBA, former Navy SEAL and anti-cancer advocate Rob Newson is an inspiration.Military & Veterans Life
VetFamily: Bo Derek
There probably aren’t a lot of actresses who are also an honorary Green Beret. Bo Derek is one. The model known for risque roles in 80s films like “10” and “Tarzan, the Ape Man” came from a military family and has worked extensively with veterans over many years, garnering her a high honor from the VA.