Newsletter · February 5, 2026

Inspiring Veteran Athletes, Five and Thrive Milspouse Program, Spending Valentine's Day Alone, and How to Build Your Network

This Week on Hiring America

Hello Hiring America Family!
This week, we share the inspiring story of how blind veteran and Paralympian Brad Snyder transformed tragedy into purpose and achieved success through sports.
Next, we explore how spending Valentine’s Day alone as a military spouse doesn’t reflect a lack of love, but simply the realities of military life.
Then, scroll down to learn how an Air Force Veteran prepares for a marathon in Greece while continuing his recovery from a spinal cord injury.
Additionally, keep scrolling to find advice on how to begin building a meaningful professional network after a long military career.
Lastly, learn how Five & Thrive supports military spouses with resources and guidance to navigate the five biggest challenges of military life.
Best,
Bill
P.S. Remember to scroll down for this week's military discounts! We hope you enjoy today's newsletter!

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Blind Veteran and Champion Paralympian Brad Snyder Discusses Turning Tragedy Into Triumph

Blind veteran and Paralympian Brad Snyder shares his inspiring journey of turning tragedy into triumph, losing his sight in combat but finding new purpose and success in sports.

Watch Now →

Valentine’s Day Alone Again? How Military Spouses Reclaim the Day Without the Guilt

Spending Valentine’s Day alone as a military spouse can feel awkward—especially when society insists the day only counts if you’re coupled up in the same room. Here’s the truth: being alone on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean your relationship is lacking. It means military life is being military life.

Training for Greece, Dedicating a Marathon to VA

Air Force Veteran Auston Duncan is training for a marathon in Greece as he continues recovering from a spinal cord injury. He plans to dedicate the race to VA as a way of saying thank you.

5 Steps to Start Your Civilian Networking Strategy

So much literature and conversation exist today about the importance of networking. We profess the importance of knowing the right people; having them know who you are and what you need; and creative ways to grow and nurture your intentional network of contacts. What isn’t discussed as much is how you start networking, especially after a long career in the military.

This Week's Spotlight:

Tax Changes When Leaving the Military. Featuring the USAA Educational Foundation

Learn about how Five & Thrive is helping military spouses identify and tackle the five biggest challenges related to military life: child care, education, healthcare, housing, and spouse employment. Sponsored by USAA, Five & Thrive is a wealth of information, support and resources.