Newsletter · February 12, 2026

Careers, Benefits, and Buried History: Critical Reads for Veterans and Military Families

This Week on Hiring America

Hello Hiring America Family!
We hope you are having a wonderful week so far. Who's been enjoying watching the Olympics? What's your favorite sport?
This week's newsletter opens with the first female amputee of the Iraq War sharing her journey of resilience, tracing her path from military service to becoming a champion athlete.
Next, we explore that pivotal moment in Top Gun—where a pilot sacrifices everything in a secret dogfight—and we learn it wasn’t just Hollywood fiction. We share the real-life Navy pilot whose classified battle inspired the story… and how he lived to tell it.
Then, we know burial benefits can be a sensitive topic, and many military families aren’t given clear guidance. So, scroll down to learn how national cemetery eligibility works for spouses, what remarriage can change, and why understanding the details matters.
Additionally, keep scrolling to find the answer to this question: Does the “Open to Work” banner actually boost your chances on LinkedIn, or does it carry unintended signals? This piece looks at how recruiters use it and what job seekers should consider before turning it on.
Lastly, discover specific resources Wells Fargo offers to help veterans navigate the shift from military service to corporate employment, and what job seekers can take away from their approach.
Best,
Bill
P.S. We hope you enjoy today's newsletter. Feel free to drop us a line anytime. We'd appreciate reading your thoughts on what you'd love to see more of.

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Veteran and Champion Paralympian Melissa Stockwell on Turning Tragedy into Triumph

The first female amputee of the Iraq War shares her journey from veteran to champion athlete.

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He Fought Seven MiGs and Kept it Secret—70 Years Later, He’s Getting the Medal of Honor

In “Top Gun,” Maverick’s dad was (spoiler alert) shot down after engaging a numerically superior enemy force and, in doing so, saved the lives of his wingmen. His bravery was kept secret because the action happened in airspace that the U.S. did not want to admit being in. What’s really incredible is that this is basically the story of real-life Navy Capt. Royce Williams. Even more incredible is the fact that Williams survived.

Burial With Your Spouse in a National Cemetery: Here's What to Know

Your spouse served 20 years in the military. You assumed you'd be buried together in a national cemetery when the time comes. Then a friend mentioned that her sister couldn't be buried with her veteran husband because she remarried after he died. That's not true.

Should You Place the ‘Open to Work’ Banner on Your LinkedIn Profile Photo?

Without question, when addressing job seekers or people navigating career transition about the virtues of LinkedIn visibility and positioning, someone will ask about the green banner that reads, “Open to Work.” Is it a good idea to add it to your profile photo? Does it help you get found and seen by recruiters? Does it scream of desperation?

This Week's Spotlight:

Learn About Wells Fargo's Commitment To Helping Veterans Find Jobs

From specific programs to a military affairs team dedicated to helping veterans prepare for and find jobs, Wells Fargo goes above and beyond to support the military-connected community transition to the corporate world.