Newsletter · May 21, 2026

GI Bill Updates, Mental Health Tips, and a Veteran’s Hollywood Journey

This Week on Hiring America

Hello Hiring America Family!
Today’s newsletter explores stories of resilience, growth, and finding your path forward. You’ll discover how the VA’s Digital GI Bill system is making education benefits more accessible for veterans and families, meet a Kansas National Guard veteran who turned military confidence into a Hollywood writing career, and learn practical tips for balancing college, family, and life responsibilities without burning out. You’ll also find insights on why mental health conversations matter, coping strategies that have helped others navigate difficult experiences, and the value of seeking support when needed. Plus, take a look at the remarkable journey of daredevil Evel Knievel, whose time in the military helped shape the bold path that followed. Whether you’re focused on education, career goals, wellness, or inspiration for what comes next, there’s something here for you to explore.
First, discover how Jason Inman turned military confidence into a leap toward a Hollywood writing career after returning from Iraq, the challenges he overcame to pursue his dream, and how he now uses storytelling and his book, Super Soldiers, to explore service, identity, heroism, and encourage fellow veterans to pursue goals they may have put on hold.
Next, learn how the Department of Veterans Affairs’ Digital GI Bill system has now processed more than 3 million enrollments, what this milestone means for veterans and their families using education benefits, and how the VA says its long-term technology overhaul is helping improve access and efficiency.
Then, discover how Robert Knievel went from a rebellious teen repeatedly in trouble with the law to joining the U.S. Army as a paratrooper, and how that turning point helped shape his path to becoming one of America’s most legendary daredevils.
Additionally, find practical ways to better understand mental health, why open conversations with family, friends, and coworkers matter, lessons and coping practices that have helped others navigate serious mental illness, and guidance on when to seek support from a mental health professional.
Lastly, learn practical tips to help balance college with the rest of your responsibilities, including how to better manage your time with a calendar, communicate through changing schedules and family commitments, and prioritize self-care habits like sleep and exercise to stay focused, energized, and less overwhelmed.
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We hope you enjoy today's newsletter!
Best,
Bill

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National Guard Veteran Jason Inman's Improbably Journey to Hollywood Writer

Kansas National Guard veteran Jason Inman always dreamed of becoming a Hollywood writer. After returning from deployment in Iraq, he used the confidence he gained in uniform to take a leap—packing his car and moving to Los Angeles with no connections, just determination. His journey from a small Kansas farm to writing for television shows the power of persistence, storytelling, and believing in your own voice. Jason now uses his platform, including his book Super Soldiers, to explore the connection between service, identity, and heroism—and to inspire fellow veterans to chase the dreams they’ve put on hold.

Watch Now →

VA Has Sped Up Claims Processing for GI Bill, Other Education Benefits

The Department of Veterans Affairs has processed more than 3 million enrollments in its Digital GI Bill system, a milestone the department reached in April. It points to the tool’s use as evidence that a years-long overhaul of education benefits technology is paying off for veterans and their families.

How an Army Veteran Became America’s Greatest Daredevil

Robert Knievel was in his late teens, and hell-bent on testing the limits of authority. Knievel ran afoul of the authorities in his native Montana several times. The judicial system finally tired of Knievel’s criminal antics and offered him a choice: Spend time in prison or enlist in the military. While Knievel was a troublemaker, he was not dumb. He joined the United States Army and became a paratrooper. When he got out, Knievel announced himself in a big way, becoming arguably the greatest daredevil America has ever produced.

Lessons Learned From my Lived Experience With Serious Mental Illness

Mental health is health. Be aware of and learn about it. Take a psychological first aid course. Talk about it with family, friends and colleagues. Normalize the conversation and live it! Here are some thoughts, practices and lessons learned that have worked for others dealing with a lifetime of lived experiences with serious mental illness. If in doubt, go see a mental health professional.

This Week's Highlight:

Education Moment: School / Life Balance. Presented by National University

Struggling to juggle college commitments with everything else in your life? In this video, learn three key tips to help you find balance and stay on top of your college journey. Discover how using a calendar can simplify time management, why communication is crucial for managing changing schedules and family commitments, and the importance of self-care—like getting enough sleep and exercise—to maintain your energy and focus. These tips are designed to help you make the most of your college experience without feeling overwhelmed. Watch now to start mastering the balance in college life!