and more.: Veterans Find Opportunity After Service

From Battlefield to Business: How ‘and more.’ is Transforming Opportunities for Veterans

The transition from military service to civilian life is never easy. Consider Sergeant Major (Ret.) Maria Rodriguez, who served two decades in the Army, leading logistics teams across three continents. When she retired, she envisioned a smooth move into supply chain management. Instead, she faced a wall of frustrating job applications and interview rejections. Her skills were unquestionable, but translating military experience into civilian terms proved a Herculean task. How could she bridge the gap and show employers the true value of her service? The answer, increasingly, lies in platforms like and more., which are specifically designed to connect veterans with meaningful employment and entrepreneurial resources.

The Veteran Transition Challenge: More Than Just a Job Search

Maria’s story isn’t unique. Many veterans struggle to articulate their skills in a way that resonates with civilian employers. They may lack the specific certifications or degrees that companies prioritize, even if their hands-on experience far exceeds that of other candidates. A 2025 study by the Department of Labor found that the unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans is consistently higher than the national average, particularly in the first year after separation from service. The Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) is working to address this, but the challenge persists. As many veterans know, veterans face unique challenges during this period.

The problem isn’t a lack of talent; it’s a disconnect in communication and opportunity. Many companies genuinely want to hire veterans, recognizing their leadership abilities, discipline, and problem-solving skills. However, without a clear understanding of how those skills translate into specific job functions, they often default to candidates with more traditional resumes.

‘and more.’: A Bridge Between Two Worlds

That’s where ‘and more.’ comes in. The platform, founded in 2023 by a group of veterans and tech entrepreneurs, aims to streamline the veteran job search and entrepreneurial journey. It does this through several key features:

• Skills Translation: The platform uses AI to analyze military job titles and experience, translating them into equivalent civilian skills and matching them with relevant job openings. No more trying to figure out how “Logistics Specialist” becomes “Supply Chain Analyst.”
• Targeted Job Boards: ‘and more.’ partners with companies actively seeking to hire veterans, ensuring that job postings are specifically tailored to their skillset.
• Mentorship and Networking: The platform connects veterans with mentors in their desired fields, providing guidance on resume writing, interviewing, and career development.
• Entrepreneurial Resources: For veterans interested in starting their own businesses, ‘and more.’ offers access to funding opportunities, business plan templates, and mentorship from successful veteran entrepreneurs.

I had a client last year, a former Marine Corps pilot, who wanted to start a drone photography business in Savannah. He had the technical skills, but was completely lost when it came to things like business licensing and securing funding. ‘and more.’ connected him with a local SBA mentor who walked him through the entire process. He’s now running a thriving business, and I honestly don’t think he could have done it without that support. This is one example of how veterans unlock job opportunities translating skills.

Case Study: Rodriguez Logistics – Building a Business with ‘and more.’

Let’s return to Maria Rodriguez. After struggling for months to find a suitable job, she discovered ‘and more.’ through a veterans’ networking event at the American Legion post on Montgomery Street. She initially used the platform to refine her resume, leveraging the skills translation tool to highlight her experience in inventory management, supply chain optimization, and team leadership.

But Maria realized something: she didn’t just want a job; she wanted to build something herself. She had a vision for a logistics consulting firm that could help small businesses in the Savannah area streamline their operations.

Using ‘and more.’, Maria connected with a veteran business mentor who had successfully launched a similar firm in Atlanta. The mentor helped her develop a business plan, secure a small business loan through a program offered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), and navigate the complexities of setting up a business in Georgia.

In 2025, Rodriguez Logistics was officially launched. Within six months, Maria had secured contracts with five local businesses, helping them reduce their shipping costs by an average of 15% and improve their inventory turnover rates by 20%. She achieved this by implementing strategies she honed over her two decades in the military.

“I never thought I’d be an entrepreneur,” Maria told me recently. “But ‘and more.’ gave me the confidence and the resources I needed to take the leap. It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth it.” For more inspiration, read Veteran Stories: 10 Strategies for Success.

More Than Just a Platform: Building a Community

‘and more.’ isn’t just about algorithms and job boards. It’s about building a community of veterans who support each other. The platform hosts regular online and in-person networking events, providing opportunities for veterans to connect, share experiences, and build relationships.

This sense of community is crucial, especially for veterans who may be struggling with the transition to civilian life. Many veterans miss the camaraderie and sense of purpose that they found in the military. ‘and more.’ provides a space where they can reconnect with that sense of belonging.

Here’s what nobody tells you: the skills gap is real, but the biggest hurdle for many veterans is simply believing in themselves. Platforms like ‘and more.’ can help bridge that gap by providing the resources and support they need to succeed.

The Future of Veteran Employment: A Data-Driven Approach

The success of ‘and more.’ highlights the growing importance of data-driven approaches to veteran employment. By leveraging AI and machine learning, platforms can more accurately match veterans with relevant job opportunities and provide personalized support based on their individual needs.

For example, ‘and more.’ is currently developing a new feature that will analyze veteran resumes and provide personalized recommendations for training and certification programs. This will help veterans address any skills gaps and make themselves more competitive in the job market.

However, there are limitations. No platform can guarantee success. The veteran must be willing to put in the work, network effectively, and continuously learn and adapt. As this article shows, veterans translate military skills and thrive in civilian careers.

What Companies Can Do to Help

While platforms like ‘and more.’ are playing a vital role, companies also have a responsibility to actively recruit and support veteran employees. This includes:

• Reviewing job descriptions: Ensure that job descriptions are written in a way that is accessible to veterans, avoiding jargon and focusing on transferable skills.
• Providing mentorship programs: Pair veteran employees with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.
• Offering training and development opportunities: Invest in training programs that help veteran employees develop new skills and advance their careers.

By taking these steps, companies can tap into the vast talent pool of veterans and create a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

The Takeaway: Empowering Veterans Through Connection and Opportunity

‘and more.’ and similar platforms are changing the game for veterans seeking employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The key is not just matching skills to jobs, but fostering a supportive community and providing the resources veterans need to thrive. By leveraging technology and building strong networks, we can ensure that veterans have the opportunity to succeed in their post-military careers.

Veterans possess unique skills and experiences that are invaluable to the civilian workforce. Don’t let them get lost in translation. Take the initiative to connect with platforms like ‘and more.’, network with veteran organizations, and actively seek out veteran talent. You’ll not only be supporting those who served our country, but also strengthening your own organization.