Tiffini Theisen

Tiffini is a Military.com writer and editor who oversees the website's email newsletters, seasonality pages, holiday and evergreen content, and news alerts. A seasoned journalist with extensive experience in reporting, writing, audience development, content strategy and news analytics, Tiffini holds a master's degree from the University of Florida and is a former journalism professor and award-winning college newspaper advisor. She lives in Florida with her fiance, an Army veteran who served in Iraq.

Latest Articles

How to Get Tax Credits for Hiring Veterans

Did you know you can get your business earn tax credits for hiring veterans?

U.S. Marines salute during a promotion ceremony

The Meaning of Semper Fi: The Marine Corps Motto

"Semper Fi" is short for Semper Fidelis, a Latin phrase that means "Always Faithful." It has been the official motto of the U...

Pass Road Gate on Keesler Air Force Base

Force Protection Condition Levels (FPCON)

Force Protection Condition (FPCON) is a system used by the Department of Defense to help assess and respond to terrorist...

Strategic Air Command personnel interpret a reconnaissance photo during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. (U.S. Air Force photo)

DEFCON Levels

DEFCON, short for Defense Readiness Condition or simply Defense Condition, is the U.S. military’s ranking system for defense...

Gene Hackman in the "French Connection."

Famous Veteran: Gene Hackman

Two-time Academy Award winner Gene Hackman, a Marine Corps veteran, worked odd jobs before becoming an actor while in his 30s...

VA Loan Cash-Out Refinance Tips: Maximize Your Benefits

Learn expert tips for the VA cash-out refinance. Understand the benefits, risks, and steps to take to make the most of your...

VA Cash-Out Refinance vs. Home Equity Loans: What’s the Difference?

Learn the key differences between VA cash-out refinance and home equity loans. Discover which option is best for major...

Cash-Out Refinance FAQ

Here are answers to the most important questions about the cash-out refinance loan, and how to take advantage of it.

Your Military Pay Raise for 2025, Plus Veterans Pension and BAH Updates

Under the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, troops in the ranks of E-1 through E-4 will see a 14.5% raise next...

The Ultimate Veteran and MilSpouse-Made Holiday Gift Giving Guide

'Tis the season to be thoughtful! With holiday shopping in full swing, it's the most wonderful time to get ahead on your...

Veterans Day 2024 Parades, Events and More

Veterans Day is the perfect opportunity to attend events such as parades to learn about the importance of the Veterans Day...

The Honor Guard marches in a Veterans Day parade.

New York Veterans Day 2024 Parade: Livestream

The nation's largest Veterans Day event, the New York City Veterans Day Parade hosted by the United War Veterans Council...

Military Appreciation and Giving Back to Veterans on Veterans Day

For Veterans Day, several organizations roll out promotions that support the military, veterans and their families.

A sailor competes in a wing eating contest.

Here's How to Maximize Your Free Veterans Day Food Deals

If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.

U.S. Marine Corps veterans salute during the 5th Marines Vietnam War Memorial unveiling ceremony in the Camp San Mateo Memorial Garden at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California.

Veterans Day History

Over the years, Veterans Day has evolved into a day not just for remembering those who served in wartime but also for...

Military News

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Most Popular Military News

The Department of Veterans Affairs building in Washington, D.C.

VA Crisis Line Employees Among Those Fired Amid Federal Workforce Purge

Of the 1,000 employees fired last week from the Department of Veterans Affairs, some were employees who had worked for the...

Director of Office of Management and Budget, Russell Vought

What's in Store for VA Disability Benefits with New Office of Management and Budget Chief?

New OMB Director Russell Vought has contributed to two conservative playbooks that advocate for the revamping of veterans'...

(Photos courtesy of Steve Moore, illustration by Hrisanthi Pickett)

Fort Moore Was Named After My Parents. A Letter Mom Wrote Shows Why It Shouldn’t Go Back to Benning

My Dad was a commander in the Vietnam War. My Mom changed how the military cares for widows.

A Comprehensive Look at DOGE's Firings and Layoffs So Far

Thousands of federal government employees have been shown the door in the first month of President Donald Trump's...

Paul Lawrence, President Donald Trump's pick to be deputy secretary of Veterans Affairs

Nominee for VA Deputy Role Questioned by Senate over Firings, Elon Musk Access to Veterans' Info

Paul Lawrence served as the VA under secretary for benefits during the first Trump presidency.

Elon Musk at the Future Investment Initiative institute Priority Summit

At Pentagon, Elon Musk Is Preparing to Access Department Systems

A defense official who was granted anonymity to speak candidly on the matter said that members of the Department of...

Latest Military Videos

Freed Israeli Hostage Returns Home to Jerusalem

Recently released Israeli hostage Karina Ariev waved from a car to crowds welcoming her as she was transported home...

Russian Spacecraft Carrying Military ‘Devices’ Blasts off From Northern Cosmodrome

The Russian Defence Ministry released on Wednesday footage showing a Soyuz spacecraft blasting off from Russia's northern cosmodrome in...

Soldiers From El Salvador Join U.N.-Backed Mission in Haiti as U.S Pulls Funding

A military contingent from El Salvador arrived in Haiti on Tuesday to bolster a U.N.-backed mission led by Kenyan...

U.S. Aid Freeze Puts at Risk Ukraine’s Wartime Help for Frontline Evacuees

In what used to be this Ukraine town’s concert hall, cots are arranged on the stage and instead of...

Investigations and Features

In One of the Marines' Most Iconic Jobs, a Stunning Pattern of Suicide

Marine Corps drill instructors are a national symbol of discipline. But for some, their imposing persona belies a dark reality.

Army Capt. Jeremy Kuykendall and his wife Kate, cradle their daughter

Unsupervised: Military Child Care Centers Slow to Report Abuse with Little Oversight

A Military.com investigation into military day care centers revealed that service branch rules generally prioritize protecting the institution, keep parents in the dark while officials formulate a public relations response.

Army News

Calif. Army Vet Admits to Killing Kindergartner who Vanished on Walk to School

A U.S. Army veteran has admitted to killing a kindergartner on her walk to school. Robert John Lanoue, 72, who pleaded guilty...

The United States Depository for gold reserves stands in Fort Knox, Kentucky, in 1974.

What to Know About Fort Knox's Gold Depository

President Donald Trump says Elon Musk will be looking at Fort Knox, the legendary depository in Kentucky for American gold...

Navy News

USS Truman Commander Fired After Collision with Merchant Ship near Suez Canal

Capt. Dave Snowden was relieved for "loss of confidence in his ability to command" by Rear Adm. Sean Bailey, the commander of...

The federal courthouse in downtown San Diego

Navy Captains Imprisoned in 'Fat Leonard' Scandal Seek Details of Government Misconduct

While government attorneys have admitted in court and in written filings to “serious issues” regarding government misconduct...

Air Force News

Veteran, Employee at Robins Air Force Base Sues After Service Dog Request Was Denied

An aircraft technician for the Robins Air Force Base in Houston County is suing the agency, alleging his superiors...

Air Force One kicks up snow as it lands with President Trump aboard

Trump Says He's Considering Buying Used Planes to Serve as Air Force One Amid Boeing Delays

Boeing has the contract to produce updated versions, but delivery has been delayed while the aircraft maker has lost billions...

Space Force News

An unarmed Minuteman III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile launches during an operational test at 1 a.m. Pacific Time, Feb. 19, 2025, from Vandenberg Space Force Base

Malmstrom Airmen Participate in Unarmed Minuteman III ICBM Launch at California Base

Airmen from Malmstrom Air Force Base were among a joint team of Air Force Global Strike Command personnel who launched an...

Space Force Brig. Gen. Kristin L. Lanzenhagen, right, talks with moderator Walt Jackim

Ready for 156 Space Coast Launches This Year, Space Force Targets Bottlenecks

The Space Force is prepped to support an average of 13 launches of month from the Space Coast in 2025, but it’s a juggling...

Marine Corps News

Soldier surveys an area that is popular for border crossing near Laredo

Military's Border Mission Now Includes Coordinated Patrols with Mexican Counterparts

The joint effort underscores the Trump administration's push to have an aggressive posture on the border, a part of a key...

John Vick was named executive director of Concerned Veterans for America

New Concerned Veterans for America Director to Lead Group's Effort to Expand Priorities

The 14-year old group, affiliated with Americans for Prosperity, is seeking to expand its influence in a Republican majority...

Coast Guard News

The SS United States is towed down the Delaware River between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, from Philadelphia

Historic Ocean Liner Departs Philadelphia on Voyage to Become the World's Largest Artificial Reef

The historic, aging ocean liner that a Florida county plans to turn into the world’s largest artificial reef departed from...

U.S. Coast Guard C-130 Hercules crew prepares for an expulsion flight

Data Breach Prompts Coast Guard to Take Personnel and Pay System Offline

The system will be down until at least Feb. 19 while the service investigates a hacking incident, officials said.