Bet on Yourself

Numbers today play an important part for many people.

We have telephone numbers for contacts we meet.

We have dietary numbers for how many calories we need to consume each day if we want to stay at a specific weight or dress or pant size.

We have numbers that show how well a company is performing, with stocks being sold by day traders who look at the various analytics of companies.

But what about the analytics for those living in the United States who decided to serve their country?

As a Veteran of 30 years of Active-Duty Military Service, there’s another number that many are not aware of; it’s the percentage of those who serve this great nation.

Whether you serve three years or 30 years, you’re still a Veteran.

This past week, from Sunday, September 21, 2025, to Wednesday, September 24, 2025, there was an event called the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

It was a conference like no other, with information sharing and success stories culminating with a Gala of the Mighty 25 being recognized for their service.

What you’re probably unaware that only one percent of Americans have served in the military.

What Percentage of Americans Have Served in the Military?

For Veterans Day, facts about the US veteran population | Pew Research Center

The Military Influencer Conference (MIC) 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia, was an eye-opener with Veterans and Active-Duty personnel having open dialogues on succeeding outside of the Military.

“MIC is for leaders, entrepreneurs, content creators, creatives, and brands who shape and support the military community. With content tracks led by industry experts, whether you’re transitioning from the military, serving in social impact, looking to start or scale your business, or looking to grow your network, there really is something for everyone.”

Military Influencer Conference | 21-24 September 2025 – Atlanta – MIC

If you can imagine over 2,500 in attendance over those four days from all branches of the military, including military spouses, then imagine the logistics of feeding, housing, and the number of volunteers required to put on a conference of this magnitude.

I’m already marking my calendar to attend MIC 2026 in Tampa, Florida, next year, with proposed dates of September 23, 2026, to September 26, 2026.

There was a sense of giving back and helping others entering the business world to not make the mistakes they have made as leaders, entrepreneurs, and content creators, supporting the military community.

I began this blog because numbers today play an important part for many people.

Now knowing that only one percent of Americans have served in the military, the importance of this conference was also for those exiting the military, preparing for life after the military, whether you served three years or 30 years.

“On average, approximately 200,000 service members are discharged from the U.S. military each year. This figure includes individuals separating from all branches – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard – and encompasses both enlisted personnel and officers. The exact number fluctuates annually depending on various factors like recruitment rates, retention policies, budget considerations, and ongoing operational needs.”

How many people are discharged from the military each year? | [September Updated]

Although just like Walmart’s new “Who Knew?” campaign, starring Walton Goggins, aims to revamp its image as a digitally advanced retailer, the MIC was a refresh on the brands within the Military succeeding in the corporate world.

Walmart Refreshes its Image via ‘Who Knew?’ Ad Campaign Featuring Walton Goggins

In my opinion, sometimes you need to just bet on yourself, which is what the Military Influencer Conference (MIC) 2025 was all about. We, too, in the military are here as well, give us a try.

I’ll leave you with this quote from Pete Wentz: “Always bet on yourself, no matter what the odds are.  It means more to be in the race than watching the victory lap from the stands.”

“Bet on yourself!  You never lose if you bet on yourself!” ~ Greg Plitt

The Military Influencer Conference (MIC) 2025 was such an inspiration, letting me know that I’m still in the race and not watching the race.

Today, my challenge to you is figuring out what numbers you are looking at for yourself.  Ask yourself, when was the last time you bet on yourself?

Blog source: https://mckinleysthoughts.com/bet-on-yourself/