ASVAB-General-Science student - ASVAB Section 7: General Science Updated: 2023

Multi-districts — Local students took the time to connect directly with those who have served the nation for Veterans Day, while honoring their history, lives and contributions.

At East Grand Rapids High School, during a solemn assembly honoring local veterans, past and present students discussed careers in the military, the benefits of service and more during a visit from Col. Andy Graham. 

At Thornapple Kellogg High School, AP U.S. History students helped organize the 13th annual Community Veterans Day Program, guided by teacher George Dudik. While doing so, they met and shook the hands of several veterans from their community.

East Grand Rapids

Col. Andy Graham graduated from East Grand Rapids High School in 1993, serving most of his career in special operations units. He has traveled the world, seeing combat in Iraq and Afghanistan. 

While at his alma mater, he talked about the paths to, and benefits of, careers in the military. 

Senior Ed Prentice told Graham he’d like to work in military law or logistics, noting that a previous Veterans Day event at the school helped jumpstart his passion.

“Part of the interest,” Ed said, “stems from our guest speaker last year, from the same assembly, who’s a Navy judge.”

Ed said he’s getting more interested in the legal and political components of the armed forces thanks to EGR programs like the We the People, which exposes students to the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and systems of government.

“We discuss questions of citizenship and how certain constitutional principles apply to the modern day,” Ed said, adding that case law is an area of particular interest for him.

Graham said there are plenty of opportunities for people like Ed.

Graham had the chance to connect with Ed and his fellow students thanks to a morning of solemn celebration and remembrance.

During the mid-morning Veterans Day event, about 900 students filed into the high school’s dimly lit auditorium to pay respects to the 22 East Grand Rapids High School graduates whose lives were lost in service to the nation.

Graham spoke to the student body, emphasizing the honor that comes from a life of military service. 

“That honor leads to a sense of pride,” Graham said, though he noted that there are challenges as well, like losing loved ones too soon. 

Ultimately, though, “that pride and honor really does lead to joy,” he said.

During the assembly, Principal Craig Weigel announced a donation to the East Grand Rapids Public Schools Foundation from Armed Forces Thanksgiving, made in the name of founder Peter G. Ruppert, a former East Grand Rapids board member who recently passed away. 

The scholarship will be used to support graduating seniors pursuing some type of military education.

Thornapple Kellogg

During a school-wide assembly at Thornapple Kellogg, students read poems and shared stories about veterans in their lives to honor around 40 veterans in attendance. 

Sophomore Emma Reil spoke about how her grandfather papa served as a paratrooper in the army for many years.  

“If jumping out of a plane that is thousands of feet off the ground doesn’t scream bravery, I’m not sure what does,” she said. 

Emma continued: “Veterans Day is a reminder of the sacrifices our veterans have made leaving their families and homes to protect the freedoms we hold dear. It’s a day to repress our gratitude, not just through words, but through our actions.” 

Sophomore Makenzee Knight told the story of the MIA POW table, displayed in front of the podium, set for one, with various symbolic objects to honor prisoners of war and those who went missing in action. 

Teacher George Dudik read names of veterans present and which branch of the military they served and two veterans from the Middleville community spoke. 

“I’m a veteran but not a hero, there is a difference,” said U.S. Army Capt. Rich Jenkins who now serves as the American Legion Commander. “I am accepting the honor of honored veteran only on behalf of your fellow students and members of this school, Dane Carver and Nick Roush.” 

TK alumni Army Spc. Dane O. Carver and Cpl. Nicholas R. Roush died in 2005 serving in Iraq and 2009 serving in Afghanistan, respectively. 

“Veterans are the backbone of our country,” Principal Tony Peterson said. “Our freedom is built on their blood sweat and tears, so let us honor these brave men and women every day not just through our words but through our actions.”

Following the program, the students served lunch to the honored guests and their families.

Alexis Stark contributed to this story.

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Students who graduate from high school should be ready to succeed wherever life takes them, whether that be college, a career or the military.

That might seem like an innocuous statement, but states are struggling to define those pathways in equally rigorous ways. Moreover, a lack of reliable data on who actually serves in the military means that it’s being left out as a successful post-high school outcome.

Let’s start with the college track because it’s the largest and easiest to define. About two-thirds of high school graduates go directly into some form of postsecondary education. That number is down slightly in recent years, but states have built sophisticated data systems to track public school students from K-12 into higher education. If students go to a private school or leave the state, a nonprofit called the National Student Clearinghouse has data on 99% of postsecondary students nationwide. That data allows any state or school district in the country to find out, for a nominal fee, how many of their students enroll and persist through higher education.

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In contrast, it’s harder to define a successful outcome on the career side. More than half the states are now counting whether high school students earn “industry recognized credentials.” This is admirable work, but states are struggling to balance encouraging students to follow a wide variety of pathways on one hand, while also ensuring that all of those options are equally rigorous. State lists of allowable credentials routinely run into the hundreds, and a 2020 report found that the most common credential students earn was “Microsoft Office Specialist.” That report concluded, “many of the credentials earned by K-12 students carry little currency with employers, and therefore offer questionable career value to students.”

This lack of rigor shows up in depressingly small income gains. For example, a study by Matt Giani at the University of Texas found that students who earned a credential had somewhat higher employment rates, but the median earnings of recent high school graduates with a credential was barely over $10,000 a year. A similar study out of Florida found that, five years after high school graduation, those who had completed a certificate earned about $600 more than those without one.

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Contrast the situation on the career side with military service. Military service is not only a noble career, it’s also a strong pathway into the middle class. And yet, states don’t have a good way to get accurate counts of which students serve in the military.

Upon the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in 2015, 10 states said they were planning to use military service as one of their indicators of student success. Unfortunately, without a good way to collect that data, they were forced to remove military service as a success indicator, treat it as an optional measure for some schools, or fall back on self-reported data, effectively putting the burden of proof of military service on individual schools and districts.

To address this problem, a number of state education chiefs are working behind the scenes to ask the Department of Defense (DoD) for help in solving this data challenge. (Disclosure: I’ve been helping the states craft that request.)

This is not just a wonky data issue, because the military stands to gain from a secure but accurate data-sharing process as well. If military service counted as a successful pathway for students, that might indirectly help the armed services meet their recruitment goals.

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To be sure, this is delicate ground. If states begin working with the DoD to solve this data challenge, there are questions about data security and concerns about not promoting the military above other potential pathways. And students need to be protected from receiving unwanted recruiting pitches. At the same time, this issue needs to be resolved in order to recognize military service as a successful outcome for students who do choose to serve.

This isn’t the first such effort to track military service. Many states have tried to get this type of data in the past, only to be stymied by technical or bureaucratic obstacles. But there’s widespread interest in solving this problem and putting military service on par with other post-high school pathways.

When Madelyn Coppick separated from the Navy in 2020, she had two tours under her belt, including one in Bahrain. The operations specialist loved the routine in the military and excelled in her career serving on a special maritime patrol task force and working reconnaissance aircraft.

But when the five-year veteran entered civilian life and turned her sights towards higher education, she felt lost.

“Most veterans spend years giving their all to the military careers, but when it’s time to separate they get a week of separation counseling and then are left to figure everything out on their own,” said Coppick, who found much-needed support at the private ECPI University in Virginia Beach, where she’s earning a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.

At ECPI, Coppick discovered camaraderie at the Student Veterans of America Club, relished in the year-round class schedule that allowed her to maintain a military-like routine, and got priceless assistance from specially trained university staff who helped her navigate complex GI Bill benefits.

“Being surrounded by veterans who understand each other and are willing to help each other academically as well as personally has been an absolute blessing,” she said.

ECPI is just one of the colleges and universities that offers resources tailored to fit the needs of veterans, reflected in the 2023 Military Times Best for Vets Colleges rankings, where ECPI finished in 21st place. The rankings evaluate higher education institutions on their programs, training and support infrastructure for veterans, who often face challenges that are significantly different from civilian students.

In San Antonio, No. 1 ranked University of the Incarnate Word’s Military and Veteran Center provides annual training and guidance to staff, faculty and students with a “Military 101″ course. Similar training is offered at No. 2 University of Texas at Arlington, where the Department of Military and Veteran Services hosts cultural competency training called “Serving Those Who Served.” Tenth-ranked California State University-San Bernardino offers employee training focused on military-related disabilities.

UTA’s Molly Albart said the “Serving Those Who Served” course helped her do better as assistant vice president for student transition and success.

MILITARY TIMES’ 2023 BEST FOR VETS: COLLEGES RANKINGS

“Not having been in the military myself, it was helpful to know some of the challenges related to mental health, family, stressors and acclimating to civilian life,” Albart said. “I feel better prepared to support the veterans I encounter in my work.”

A focus on training

At No. 1 Incarnate Word, staff training and efforts like the Military Strategic Priority Committee are especially important as the number of military-connected students grows — currently 21 percent of all students, said Jonathan Lovejoy, senior director for military and veteran affairs.

“We make a concerted effort every day to make sure our veterans and their families feel welcome and supported,” he said.

Belinda Guerra, a petty officer in the Navy Reserve who served five years on active duty, is pursuing a nursing degree at Incarnate Word. She says the support veterans get from understanding university staff allow her to stay dedicated to both her service and her studies.

“Being here at UIW is a literal dream come true for me,” said Guerra, a first-generation college student. “The Military and Veteran Center here at UIW has made the transition from service member to student incredibly easy with their resources and knowledge. They provide a warm environment to all the veterans attending which creates an amazing support system and friends, just like the military did.”

Incarnate Word’s “Military 101″ course material is provided to all faculty and staff, giving them a basic overview of military branches, culture and transition to civilian life. Those who complete the course receive a sticker for their door or bulletin board and an “Honoring All Who Served” plaque for display. Even part-time instructors receive training, including how to help veteran students handle unexpected circumstances.

Incarnate Word’s rankings were boosted by adding a Space Force ROTC program as well as maintaining robust veteran services and mental health services for military students.

The university makes it a priority to make sure all staff understand military policies, which are listed on the school’s websites, in the catalog and syllabi. Reminders about best practices when working with military-connected students are sent regularly.

UTA grad Sawyer Howard is an Air Force veteran hired this spring as a coordinator by the university’s Office of Military and Veteran Services. He said his experience — first as a veteran student and then as an employee going through the specialized training to help fellow vets attending college — has given him a unique perspective.

“The most gratifying part of the job is hearing someone sigh in relief knowing they’ll have what they need to make it through the semester,” Howard said, adding that veteran students often send thank you notes for help navigating stressful or unique situations.

“It’s not something you do to be thanked, but the thanks are a very welcome reminder that we’re truly helping people,” Howard said.

Agustin Ramirez, director of the Veterans Success Center at California State University-San Bernardino, said the staff training programs there, particularly for nonmilitary folks, have made a world of difference.

Ramirez pointed to a “very generous” leave of absence policy crafted by the dean of social and behavioral sciences after attending a training as just one example.

“I enjoy having staff approach me after training and explain that they feel less overwhelmed by, more welcoming of and more comfortable with the military-affiliated student population and benefits. I especially love when they say something like, ‘I just didn’t know, and now I do.’ Those moments make me appreciate the work we do,” he said.

Besides “Military 101,” the California university offers training focused specifically on financial aid for military families. The Veterans Success Center also presents at the annual Student DisABILITY Awareness Fair, where staff talk about the most common disabilities associated with military service: tinnitus, sciatica, migraines, mental health, back pain and prosthetic limbs to name a few.

“It uncovers, demystifies. It urges cultural awareness, creates empathy and encourages dialogue,” Ramirez said. “Most importantly, it humanizes our service members and their families, and promotes an understanding of their sacrifices and contributions to our nation and our society.”

Meeting veterans’ needs

Coppick, the cybersecurity student at ECPI, said the staff training has paid off in unexpected ways for her. She never expected to be able to use GI benefits for an advanced degree, but plans to pursue a master’s in business administration.

“I would not have been aware of the extra resources available to me had it not been for the amazing support and expertise of the ECPI staff,” she said.

The schools that dominate the list had the staff training programs in common.

But they also support veterans as they transition from the military to college life, offering veteran-specific orientations, providing veteran-specific mentoring, veteran-specific financial aid offices, advocacy programs and help navigating into full-time careers.

Coppick finds these things invaluable.

“This is essential to the veteran community. When we separate from the military, many of us struggle to adjust to civilian culture.

A community of like-minded veterans who can empathize with both the highs and the lows of the transition experience really makes the adjustment easier,” she said.

‘The best job’

Bill Brown, executive director of military education at ECPI, said he has “the best job in the world, working with and helping our military and veteran students.”

He still stays in touch with a graduate who struggled as a student with the effects of a service-related head injury, which caused him to miss classes and assignments.

“There were times he ended up in the hospital or just could not focus,” said Brown.

He recalled how he personally talked the student through the situation and how the university made accommodations. The vet eventually graduated at the top of his class and is working at a cybersecurity job he loves.

“Knowing that just spending some time talking and helping a student makes such a difference, it means a lot,” Brown said. “Sometimes our military and veteran students just need to know that there is someone there for them that understands what they have been through.”

— Hilary Niles compiled all survey results and charts. She also contributed to the story.

National Security has seldom been as important an issue for the American voter as it is today. Our world is on fire, quite literally. 

Increasing geopolitical tensions are a daily media story whether we want to watch or not, and it is compounded by the insecurity of the open U.S. southern border, millions of unvetted refugees entering the U.S. and two wars.

One aspect of this security crisis that few people consider, however, involves training foreign military students in the United States. While the exchange of knowledge and skills between allies and other nations can be an important international diplomatic tool, we must recognize the potential dangers inherent in this ongoing practice. 

The current escalating tensions in the Middle East beg us to reconsider the current exchange posture.

The 2019 Pensacola terrorist attack serves as a reminder of the threat that we face when we don’t prioritize an America First agenda. 

The United States has a long history of hosting foreign military students but the programs must be monitored. The risks associated with such programs have become increasingly evident, with the Pensacola terrorist attack serving as the most tragic reminder of what can happen when America lets its guard down. 

On December 6, 2019, a Saudi aviation student, Second Lieutenant Mohammed Alshamrani, opened fire at the Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, killing three U.S. Navy personnel and injuring several others. The incident exposed the dangers of allowing foreign military students to train on American soil, as Alshamrani had shown clear signs of radicalization before the attack. 

President Trump wisely removed all Saudi Arabian foreign military students from the United States and put a suspension on future training until new guidelines were implemented.

I was deployed with the U.S. Army Reserve to Saudi Arabia after the Pensacola terrorist attack for 14 months during 2020-2021, and one of my primary roles was to restart the foreign military training and implement the new enhanced security vetting on Saudi Arabia’s security forces who sought training in the United States. While many participants in these programs are committed to their training and international cooperation, it only takes one individual with nefarious intent to pose a significant threat. 

Alshamrani's actions serve as a stark reminder that the screening process must be meticulous, and yet is fraught with too many risks. Even with the new enhanced screening that I helped implement, the procedures are not foolproof.  

Additionally, given the potential for radicalization after enrollment, especially with the attacks by Hamas on Israel, we must suspend this program. 

Many of the foreign students currently hosted on U.S. bases are coming from foreign governments that have espoused Hamas propaganda. The risk of radicalization is just too high. Allowing military students from countries with complex and shifting allegiances to train in the United States can inadvertently expose national security vulnerabilities, especially now.

While not all international students are susceptible to radicalization, we must nevertheless be on guard and put America First. 

Social media content, foreign government public statements, and personal beliefs regarding the multiple wars we are witnessing adds an unnecessary risk that Americans should not take. 

The Department of Defense should suspend the current programs and look to strengthen all their vetting and screening processes immediately. 

The State Department should also conduct ongoing surveillance on students during their visa stays and eliminate access to sensitive information. But if history is our guide, the Biden administration has failed at all levels, domestically and internationally, and is not capable of prioritizing the safety of Americans. 

The dangers posed by allowing foreign military students to train in the United States are real and must not be underestimated. We must suspend this practice immediately. This is simply about putting America First.

Abraham Hamadeh is a candidate for Congress in Arizona’s 8th Congressional District and was the 2022 Republican nominee for Arizona Attorney General, a former prosecutor and former U.S. Army Reserve Captain. He can be found on X, @abrahamhamadeh. 

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

PR Newswire

BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 13, 2023

The Walt Disney Company continues legacy of championing U.S. military service members, veterans and their families through hiring initiatives, donations and more

BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- The Walt Disney Company today announced a $1 million donation to Student Veterans of America (SVA) as part of Disney's commitment to helping veterans find meaningful careers following their military service. With this donation, Disney becomes the founding sponsor of the upcoming SVA Career Center, which will empower veterans with the tools and guidance they need to successfully transition into the civilian workforce. This transformational initiative will unlock veterans' full potential like never before.

"We're proud to make this donation to the Student Veterans of America for their new virtual career center, which will help veterans making the transition from military life to college and career," said Bob Iger, Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. "Disney has a long history of supporting our nation's service members and their families dating back to our company's founding, including through our Heroes Work Here initiative, which has enabled us to hire more than 15,000 veterans across our company over the past decade. We believe Disney has an important role to play in giving back to those who bravely serve our country in uniform, and we look forward to finding even more ways to stand behind those who stand up for America."

With this donation, Disney is deepening and expanding upon its 10-year relationship with SVA. The veteran nonprofit is a leader in advocacy for U.S. military veterans in higher education. Through a network of nearly 1,600 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and three countries overseas, SVA provides necessary resources, network support and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively expand their skills and realize their full potential.

"I am deeply moved and profoundly grateful for Disney's exceptional commitment to the success of student veterans," said Jared Lyon, president and CEO of Student Veterans of America. "Their extraordinary gift underscores their unwavering dedication and deep understanding of the distinct challenges faced by our Nation's student veterans. This support empowers Student Veterans of America to offer personalized resources crucial for a seamless transition into meaningful civilian careers after military service. As a steadfast and long-standing partner of SVA, Disney continues to set the gold standard for military and veteran support in our community. With Disney's ongoing support, the SVA Career Center will ensure that student veterans not only succeed but achieve their greatest potential in their post-service journeys."

As part of the company's commitment to U.S. military veteran hiring and workplace development, the Disney Institute will host the next Veterans Institute Summit in fall 2024 at Walt Disney World Resort. In 2013, Disney launched the Veterans Institute as a series of complimentary events designed to help other companies across the U.S. enhance their recruiting, training and development of veteran talent. The Veterans Institute provides a forum for sharing best practices in hiring veterans and military spouses, as well as promoting skills and opportunities for a successful transition from the military to the civilian workforce.

Since 2012, Disney has contributed more than $20 million in funding and media support to nonprofit organizations focused on bringing joy to veterans and military families. As part of the company's respect for U.S. military service, Disney is building upon the company's relationship with Fisher House Foundation to help deliver Disney magic to all 96 Fisher Houses located in the United States and overseas.

"Disney specializes in bringing joy to people of all ages, and they have always been especially remarkable in their support for military and veteran families," said Kenneth Fisher, chairman and CEO of Fisher House Foundation. "We are grateful for their continued work to spread joy and help families staying at Fisher Houses across the country."

For more than 30 years, Fisher House has provided a "home away from home" to families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes offer free, temporary lodging to military and veteran families, allowing them to be close to their loved one receiving medical care. Through this expanded relationship, the company will provide care packages to all Fisher Houses with Disney-themed home goods, games and toys to help enhance the experience of the many families who stay at these special houses each year.

Championing Veterans

Since its founding in 1923, The Walt Disney Company has supported veterans and their families dating back to Walt and Roy O. Disney, who both served their country during the First World War. Today, The Walt Disney Company is a leading proponent of hiring, training and supporting military veterans through the Heroes Work Here initiative, the Heroes Supply Here program and Disney's Veterans Institute. Disney remains committed to saluting those who serve in uniform and the families who support them with special discounts, daily flag-retreat ceremonies at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, new military-inspired merchandise at select locations and more. Disney is honored to be named as a top employer on the Military Times 2023 "Best for Vets" annual ranking of the country's best employers and organizations with military-connected employment programs.

Continuing this longstanding support for the U.S. Armed Forces, Disney proudly welcomes the Department of Defense Warrior Games back to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in June 2024 after hosting a successful round of games at the facility in 2022. 

To learn more about ways Disney supports military families and veterans, visit https://impact.disney.com/charitable-giving/veterans-and-military-families/.

Disney Experiences brings the magic of The Walt Disney Company's powerful brands and franchises—including Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, ESPN, 20th Century Fox and National Geographic—into the daily lives of families and fans around the world to create magical memories that last a lifetime.

When Walt Disney opened Disneyland in Anaheim, California, on July 17, 1955, he created a unique destination built around storytelling and immersive experiences, ushering in a new era of family entertainment. More than 65 years later, Disney has grown into one of the world's leading providers of family travel and leisure experiences, with iconic businesses including six resort destinations with 12 theme parks and 52 resorts in the United States, Europe, and Asia; a top-rated cruise line with five ships and plans for three more; a luxurious family beach resort in Hawai'i; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney's global consumer products operations include the world's leading licensing business; the world's largest children's publishing brands; one of the world's largest licensors of games across all platforms; Disney store locations around the world; and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.

These experiences are created by Disney Imagineers, the creative force behind experiences found in Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and consumer products—including books, games, and merchandise.

With a focused mission on empowering student veterans, Student Veterans of America (SVA) is committed to providing an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. Through a dedicated network of more than 1,500 on-campus chapters in all 50 states and 4 countries representing more than 750,000 student veterans, SVA aims to inspire yesterday's warriors by connecting student veterans with a community of like-minded chapter leaders. Every day these passionate leaders work to provide the necessary resources, network support, and advocacy to ensure student veterans can effectively connect, expand their skills, and ultimately achieve their greatest potential. For more information, visit us at www.studentveterans.org. 

 
Fisher House Foundation is best known for its network of 96 comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. These homes are located at major military and VA medical facilities nationwide, and in Europe, close to the medical facility they serve. Fisher Houses have up to 21 suites, with private bedrooms and baths. Families share a common kitchen, laundry facilities, a warm dining room and an inviting living room. Fisher House Foundation ensures that there is never a lodging fee. Since inception, the program has saved military and veteran families an estimated $575 million in out-of-pocket costs for lodging and transportation. www.fisherhouse.org.

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SOURCE The Walt Disney Company