By John Robert Morton
Student and Alumni Affairs Liaison
For many, higher education is a transformative journey, a way to better oneself and an opportunity for personal growth. But for some, the path to educational success is shared with loved ones, which brings a unique set of challenges and triumphs.
Jake and Cassie Kruskie are both military veterans and an excellent example of how pursuing higher education as a couple can lead to academic success. The Kruskies are setting the standard for achieving educational goals; both are working on their master’s degrees at AMU.
Military Foundations
Cassie and Jake both hail from military families with deep roots in military service. Their shared military background played a key role in bringing them together.
Jake spent 21 years as an A-10 Crew Chief before retiring from the Air Force. He serves as a senior logistics manager in the A-10 System Program Office, and Cassie has chosen to be a stay-at-home mom for now to focus on their family.
Studying for Master’s Degrees in Management
Once Cassie and Jake started their family, they both realized that education was essential to shaping their future. They agreed that investing in higher education would benefit not just themselves, but their family as well.
Cassie began researching universities that could help her reach her educational goals. She says, “I was looking for a university that would not only accept the credits I had completed but also support me in ways that would help me grow both personally and professionally.” After careful research, she chose American Military University (AMU).
Cassie earned a bachelor’s degree in technical management from AMU in 2024 and is now pursuing her master’s degree in management. Now, she feels empowered to support her family and help them succeed in life. She credits her pursuit of education as a key factor in achieving the most important goal of her life – her family’s well-being.
Jake, who holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, followed Cassie’s lead. Currently, he is also pursuing a master’s degree in management at AMU.
Jake’s decision was influenced by Cassie’s positive experience with the University and credits AMU with reinvigorating his education. “So far, my experience with AMU has been great,” Jake says. “The advisors have reached out multiple times and have been proactive in offering assistance. I’ve found everyone to be very helpful and supportive.
“The classes are challenging, but manageable. The pacing is perfect to maintain a healthy work-school life balance, which is crucial when you have two parents pursuing their master’s degrees.”
Before joining AMU, Cassie faced several challenges in her educational journey. She had been enrolled in multiple universities but never felt truly engaged.
“I wasn’t involved in the other universities the way that I am now. The courses felt dry, and I wasn’t excited to go to school,” Cassie notes.
It wasn’t until recently that Cassie realized the true value of education. “I didn’t think education was important when I was young, but after joining the military, having various career experiences, and reflecting on my life, I realized that a degree would be helpful,” she says.
Advice to Other Students Pursing Management or Other Degrees
For Cassie, her master’s degree has set her on a career path toward a position in civilian government work. She draws inspiration from the important role models in her life, her mother and father, who continue to guide her despite the busy nature of her family life.
“Just keep doing what you’re doing,” she advises. “Staying focused on your goal minimizes distractions and helps you push through obstacles on your way to success.”
Jake’s advice for students aspiring to enter government work is simple but effective: “Network! If you’re not networking, you’re not working.”
He adds, “Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t know something. If you’re not asking questions, you’re not learning. Learn how to communicate your skills effectively, and make sure your resume is comprehensive and easy to tailor to different positions.”
About the Author
John Robert Morton is a Student & Alumni Affairs Liaison at AMU and has been with the university for 15 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree in European history from Troy University in Troy, Alabama, and completed master’s degrees in political science and sports management from AMU. As a liaison, John Robert enjoys helping students and alumni achieve their personal and professional goals.
About Our Department
The AMU and APU Alumni Affairs Office is committed to fostering lifelong relationships with alumni by offering meaningful opportunities to stay engaged and connected. We collaborate closely with various stakeholders to enhance the alumni experience and provide an array of benefits, services, activities, and events throughout the year.
Our team is dedicated to supporting alumni as they navigate their personal and professional journeys. We actively seek out stories of alumni success, sharing their achievements to inspire and motivate current students to pursue their goals.
If you’re an alumni community member looking for ways to stay involved, don’t hesitate to reach out to alumni@apus.edu to connect with our team.
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