For many, higher education is a transformative journey, a way to better oneself and an opportunity for personal growth. For some, the path to educational success is shared with loved ones, bringing unique challenges and the opportunity to overcome them together.

Jake and Cassie Kruskie are both military veterans and an excellent example of how pursuing higher education as a couple can contribute to academic success. The Kruskies are setting the standard for achieving educational goals as they both work towards earning their master’s degrees at American Military University (AMU).

A Foundation Built on Service

Cassie and Jake both come from military families with deep roots in military service. Their shared military background played a key role in bringing them together.

Jake dedicated 21 years to the Air Force as an A-10 Crew Chief. He now serves as a senior logistics manager in the A-10 System Program Office. Cassie has chosen to be a stay-at-home mom for now to focus on their family.

United in the Pursuit of Academic Excellence

Once Cassie and Jake started their family, they both realized that education was essential to shaping their future. “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,” Cassie says. They agreed that investing in higher education would benefit not just themselves individually but strengthen their family as a whole.

“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,” Cassie explains. After researching universities thoroughly, she found her home at American Military University (AMU).

After earning her bachelor’s degree in technical management from AMU in 2024, Cassie is now pursuing her master’s degree in management. 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 previously earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics from another university, followed Cassie’s lead to AMU. Currently also pursuing a master’s degree in management, Jake’s decision was influenced by his wife’s positive experience.

“So far, my experience with AMU has been great,” Jake shares. “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.”

Wisdom for Fellow Veterans

For Cassie, her master’s degree has charted a path toward civilian government work and helped her find success despite her busy 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.”

The Military Family Advantage

What makes the Kruskies’ story particularly powerful is how they’ve leveraged their military experience into academic and career success while strengthening their family bonds.

For military families considering education, the Kruskies’ journey demonstrates that with mutual support and the right academic environment, veterans can successfully balance family responsibilities, career aspirations, and educational goals. Their story stands as a testament to how the values instilled through military service—commitment, resilience, and teamwork—continue to serve veterans well in their civilian and academic pursuits.

As more military families like the Kruskies pursue higher education together, they’re not just earning degrees—they’re building stronger families and communities, one assignment at a time.

For more on how AMU makes education affordable for active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families, visit amu.apus.edu/military.