{"id":10335,"date":"2025-05-05T13:19:13","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T13:19:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/?p=10335"},"modified":"2025-12-08T16:12:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T16:12:47","slug":"operation-graduation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/?p=10335","title":{"rendered":"Operation graduation"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_10400\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10400\" style=\"width: 1333px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10400\" src=\"http:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/20231027_JEN_7161-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1333\" height=\"888\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/20231027_JEN_7161-1.jpg 1333w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/20231027_JEN_7161-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/20231027_JEN_7161-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/20231027_JEN_7161-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/20231027_JEN_7161-1-75x50.jpg 75w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1333px) 100vw, 1333px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10400\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>A Blackhawk helicopter lands on the front lawn of the Nichols Center during a special presentation for students, veterans, and ROTC.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">What do you picture when you think of a first-year college student? An 18-year-old fresh out of high school, navigating dorm life and discovering their passions?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For many, that\u2019s the traditional image. But not all students fit that mold.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Some step onto campus as seasoned leaders who have tackled high-stakes environments, adapted to unpredictable challenges and served their country before pursuing a college degree.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Some come straight from active duty, while others have started families or built careers before beginning their academic journeys after service.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For many, pursuing college after the military is an exciting opportunity to open new doors and build a future beyond the uniform. However, transitioning from military service to the classroom also comes with challenges.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Balancing coursework with outside responsibilities can be demanding. Connecting with classmates who may not share the same life experiences can feel daunting. Recognizing these hurdles and finding the right support can make the difference in navigating this new chapter. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">That\u2019s where Auburn Engineering comes in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Operation Graduation\" width=\"700\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vpk39X5VNmA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Many veterans are drawn to fields where their military training provides a strong foundation to build upon. A growing number are choosing engineering, a discipline that values their hands-on skills sharpened through service, which translates seamlessly into careers that call for practical application.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For some Auburn student veterans, the transition to an engineering education was a natural next step in their journeys.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Noah Blondheim, a former F-35 crew chief in the Air Force, is earning a bachelor\u2019s degree in mechanical engineering to broaden his technical expertise with the goal of working at a company that values giving back to the community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Chase Childers, a former Navy electronics technician, discovered his passion for software while managing military communication systems.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10424\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10424\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10424\" src=\"http:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online-1-1800x1012.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online-1-674x380.jpg 674w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10424\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Chase Childers throughout his military service as a Navy electronics technician, where he managed and maintained advanced communication systems.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Intrigued by the complexities of software, he is studying software engineering and hopes to leverage his military experience and technical expertise to specialize in artificial intelligence solutions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Chrystel Drummonds, a retired Army veteran with 20 years in the Judge Advocate General Corps, turned to engineering to challenge herself in a new way after service. Now pursuing a degree in biosystems engineering, she is applying her experiences to sustainable energy, water resources and agricultural technology, leveraging her discipline to develop engineering solutions that enhance efficiency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Next mission: Auburn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Choosing the right university is just as important as selecting the right branch of service. And just as impactful.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">So, why did they choose Auburn?<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cThis university was a good, certified engineering school that was close to home,\u201d Blondheim said. \u201cI\u2019ve always loved machines, especially cars. Joining the military, I knew I wanted to work on the coolest machines. After a while, I found myself curious about the deeper secrets of how things fit together and worked.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">He knew Auburn Engineering could provide those answers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Blondheim\u2019s experience with mechanical systems offered a broader perspective in his courses, and his understanding of weight and balance for aircraft translated well into various engineering and physics studies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cI am proving to myself that I can do it,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Childers added, \u201cI heard that the engineering program was top-notch and close to our family, which was a plus. Everyone is working toward the same goal \u2014 graduation \u2014 and people here are genuinely down-to-earth and willing to stop and help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10425\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10425\" style=\"width: 1680px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10425\" src=\"http:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1680\" height=\"945\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online4.jpg 1680w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online4-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online4-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online4-674x380.jpg 674w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1680px) 100vw, 1680px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10425\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Noah Blondheim during his time in the U.S. Air Force as an F-35 crew chief and at his co-op at Ulliman Schutte Construction, where he continues to apply his mechanical expertise.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">For Drummonds, the decision to attend Auburn wasn\u2019t just about academics \u2014 it was about finding a place to put down roots with her daughter in mind. After retiring from the military and moving to Alabama, she wanted to settle in a location that offered a strong engineering program and a sense of stability. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cI picked a place, bought a house and Auburn had the right reputation,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s a great school and an even better community.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">The veteran advantage<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Drawing from military backgrounds, student veterans bring a distinct perspective to the college experience. They may approach their education with a mission-oriented mindset, viewing their degree as a crucial objective and a way to prove to themselves they can take on the challenge.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Rick Williams, mechanical engineering senior lecturer and U.S. Navy veteran, can attest to that, noting that their disciplined approach and determination often set them apart in the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cSince veterans have been out in the real world, they are already used to working full time and often treat school as a full-time job,\u201d he said. \u201cThey are not afraid to ask for help when they need it. They are good role models for their younger or more traditional classmates because their military training has imparted most of the necessary skill sets for success in becoming an engineer.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Williams said student veterans frequently draw on their prior experiences in his courses, providing insights that enrich discussions and help classmates better understand the material. He\u2019s found their knack for providing different perspectives on complex ideas makes them an asset in the classroom.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Shaped by service<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Jackson Kerby, a \u201821 mechanical engineering alumnus and U.S. Air Force veteran, knows firsthand how military experience shapes an engineer\u2019s mindset in the classroom and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10426\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10426\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10426\" src=\"http:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online2-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online2-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online2-1-1800x1012.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online2-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online2-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online2-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online2-1-674x380.jpg 674w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10426\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jackson Kerby, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served as an aircraft maintainer, during his time in service and at his graduation from Auburn Engineering in 2021.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">His time as an aircraft maintainer fueled his passion for mechanics and gave him a perspective that brought engineering concepts to life in his studies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cI had a wealth of experiences to draw from,\u201d Kerby said. \u201cWorking on aircraft and mechanical systems gave me an edge on the material I was studying. I could relate the theoretical concepts to practical applications, which made it easier for me to understand and retain the information.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cMy service and engineering degree have been a true winning combination in helping me achieve my long-term professional ambitions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Kerby\u2019s experiences in school helped develop him into a more capable and confident engineer. Auburn\u2019s faculty recognized his non-traditional path and were eager to support him, providing guidance and encouragement to ensure his success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Now a flight test discipline engineer at Lockheed Martin, Kerby applies the skills he developed during his service and with Auburn Engineering.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cChoosing Auburn was an easy decision,\u201d he said. \u201cAuburn\u2019s reputation for academic excellence and strong support for veterans was a major draw for me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Stronger together<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Student veterans\u2019 abilities to apply their experiences in the classroom are certainly a strength, but adapting to the structure of an academic environment takes a noteworthy adjustment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Blondheim points out that student veterans enter their programs and find environments with fewer fixed routines than they might be accustomed. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Success often hinges on acclimating to different expectations, managing flexible schedules and juggling academic responsibilities with other commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Drummonds echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the challenge of adjusting to a more independent academic environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10428\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10428\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10428\" src=\"http:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online3-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online3-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online3-1-1800x1012.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online3-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online3-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online3-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online3-1-674x380.jpg 674w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10428\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chrystel Drummonds during her military service in Afghanistan, where she served as part of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General\u2019s Corps.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cIt\u2019s completely different from what I was used to,\u201d she said. \u201cIn the military, I had a clear chain of command, structured days and defined responsibilities.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Adjusting from that precise environment to one where self-discipline and time management are entirely self-directed can feel overwhelming. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Having a supportive community that relates to that struggle can make all the difference.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Auburn University\u2019s Veterans Resource Center (VRC) is dedicated to making that transition as smooth as possible. The VRC stands as a vital support system, helping student veterans navigate their new chapters.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cThe VRC means everything. Most of us are used to a strong team, and it helps to be there around people with shared experiences. They\u2019re my people,\u201d Drummonds said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Nestled within Foy Hall, the VRC might look like an ordinary office at first glance. However, step inside, and you\u2019ll discover a vibrant community. It\u2019s a welcoming space for veterans, thoughtfully designed with their needs in mind. For many, it becomes a home away from home, connecting them with peers and staff who understand and help them navigate the road to graduation and beyond.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cIt\u2019s an amazing space to be around like-minded individuals as we navigate college at an older age. I love swapping stories there,\u201d Childers said. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Engineering student veterans have access to subject-specific tutoring, technology assistance through the Rucksack to Backpack program, free printing services, locker space and mentorship opportunities through the Veterans Success Program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cThe VRC\u2019s location on campus was a major plus,\u201d Kerby said. \u201cSituated near the engineering side of campus, it was conveniently located for me to stop by and study, get organized or simply take a break between classes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Blondheim said having a dedicated space means a lot. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cIt means having a space I feel invested in because it was made for people like me,\u201d he said. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Built for veterans<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Alongside this support, Auburn has tailored scholarships for veterans enrolled in various engineering programs to ease financial burdens. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Scholarships such as the SFC Jacob E. Schlereth Memorial Scholarship, the Brig. Gen. Robert L. and Barbara Davis Scholarship and the Maj. Gen. James E. Livingston, MOH and Mrs. Sara Craft Livingston Scholarship are among the dozens of opportunities available to support veterans pursuing an Auburn Engineering degree.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Auburn Engineering also helps student veterans find guidance from those who have walked a similar academic path.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_10427\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-10427\" style=\"width: 2560px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-10427\" src=\"http:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online5-1-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online5-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online5-1-1800x1012.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online5-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online5-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online5-1-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/files\/2025\/05\/ENG-SP25_Vet_online5-1-674x380.jpg 674w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-10427\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Al D\u2019Jock with his family during his U.S. Navy service, standing in front of the aircraft he commanded.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Academic advisor Al D\u2019Jock, a U.S. Navy veteran with 22 years of service spanning roles from piloting the P-3 Orion and P-8 Poseidon on anti-submarine missions to serving at the Pentagon, now supports students by offering reassurance through shared experiences.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cWhether they\u2019re veterans or traditional students, I want them to know they have someone in their corner,\u201d D\u2019Jock said.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">D\u2019Jock enjoys encouraging student veterans any chance he can get. Drawing from his own military experience, he helps them navigate the challenges of higher education, providing encouragement and practical advice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cI always tell them to lean on the discipline and perseverance they built in the military. It\u2019s going to be hard, but they\u2019ve already done hard things,\u201d he said. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cAuburn is a great place for veterans. The resources, the supportive students, the engineering program \u2014 it all makes for a strong environment made to help them succeed,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">That support isn\u2019t limited to campus. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Recognizing that many veterans balance work, family and education, Auburn Engineering\u2019s online graduate programs offer a flexible curriculum without sacrificing quality. <\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Ranked No. 15 for online programs for veterans by the U.S. News &amp; World Report\u2019s 2025 Best Online Graduate Engineering Programs, Auburn Engineering\u2019s online options provide veterans access to a top-tier education that can advance their careers from anywhere.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">\u201cTo any veterans considering engineering \u2014 do it. Don\u2019t quit. Use the discipline and patience the military taught you,\u201d Drummonds said. \u201cIf you could handle the military, you can handle this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Student veterans in Auburn Engineering programs bring discipline, resilience and real-world experience to the classroom, navigating their new mission after service with the support of Auburn\u2019s dedicated resources.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":83,"featured_media":10400,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[4],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Operation graduation &raquo; Auburn Engineer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ecm.eng.auburn.edu\/wp\/emag\/?p=10335\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Operation graduation &raquo; 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