Service After School: Exploring Military Pathways with Four Star General and Hamblen County Superintendent Arnie Bunch

Choosing to serve is a big decision—and with the right guidance, it can open doors to education, purpose, and a host of long-term opportunities. 

In this episode of The Education Blueprint, Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk sits down with General Arnie Bunch, a Four-Star General and current Hamblen County Director of Schools, to talk about what it really means to enlist. With 38 years in the U.S. Air Force, General Bunch shares firsthand insight into military careers, the values that shape service members, and the many ways students can prepare for a future in uniform.

They’ll discuss how schools can support students interested in military pathways—from early exposure to career-connected learning to building the character, confidence, and skills required for service

If you're a student considering enlistment—or a family member or educator wanting to support that path—this episode is full of insight, clarity, and encouragement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Military Enlistment Discussion

10:30 Understanding Enlistment and Its Misconceptions

20:14 The Benefits of Military Service for Young Adults

23:38 Exploring Military Service as an Educational Pathway

24:07 Core Values and Their Relevance in Education

25:05 Benefits of Military Service for Students

26:15 Character Development Through Military Experience

27:40 The Impact of Military Exposure on Youth

29:06 JROTC: A Gateway to Opportunities

30:25 Transformative Experiences in JROTC

32:01 Leadership Skills from JROTC

33:26 Attracting Veterans to Education

35:19 Shifting Perspectives on Post-Graduation Success

36:03 Understanding Military Options for Students

39:26 Navigating the Military Enlistment Process

43:51 Celebrating Service: Honoring Student Achievements

44:34 Advice for Students Considering Military Service

Takeaways

The military can be a viable option for all students.

Enlistment provides educational benefits and career opportunities.

Many misconceptions exist about military service.

Education is crucial for success in any career path.

Exposure to military options broadens students' perspectives.

Dr. Jon Rysewyk brings nearly 30 years of educational experience to his role as Superintendent of Knox County Schools. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee, followed by a Doctorate of Education from East Tennessee State University. Dr. Rysewyk began his career as a science teacher at Bearden High School and later became principal of Fulton High School during its State of Tennessee reconstitution. He  also served the district as Supervisor of Secondary Education, Executive Director of Innovation and School Improvement, Assistant Superintendent, and Chief Academic Officer prior to being appointed Superintendent in 2022.

Gen. Arnold W. “Arnie” Bunch, Jr. ,brings a wealth of leadership experience to his role as Superintendent of Hamblen County Schools, a position he has held since 2022. A native of Hamblen County, Gen. Bunch previously served a distinguished 38-year career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a four-star general. In his final military assignment, he commanded the Air Force Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, overseeing nearly 89,000 personnel and managing a $60 billion annual budget. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy with a degree in civil engineering; completed Squadron Officer School at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama; earned a Master’s in mechanical engineering from California State University–Fresno; attended Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and holds a Master of Science in national security strategy from the National War College in Washi