In appreciation for their service to their country, and in recognition of the time and advantage lost toward the pursuit of a civilian career, veterans or North Carolina (NC) National Guard members shall be granted preference in university employment
1. "Veteran" means a person who served in the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty, for reasons other than training, and was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions. "Eligible Veteran" means:
A veteran who served during a period of war; or
- The spouse of a disabled veteran; or
- The surviving spouse or dependent of a veteran who died on active duty during a period of war either directly or indirectly as a result of such service; or
- A veteran who suffered a disabling injury for service-related reasons during peacetime; or
- The spouse of a veteran who suffered a disabling injury for service-related reasons during peacetime; or
- The surviving spouse or dependent of a person who died for service-related reasons during peacetime.
2. Eligible member of the National Guard means:
- A resident of North Carolina who is a current member in good standing of either the North Carolina Army National Guard or the North Carolina Air National Guard;
- A resident of North Carolina who is a former member of either the North Carolina Army National Guard or the North Carolina Air National Guard, who is under honorable conditions with a minimum of six years of creditable service;
- the surviving spouse and dependent of a member of the North Carolina Army National Guard or the North Carolina Air National Guard who dies on State active duty either directly or indirectly as a result of that service;
- the surviving spouse or dependent of a member of the North Carolina National Guard who died for service-related reasons during peacetime.
