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Military recruits receive full-tuition scholarships to ROTC schools at New York Jets game: ‘Truly grateful’

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Some of the newest members of America’s military are receiving a great shot at success.

Young warriors ready to get to work for our nation include four soldiers-in-training — and the four had no idea they’d be receiving a big thanks for their commitment.

At the New York Jets‘ annual Salute to Service football game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Nov. 6, 2022, the recruits were presented with major college scholarships to schools of their choice.

NEW YORK JETS PAY TRIBUTE TO AMERICA’S MILITARY, VETERANS WITH ANNUAL SALUTE TO SERVICE GAME

The U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship covers full tuition and fees between two and four years, or $10,000 per year toward room and board, at any college or university served by an Army ROTC program.

Scholarship recipients will also be granted an annual book allowance of $1,200 and a monthly stipend of $420 during their college attendance.

The four U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship recipients claimed their prizes at the New York Jets Salute to Service game on Nov. 6, 2022.

The four U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship recipients claimed their prizes at the New York Jets Salute to Service game on Nov. 6, 2022.
(Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)

In an interview with Fox News Digital, U.S. Army Reserve Command Sgt. Major Andrew Lombardo explained that the Minuteman scholarships for the Reserve Officers Training Corp are given to citizen service members.

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These soldiers work both in their community and part time, in either the Army National Guard or Army Reserve.

Scholarship recipients are guaranteed placement in the Army Reserve after graduating.

Bronx high schooler Sad'e Webb receives the U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship on Nov. 6, 2022. She told Fox News Digital the experience was

Bronx high schooler Sad’e Webb receives the U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship on Nov. 6, 2022. She told Fox News Digital the experience was “overwhelming” and said she is “truly grateful” for this recognition.
(Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)

“It’s an awesome opportunity to recognize the talents of the people of America,” he said.

“To be able to pay for their university experience and, at the end of it, they commission as an officer — so they get to pursue dual pursuits — I think that’s pretty cool.”

“You never think something like this would happen to you.”

U.S. Army Reserve future cadet Sad’e Webb, a 17-year-old high schooler from the Bronx, told Fox News Digital that being chosen for the scholarship was a “shocker.”

“Overall, the experience was very overwhelming — and I am truly grateful for this,” she said.

Seventeen-year-old Sad'e Webb and her family celebrate her U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship to St. John's University at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Nov. 6, 2022.

Seventeen-year-old Sad’e Webb and her family celebrate her U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship to St. John’s University at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Nov. 6, 2022.
(Jen Golotko/Fox News Digital)

“You never think something like this would happen to you, especially at [age] 17,” she said.

Along with running track, Webb is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council at her high school.

Webb received a total of $225,000 to attend St. John’s University in Queens, New York. There, she hopes to build a future for herself in the military and make an impact.

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The recruit shared her relief at not having to worry about paying off student loans or bearing an enormous financial burden. Instead, she can focus on academics.

U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship winners line up on the field at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 6, 2022.

U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship winners line up on the field at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 6, 2022.
(Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)

“I can do more,” she said. “I don’t have to worry about the financial aspect anymore.”

She added, “It’s a struggle sometimes — so to not have to worry about that anymore, I’m truly grateful.”

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Eighteen-year-old Faustina Afrim, another Minuteman recipient from Central Islip, New York, told Fox New Digital that the surprise made her feel “overwhelmed” yet “so happy.”

The high schooler was granted a $121,000 scholarship to attend SUNY Stony Brook in Suffolk County, New York.

Faustina Afrim of Central Islip, New York, holds her scholarship check alongside her father at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 6, 2022.

Faustina Afrim of Central Islip, New York, holds her scholarship check alongside her father at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 6, 2022.
(Jen Golotko/Fox News Digital)

Afrim, who is currently working as a personal care aide, hopes to pursue a career in medicine, specifically anesthesiology, while remaining involved in the military.

As the granddaughter of a Ghanaian soldier, Afrim said she hopes to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps.

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“It’s good for young people like me to set ourselves up for the future,” she said. 

“And it’s about discipline — I wanted to have a disciplined character.”

U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship recipient Aakash Sood was given $50,000 to attend Rutgers University in New Jersey.

U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship recipient Aakash Sood was given $50,000 to attend Rutgers University in New Jersey.
(Jen Golotko/Fox News Digital)

Recipient Aakash Sood received $50,000 to attend Rutgers University in New Jersey, while Chamiqua Loswijk received $35,000 to attend CUNY York College in Queens, New York.

Since 2015, the Minuteman campaign has provided more than 5,800 cadets with scholarships worth over $115 million, according to the Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty (GRFD). The initiative to support future ARNG and USAR officers relies heavily on its recruiting partners — a key element in maintaining America’s military strength.

Major Anthony Telesca of the New York Army National Guard stressed the importance of recruitment in comments to Fox News Digital.

“Not only are you serving the flag and the nation as a whole, but you’re serving your community here in New York State,” he said.

“We’re shaping our organization with the future soldiers who are going to serve our communities and also across seas.”

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Webb gave a shout-out to her own recruiter for sparking the idea to join the Army as part of her path toward a career in medicine. She hopes to achieve her dream of starting a nonprofit organization for the disabled, she said.

Four police officers stand guard as military service members and families carry the American flag onto the field at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 6, 2022.

Four police officers stand guard as military service members and families carry the American flag onto the field at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 6, 2022.
(Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)

Lombardo said recruitment efforts are all about informing Americans about the U.S. Army.

“We want America to know who we are,” he said. “To let communities know what we do and how we support our nation.”

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U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Stitt, Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1, thanked this year’s scholarship recipients and others who’ve stepped up to join the Armed Forces, since they’re among the less than 1% of Americans who do so these days.

“It just speaks to them and their character,” he said. 

“We welcome them and congratulate them,” he said. “They’re joining the best team because they’re going to don the uniform of the United States of America.”

For those interested in learning more about the Minuteman Scholarship, Lombardo encouraged students to contact any professor at a college or university with an ROTC program.

Prospective recipients can also visit www.usar.army.mil/educational-benefits to find an in-state Army Reserve ambassador.

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Eligible candidates must achieve a 2.5 GPA or higher, have acceptable scoring on standardized testing and participate in the Simultaneous Membership Program.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/military-recruits-receive-full-tuition-scholarships-rotc-schools-new-york-jets-game

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Underage drinking dangers: These are the states with the highest rates of teen alcohol use, study finds

A new study done by addiction recovery resource Addiction Treatment Magazine has revealed the states that have the highest and lowest prevalence of underage drinking.

Researchers looked at the number of young people between the ages of 12 and 20 who had consumed an alcoholic drink within the last month and had participated in binge-drinking, which is classified as consuming four or more drinks in one sitting, according to a press release on the publication’s website.

The data was drawn from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) based on the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

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The study determined that the state of Vermont has the highest prevalence of drinkers between the ages of 12 and 20 in the U.S., according to the release.

Nearly 25% of minors in the state had consumed alcohol, and more than 14% had participated in binge-drinking. 

Teens drinking

A new study has revealed the states in the nation that have the highest and lowest prevalence of underage drinking. (iStock)

Other states with high rates include Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  

In Rhode Island, nearly 22% of young people between the ages 12 and 20 consume alcohol monthly, and 12% of minors consume four or more alcoholic drinks in one sitting, the study found.

In New Hampshire, 20.6% of people between the ages 12 and 20 had consumed alcohol in the last month. 

The share was 20.4% for Massachusetts. 

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Rounding out the top 10 are the states of Oregon, Iowa, Wisconsin, Colorado, Maine and North Dakota.

At the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi has the lowest prevalence of underage drinking, with only 9.7% of underage people consuming alcohol. 

It also has the lowest binge-drinking rate, at only 5.4%, according to the study. 

College drinking

One possible reason that Vermont has topped the list is that it is a rural state with many colleges and universities — the highest number per capita of any state — said a clinical director of addiction services.  (iStock)

Utah is the second-lowest, at 11% for alcohol consumption and 6.8% for binge-drinking among the underage population. 

Coming in at third lowest is North Carolina, where 11.3% of underage people consumed alcohol in the last month.

Alabama is also on the lower end at 12%, followed by Arkansas at 12.3%.

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Rounding out the lower 10 are Indiana, Georgia, Idaho, Tennessee and Texas. 

“It’s no secret that underage drinking is a major concern in the United States, as it can pose several significant risks to the well-being of young people, including health risks, impaired judgment and the risk of dependency and addiction,” said a spokesperson for Addiction Treatment Magazine in the release.

Teens drinking

Overall, the findings indicate that the use of alcohol in young people continues to be a concern, said Tuell of the Lindner Center of HOPE in Ohio. (iStock)

“These findings provide an intriguing insight into where underage drinking is the most prominent throughout the country, with Vermont coming out on top. While progress has been made in reducing underage drinking rates, it is still a matter of concern, and ongoing efforts are necessary to address this issue and protect the health and safety of young people,” the spokesperson continued.

Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services for the Lindner Center of HOPE in Ohio, was not involved in the study, but said he wasn’t surprised by the findings.

“A parent’s position on underage drinking is paramount and is one of the strongest protective factors against underage drinking.”

“The Northeast has had a history of higher rates of underage drinking for the past 20 years,” he told Fox News Digital in an interview. “There continues to be no definitive reason why these rates are the way they are.”

One possible reason for Vermont’s topping the list, he said, is that it is a rural state with many colleges and universities — the highest number per capita of any state.

young people drinking beer outside

“The research is crystal-clear that early alcohol use before the age of 15 raises the risk of lifelong problems of addiction and alcoholism,” warned Dr. Chris Tuell, clinical director of addiction services for the Lindner Center of HOPE in Ohio.  (iStock)

Overall, the findings indicate that the use of alcohol in young people continues to be a concern, Tuell said.

“The research is crystal-clear that early alcohol use before the age of 15 raises the risk of lifelong problems of addiction and alcoholism,” he warned. 

“Early alcohol use — drinking at age 14 or earlier — [means a] 7 times greater risk for developing an alcohol problem than someone who begins drinking at age 21.” 

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Other possible reasons for the high rates in some states may be related to how the packaging of alcohol is geared toward youth, such as flavored drinks, and the association of alcohol use with sporting events, the expert noted.

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“This promotes alcohol use in young people as a necessary part of having fun,” Tuell said.

“A parent’s position on underage drinking is paramount and is one of the strongest protective factors against underage drinking,” he also said.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

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Coffee quiz! How much do you know about the can’t-live-without-it drink?

National Coffee Day is September 29 — and millions of people have recognized the special occasion. 

But no matter what day it is or what season of the year, how well do you know the popular drink that many people consume all year long? 

Test your knowledge in this fun and engaging lifestyle quiz all about coffee!

Mobile app users: Click here to play the quiz!

Have you taken our fall quiz yet? Click here to play it!

To take even more quizzes from Fox News Digital, click on this link.

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Best buys: 5 affordable wine picks from experts as fall gets underway

There’s a sudden chill in the air as autumn has arrived. 

And as the weather changes, you may be thinking about shifting your wine selections from summer to fall picks when you host friends and family in the autumn season. 

To lend a hand in those pursuits, wine experts from across the country shared with Fox News Digital their recommendations for wines under $50 a bottle for the new season. 

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Here’s to grape expectations!

2021 Educated Guess Napa County Cabernet Sauvignon, $30

This wine from Napa, California, is consistently picked by wine publications as a best buy and best in class by major wine publications.

That’s according to Amber Carner, tasting room supervisor of River Runs Deep Winery in downtown Napa.

woman drinking glass of wine

“I would pair this beautiful wine with a grilled ribeye steak with green chimichurri, roasted garlic mashed Yukon potatoes and grilled veggies with herbed butter,” said Amber Carner (not pictured), tasting room supervisor of River Runs Deep Winery in downtown Napa, California.  (iStock)

“Since our inception in 2005, we have been producing Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon as an answer to Napa Cabs that are two, three or four times its price,” Carner revealed to Fox News Digital. 

She added, “I would pair this beautiful wine with a grilled ribeye steak with green chimichurri, roasted garlic mashed Yukon potatoes and grilled veggies with herbed butter.”

2022 Sauvage Spectrum Teroldego from Grand Valley, Colorado, $32

Zachary Lewison, beverage manager and sommelier at Sonnenalp Hotel in Vail, Colorado, said this wine is “an excellent and affordable wine, and great for embracing the fall season.”

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Lewison added, “As the weather cools off, we start cooking heartier dishes with potatoes, squashes and heavier proteins.” 

Grocery store displays different colors and varieties of potatoes for people to select.

Said Lewison of Vail, Colorado, “As the weather cools off, we start cooking heartier dishes with potatoes, squashes and heavier proteins.” Shown above, an array of potatoes.  (iStock)

So “this wine pairs great with those flavors, as it has notes of blackberry and dark cherry, and has a slightly spiced backbone.” 

2020 Blaufränkisch, Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, New Jersey, $42

As the fall weather settles in, Mike Beneduce, vineyard manager and winemaker of Beneduce Vineyards in Pittstown, New Jersey, recommended his vineyard’s signature red wine, Blaufränkisch. 

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“It’s a savory, medium-bodied red with aromas of wild blueberry, bonfire smoke and dark chocolate that pairs really well with hearty stews and soups, as well as with slow roasted meat and game,” Beneduce told Fox News Digital.

For people who are stuck in a rut of drinking the same wines over and over, this wine can offer a really different sensory experience, he said. 

wine

“It’s a savory, medium-bodied red with aromas of wild blueberry, bonfire smoke and dark chocolate that pairs really well with hearty stews and soups, as well as with slow roasted meat and game,” Beneduce of Beneduce Vineyards in Pittsdown, New Jersey, told Fox News Digital, about his 2020 Blaufränkisch.  (iStock)

“It’s made from sustainably grown grapes entirely from our own farm here in Pittstown,” he said.

“It’s offered in limited quantities to customers visiting our tasting room, online shop and members of our Moonlighter’s Wine Club,” he also noted.

2020 Teroldego, South Shore Wine Company in the Lake Erie AVA, Pennsylvania, $27

Blaine Ballard, brand ambassador of Robert Mazza, Inc.’s Mazza Wineries, said this red variety is a great wine for a hearty fall dinner.  

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“This wine is full of bright fruit balanced by a vibrant acidity,” Ballard said.

“A bit of earthiness and black pepper rounds out the palate,” she added.

Family has a discussion at the dinner table

Wine experts from across the country shared recommendations for wines under $50 a bottle for the new fall season.  (iStock)

“A careful oak aging approach rounds out the wine, resulting in a wonderful depth of character sure to complement a wide variety of fall dishes. Hearty Osso Bucco or rustic poultry dishes would pair well with this wine,” Ballard also noted.

2017 Krupp Brothers Just Dessert wine, Napa, California, $45

This “Just Dessert” wine is made from Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier grapes, making it the perfect dessert wine to share at the end of a fall meal, said Tyler Hinsley, tasting room manager with Krupp Brothers, in downtown Napa, California. 

“This is a wine that I’ll choose to have at the dinner table for making more holiday memories this year.”

“Pour yourself a small, chilled glass of this wine alongside a warm pecan pie, a créme brûlée, peach cobbler, lemon cheesecake or Grandma’s snickerdoodle cookies,” Hinsley told Fox News Digital. 

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“It is worth each sip, especially when you see the smiles of your friends and family when you share this wine and pair it with a delicious dessert.”

He also said, “This is a wine that I’ll choose to have at the dinner table for making more holiday memories this year.”

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