As used in this article, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) DD 214. A Department of Defense Report of Separation form or its predecessor or successor forms.
(2) PRIVATE EMPLOYER. An employer who is not the federal or state government, a school district, or a public institution of higher education.
(3) VETERAN. A person who has served on active duty in the United States Armed Forces and was discharged or released with an honorable discharge.
(4) VETERANS’ PREFERENCE EMPLOYMENT POLICY. A private employer’s voluntary preference for hiring, promoting, or retaining a veteran over another qualified applicant or employee.