Meet Our 2008
Scholarship Winners
Thanks to Thunder Run for the Information
Christopher Stevens,
Son of Donald Stevens, F Troop, 68-69
My sincerest thank you for the honor of being selected for this year’s 11th
Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia’s $3000.00 scholarship,
as well as the $2000.00 Colonel Charles L. Schmidt’s Leadership Scholarship.
Receipt of the scholarships will greatly assist me in the pursuit of my
education at the University of South Florida. Financially, the scholarships
greatly assist our family, who, like so many others in today’s world,
struggle daily to make ends meet. Receipt of the scholarships will enable
me to focus less on financial issues and more on my studies. While we never
know what life has in store for us, I do believe my lifetime goals are
achievable. The scholarships will definitely help me attain my educational
goals, which in turn will help me attain my career and lifetime goals. I
aspire to make a difference in the lives of others and to make not only my
family proud, but also the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans and
Mrs. Bonnie Schmidt.
Scholarship dedicated to Colonel Charles L. Schmidt Memorial Scholarship, Died on Veterans Day, 2007 as President of the 11th ACVVC
Rachelle Burns, Daughter of Samuel Caldwell, Air Cav Troop, 67-68
Words cannot express my gratitude for being selected for this scholarship. This is my final year of nursing school, and this scholarship means so much to me. Of course, the financial relief is appreciated, but this scholarship is particularly special. Your organization has played such a huge part in my father's ability to come to terms with Vietnam. The healing that he has experienced as a direct result of the fellowship of your members was such a priceless gift. I feel humbled to be given yet another gift from such honorable men. Thank you just doesn't feel adequate.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 ROYD STEVE KERLEY JR.; HHT/11th ACR; KIA April 17, 1967; Age 20; Married
Joseph W. Stromberg, Son of Wallace Stromberg, M Co., 70-71
First and foremost, I would like to sincerely thank you and every member of the 11th Armored Cavalry's Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia for the wonderful scholarship I have been given. Being from a family with three boys all in college at the same time, I think it's appropriate that I thank you on my parent's behalf as well. This scholarship will be tremendously beneficial in allowing me to move closer to my ultimate educational goal of being accepted into medical school and eventually becoming a physician. I will work extremely hard during my tenure at the University of Kansas so that I may build off of the financial foundation that you have helped put in place. Once again, thank you and God bless.
Scholarship dedicated to Major DONALD JACK CROCKER; 919th Engineers 11ACR; KIA July 15, 1967; Age 30; Married
Andrew Nichols, Son of
Robert Nichols, HHT 1/11, 70-71
There really is no way to properly thank the members of your organization for what they have awarded me. I wish I could come up with some unique and eloquent remark of gratitude, but I’m sure they have heard every conceivable thank-you countless times. The membership has made it their business to give young adults from all over the nation not only a check to support their goals and aspirations, but also the opportunity to pursue the things that they truly love to do. It may sound insignificant or invaluable, but it is truly an incredible gift to give a college student the chance to break away from the six hour job shifts every other day that crowd their free time. So many of us would love to explore other possibilities and devote our efforts to valuable passions or simply just live our lives but cannot because of the exhausting hours of homework and the constant pressure to work off the unending debt that tuition and other fees accumulate for us. I’m lucky enough to have an idea of where I want to go with my education, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t experiences that I want to have that aren’t necessarily related to my field of study. From a different perspective, the 11th ACVVC has given me the opportunity to jump start my career and life after college instead of being hindered by payments that I’ll have to make. I have been given the freedom to concentrate on other things that can help make my life better for both me and my family. I sincerely hope that you all understand just how far your efforts can reach and how much of a difference you are making in the lives of so many aspiring students. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can only hope that I’ll be able to do the same for the generations in the future.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 HUGH VICTOR BEST; A Troop 1/11ACR; KIA March 14, 1967; Age 21; Single
Kami Higa,
Daughter of Guy Higa, I Troop, 69-71.
Thank you so much, 11th ACVVC, for giving me the opportunity to work toward fulfilling my goals in college. The 11th ACVVC Scholarship is a great help to me and my family because going to college is very expensive, especially for kids like me who are leaving Hawaii to attend college on the mainland. I am honored that the judges’ thought that I was qualified enough to receive this extremely generous scholarship. The fact that there are other people who believe in me and want to help me achieve my goals is very inspiring and means more to me than you know. Once again thank you for giving me this opportunity. I really appreciate it.
Scholarship dedicated to SGT. TERRENCE WAYNE WELDON; 919th Engineers 11ACR; KIA February 3, 1971; Age 23; Married
Peter Kvale, Son
of Gregory Kvale, E Troop, 67-68
I would like to thank the board, and all the members of the 11ACVVC for this generous scholarship. It will help me continue my education as a firefighter, and obtain my degree in fire science.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 JAMES ESKEL FORSMAN; HHT 1/11ACR; KIA February 3, 1967; Age 27; Married
Wesley Alsup, Son of
Lance Alsup, M Co., 69-70
I am truly honored to be selected as a recipient of this prestigious award. I can not thank you enough for your generosity. This scholarship will be of great assistance as I continue my education. The scholarships awarded by the11ACVVC are truly inspirational. Your time, effort, and kindness will not be forgotten by me or my family.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 STEPHEN ALAN SPENCER; Medic in G Troop, HHT/2/11ACR; KIA April 24, 1971; Age 20; Single
Emily Bacon, Daughter of Dean Bacon, C Troop, 69-70
Thank you very much for choosing me to receive this scholarship to help me continue my nursing studies. You have no idea how much it has helped me. I am proud to receive this scholarship from the soldiers who served in Vietnam and Cambodia with the 11th Cavalry. I will not betray your confidence in me. Thank you again.
Scholarship dedicated to Staff SGT MANUEL GALVEZ-PASTRANA; M Company 3/11ACR; KIA February 26, 1970; Age 29; Married
Madeleine Byrnes, Daughter of Robert Byrnes, HHT 3/11,
68-69
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the 11th ACVVC for this generous scholarship award. Because college tuition and supply costs continue to grow substantially, this scholarship proves to be very valuable and I am very appreciative of this award. Currently, I am in my first semester at Virginia Commonwealth University majoring in Chemical and Life Science Engineering. Without the help of the 11th Cavalry Scholarship, my attendance to this university would have been an even greater financial endeavor for my family. I extend my best for the continued success of this scholarship fund, so that its admirable purpose may help other students in the years to come.
Scholarship dedicated to Staff SGT ARTHUR JOHN RAMBO; HOW 3/11ACR; KIA November 26, 1969; Age 24; Married
Desmond W. Delk, Son of Daniel Delk, 2nd Squadron, 71-72
First and foremost I am very thankful for this scholarship. Coming up on my senior year at Morehouse College, I had been questioning where I would get the money to finance this final year. My financial obligations to the school seemed attainable, but I did not know exactly how. When I heard of the 11th Armored Cavalry Veteran’s of Vietnam and Cambodia scholarship, I had to take advantage of this opportunity because I knew this was the way to meet my monetary requirement. The blessing came via email on July 7, 2008 when I was informed that I was a recipient. I was ecstatic and I knew that this would not only erase my annual concern about money, but it would also allot me the opportunity to complete my college education and attain my degree in Kinesiology, Sports Studies and Physical Education. This scholarship means a great deal to me, so much that words can only express a fraction of how thankful I am. My goals and aspirations to become a teacher will finally be met. Thank you again.
Scholarship dedicated to PFC WILLIAM YOUNG; F Troop 2/11ACR; KIA December 9, 1966; Age 19; Single
Leigh Ann Dixon, Daughter of Stephen Dixon, 409RRD, 69-71
Dear Members
of the 11th ACVVC,
I would like to express my gratitude for selecting me as one of the
recipients of this years scholarship but most of all, I would also like to
thank you for your service to our country. Without your dedication,
endurance, and love for this country, this scholarship would not be
available for me or the other recipients today. It is because of you and
your brothers before you, that this nation can stand tall and face new
challenges undaunted. With this scholarship, I can now face this coming
semester undaunted, without the financial pressure that comes with tuition
and fees. I can stay focused on the task before me knowing that I have your
support and encouragement. From one veteran to another, thank you again for
your contribution.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/5 ROY FRANCIS MAAS; D Company 1/11ACR; KIA April 18, 1969; Age 22; Single
Kyndel Evans, Daughter
of James Evans, L Troop 69-70
To begin with, I want to heartily thank the 11th ACVVC for this scholarship award. It is really hard to find the words to express what this means to me. I have loved science and any science-related classes all through elementary, middle and high school. I have a great desire to become a Biology teacher. I believe with a great deal of studying to go along with the desire I have to become a teacher that I will do well, When I checked my e-mails and saw the e-mail from the 11th ACVVC that I had been awarded a $3,000 scholarship, I didn't know whether to scream or cry. I think I did both. I was so happy when I saw this. It really lifted a big financial burden from me and my family for my freshman year of college. I would like to again say, “thank you”, “thank you”, “thank you”. The Scholarship gives me an added incentive to make my family and the members of the 11th ACVVC proud of me and I intend to do just that.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 THOMAS GRANT LOVELY; C Troop 1/11ACR; KIA March 2, 1970; Age 25; Married
Christine Farmer, Daughter of Thomas Farmer, B Troop, 69-70
I would like to thank the 11th ACVVC for giving me this scholarship. It is a wonderful opportunity and I feel so honored to be recognized for this grant. This scholarship means so much to me this upcoming school year. I plan on using the money to buy a car. Because I am far away from my home in Hawaii, I do not have any mode of transportation and therefore have to constantly rely on others to give me rides when I go places. Buying a car with this grant will help to increase my independence, teach me responsibility and discipline, and allow me to search for a better job that doesn't need to be near my school's campus. I also want to give a portion of it to my generous and loving mother, who has taken out a number of loans to help pay for me to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX. My mother has always given me her unfailing support, monetarily and emotionally, and I would like to begin paying back my debt to her. Thank you again for the opportunity.
Scholarship dedicated to Staff SGT GEORGE DALE ARNOLD; D Company 1/11ACR; KIA March 1, 1967; Age 31; Married
Temple Foulks,
Daughter of Michael Foulks, HHT 1/11, 70-71
It's a great honor to receive this scholarship by the 11thACVVC. I really appreciate the opportunity to pursue my culinary interests and talents. However, I'm going to put off my culinary dreams for a while because I have decided to join the Army. Following in the footsteps of my brother and my father, I am going to serve my country as many have before me. Thank you for the tremendous support in helping me further my education. I will continue to make you proud.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 RONALD ANTHONY LONGFELLOW; Air Cav Troop 11ACR; KIA January 19, 1972; Age 20; Single
Daniel J. Herman, Son of Paul Herman, Troop, 67-68 and A
Troop, 69-70
I want to thank you wholeheartedly for your assistance and generosity. I was worried about my ability to pay for my final year until I received notification about the scholarship, which will allow me to graduate in May. My father has always been proud of his time spent in Vietnam, and I am honored to represent in some small way the organization he belonged to. I only hope I can do him and the entire 11th ACVVC proud. Again, thank you so much.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 THOMAS M. FITZPATRICK; B Troop 1/11ACR; KIA April 18, 1969; Age 21; Single
Bruce J. Johnson, Son of Bruce Edward Johnson, E Troop,
66-67.
Dear 11th ACVVC,
Thank you so much for the scholarship. Throughout my life, I have always had the desire to help people and my field of study, pharmacy, allows me to do just that. With this scholarship I can take my first steps toward that dream. My aunt is a pharmacist and she has already been through the obstacles that I am about to face. With her help and a determined work ethic for my studies, I will not lose focus of my goal and your assistance will not be in vain. Thank you again for this scholarship.
Scholarship dedicated to 1st LT. EDWARD CLAUS POWERS; HHT 3/11ACR; KIA May 2, 1969; Age 22; Married
Roxanne Johnston,
Daughter of Robert F. Bensch, HHT 3/11, 68-69
Please accept my sincerest gratitude for selecting me as a recipient of this generous scholarship and for the sacrifices that so many of the 11ACVVC have made for our country. I consider being a recipient of the 11ACVVC scholarship to be both an honor and a blessing. As a recipient of the 11ACVVC scholarship, I will pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. It is my goal to graduate with highest honors, ensuring that I build a solid foundation for success and express how inspired I am by your generosity.
Scholarship dedicated to PFC JOHN LA VERNE CRANE; K Troop 3/11ACR; KIA October 27, 1968; Age 20; Single
Bridget Long,
Daughter of Richard Long, C Troop, 69-70
I would sincerely like to thank all the members of the 11th Cav, those that selected me to receive this scholarship, as well as all the soldiers who have been, and are part of the 11th Cav. I was really surprised and so excited when I received the Email telling me of the award. Receiving this scholarship means that I may be able to work a little less and devote more time to my studies. I am interested in Physical Therapy as well as Computer Technology and hope to be able to combine studies in both these areas. What your organization is doing to help the children of its members is wonderful, and means very much to myself and my family, as I'm sure it does to many others. Once again my most sincere "Thank You" to the 11th ACVVC and its members.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 JAMES ALEXANDER BACA; B Troop 1/11ACR; KIA Friday, April 18, 1969; Age 21; Single
Joyce Ludwicki, Daughter of Raymond Ludwicki, 541 MI Det.,
70-71
First I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your consideration of my application for the 11th ACVVC scholarship. It is truly an honor to receive this scholarship for both my family and I. I have to admit that both my father and I were surprised upon the news and this was cause for great excitement. I felt that this scholarship was a “team effort” between my father and me; because he served in Viet Nam, sponsored me, and then I was awarded this great scholarship. Upon receiving the news that I was awarded this scholarship I was immediately encouraged. I truly believe that God is leading me to teach young children and to be awarded $3, 000 gives me a greater confidence to keep pressing on. It means a lot to me to be able to speak freely about the gifts I believe God has given me, the paths He is leading me down, and my vision for providing an efficient and loving environment for children to learn in. Thank you so much for taking my essay into consideration and helping me to contribute to my parents in their efforts to pay for college. I look forward to this school year and plan to grow in my potential as a teacher. Thank you for your time and kindness again.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 JERROLD LOUIS VESEY; 37th Med Co. Medic in ARP/11ACR; KIA August 25, 1970; Age 20; Single
Kelly N. Meredith,
Daughter of Danny C. Towe, E Troop 69-70
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia scholarship. This scholarship means the opportunity to further my education. As a result of this award, I will be able to return to school to complete a degree in Exceptional Education. Upon completion of this degree, I will be able to work with and educate students that are the future of our country! Thank you to everyone on the scholarship committee! Additionally, I would like to say a special thank you to my Dad and all other 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans that served our great nation! Thank you all for your sacrifices! Because of you all, I am able to live in a free country in which I have the right and privilege to obtain an education. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!
Scholarship dedicated to 18, 1968; Age 24; Married SGT NORMAN EDWARD ADAMS; LTroop 3/11ACR; KIA January
Joanna Messier, Daughter of Richard Messier, H Co., 1968
This fall semester I will start the nursing program at Rhode Island College.
This scholarship has made an incredible difference to me. The benefits I
have been awarded will allow me to work less and focus more on my studies. I
am so grateful to both the scholarship committee for choosing me as an award
recipient and to all veterans who encourage me everyday to be a stronger
woman and achieve my goals no matter what challenges I face. After being
knocked down time after time I am only more determined to succeed. I am so
relieved and thankful to the 11th ACVVC for this amazing gift. I am truly
inspired by the many sacrifices that have been made by each and every
veteran and pray for those at war today. Thank you for giving me the courage
to stay strong and proving that good things can happen to good people, no
matter what obstacles you have to overcome along the way.
Scholarship dedicated to PFC BRUCE HAROLD BARDON; HOW 1/11ACR; KIA April 26, 1970; Age 20; Single
Alyssa Rose, Daughter of James H. Rose, A Troop, G Troop,
69-71
Thank you SO much for your generous scholarship! I am incredibly grateful to the 11th ACVVC for aiding my pursuit of my college degree in Philosophy. The financial support you provide is very, very helpful and is sincerely appreciated. I am truly honored to have been selected as a recipient of this award. I offer a million thanks to all who contribute to the scholarship fund and aid the children of veterans to reach their dreams! I can never thank you enough for assisting me in reaching my dream of becoming a professor!
Scholarship dedicated to CPT WILLIAM MARSHALL CLARK; G Troop 2/11ACR; KIA February 23, 1972; Age 28; Married
Summar Schiller, Daughter of Nelson Schiller, A Troop, 67-68
I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for this generous scholarship awarded offered by the 11th ACVVC organization. Because of this scholarship commitment, I will be able to keep my graduation plans on track while reducing my personal financial obligations and the financial obligations of my family. As you know, pursuing a college education can result in a huge financial burden and your scholarship award will go a long way to lessen this burden and ensure my education. There is no doubt that I will receive lifelong benefits from this award as I continue my education and career aspirations. The 11th ACVVC organization and its members have helped to ensure my education dreams and I hope you know I will always remember this organization and this most generous award. Once again, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to you and the members of “The 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia”.
Scholarship dedicated to PFC JOHN ROBERT PIERCE; I Troop 3/11ACR; KIA October 9, 1966; Age 21; Single
Katie
Sexton, Daughter of Patrick Sexton, M Co., 67-68
Receiving this scholarship is such an honor and it means so much to me and to my dad. This scholarship will allow me to focus all my time towards school and help me to pursue my goal in becoming a registered nurse. My dad has always been proud of serving with the 11th ACVVC and I am extremely grateful to this program and to all the members for making this scholarship available. Thank you so much!
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 GEORGE OWEN SPANGLER; A Troop 1/11ACR; KIA May 19, 1968; Age 23; Married
Priscilla Schultz Snook, Daughter of
Lane Schultz, HHT 3/11, 67-68
Your message regarding the scholarship award could not have arrived at a better time! My final year of nursing school took me to the VA Hospital in Grand Junction, Colorado for nursing clinicals. I looked forward to serving our veterans with pride, and felt honored to be touching their lives, like you have done, by honoring me with this award. Recently I returned from a nursing school clinical rotation at the VA Hospital in Grand Junction. I can definitely say that I was overcome with extreme pride as I was able to serve veterans of all ages, distinctions and afflictions. Knowing that my experience was made possible by the generosity of the 11th ACVVC only added to the closeness that I felt with the organization. I certainly have opened my eyes to the wonderful possibility of working in a VA hospital, as I have come to appreciate this opportunity of giving back to those who have given for us. I am truly privileged to be the daughter of a courageous veteran, and am thankful to the members of the entire 11th Armored Cavalry for your generous gift, both to our country, and to the progeny of your comrades. Please accept my appreciation for this award which means so much more to me than just financial assistance.
Scholarship dedicated to Staff SGT RALPH ROGER JUSTICE; HOW 1/11ACR; KIA January 6, 1967; Age 34; Married
Troy Stuedemann, Son of Robert Steudemann, K Troop, 67-68
Thank you for awarding me an 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia scholarship in the amount of $3000. This is a tremendous honor to be awarded such a generous amount from an organization that I am extremely proud to say that my family and I are associated with.
Scholarship dedicated to Staff SGT THOMAS VICTOR PILSON; H Company 2/11ACR; KIA February 26, 1969; Age 26; Single
Deborah Terry,
Daughter of Gary Terry, HHT Regt., 69-70
Receiving the 11th ACVVC Scholarship not only meant a lot to me but my whole family as well. I would also like to thank my grandmother. It is because of her that not only my dad is a member of the 11th ACVVC but two of his older brothers are members as well. I was really worried about college expenses and did not know how my family would be able to pay for it all since I will not be able to work my first semester. Thanks to this scholarship, this semester and half of next semester are paid for. Thank you to everyone who helped raise money for the Scholarships.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 ERNEST REGINALD LASHER JR; HOW 2/11ACR; KIA May 3, 1970; Age 21; Single
Tamera Thompson,
Daughter of Jerry Furr, D Co., 67-68
I am honored to be a 2008 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia Scholarship recipient. After raising my daughters, I have returned to college to finish my degree. It is a rewarding experience every time I finish another class, knowing I am that much closer to completing my degree. This scholarship will allow me to complete my degree much faster then anticipated. The most important aspect of this scholarship is the recognition by the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans. Additionally, having received this scholarship has served as a positive example to both of my daughters to work hard at obtaining their own scholarships and to further their education. I would like to thank all of the donors who make this scholarship possible and thank the scholarship committee for their hard work and dedication and a special thank you to all for serving our country.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 ORLANDO SILAS ROACH; 919th Engineer 11ACR; KIA October 27, 1966; Age 25; Single
Kelsey Weaver,
Daughter of William Weaver, HHT Regt, 69-70
I want to thank you for the scholarship you awarded me. The scholarship money will be a great help toward achieving my goal of becoming a child psychologist. Thanks again, your generosity is much appreciated.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 JOHN MICHAEL HOGUE; HHT 2/11ACR; KIA July 23, 1968; Age 21; Single
Morgan Williams, Son of Terry Williams, F Trp., 68-69
To begin, I would like to thank you and the members of the 11th Armored Cavalry for the generous scholarship you have presented me with. I would like to emphasize how much it means to both my family and I and what it represents. My father never thought that the time he spent in Vietnam would ever be appreciated in this manner and the fact that it has been is a blessing to my entire family. With this scholarship, some of the financial burden has been lifted off my family, which is a relief for me. I feel they give so much of themselves already. It will allow me more opportunities to excel in my educational field of study. I’m grateful for all the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country. Without them, all this would be unattainable and I am extremely thankful.
Scholarship dedicated to SP/4 SAM STEPHEN ALLISON; Medic in E Troop 2/11ACR; KIA July 9, 1968; Age 19; Married
Jonathan Worthey, Son of Kenneth Worthey, B Troop, 69-70
As a child, I remember my father telling me stories about the friends that became brothers and the undying name of the Blackhorse, never in much detail, but enough so that I could comprehend the sacrifice and heroism of his troop. Receiving this award not only gives me a great sense of pride to honor the Blackhorse, but also my father, his “brothers”, and everything they did to ensure our freedom. Once again, thank you for choosing me as a recipient of one of the 11th Cavalry scholarships. I am greatly honored to accept this award and carry on the proud name of the Blackhorse in my studies at Illinois State University.
Scholarship dedicated to PFC HARRY LEE POWERS; C Troop 1/11ACR; KIA November 21, 1966; Age 20; Single