Meet Our 2024 Scholarship Winners

Brief statements from 40 of our 2024 Scholarship Winners.

Nicholas Ornelas

I am truly honored to have been selected as a recipient of the 2024 Colonel Charles Schmidt Leadership Award. This scholarship will greatly benefit me and my family and ease the financial burden of college tuition as I begin my studies to become a Petroleum Engineer at Texas Tech University this fall. I humbly accept this scholarship in remembrance of the countless lives lost during and following the Vietnam War. I am forever grateful for the sacrifices my grandfather, Julio N. Garcia, made for our country and my family. As a child, I would sit beside him and read about the heroic and selfless acts that many men performed for our country in issues of Thunder Run. I truly understood just what each man sacrificed for people like me.
I am highly grateful to the 11th ACVVC Board of Directors and Mrs. Bonnie Schmidt for selecting me for a highly honorable award.

Nicholas Ornelas, grandson of Julio Garcia, K Troop 3/11, 1967

Recipient of the 2024 Colonel Charles Schmidt Leadership Award

Violet Babb

I am honored to receive this scholarship, and I am so grateful to have been selected. I’m going into my freshman year at The Ohio State University as a part of the honors college, and I plan to put this scholarship towards the cost of tuition. I want to thank my grandfather, Bernie Babb, along with all the veterans who served with him in Vietnam. I would also like to thank the scholarship committee for their kindness and generosity.

Violet Babb, granddaughter of Bernie Babb, G Troop 2/11, 1967-1968

This scholarship awarded in honor of John Bruce Cornwell, 919th Engineer Company, KIA July 9, 1969

Hannah Bruce

This scholarship was an honor to receive. My grandpa, LTC Thomas F. Helm, USA, ret., came to my history class and shared his experience in Vietnam. It opened my eyes to the dedication and sacrifice of the Vietnam vets. I am incredibly grateful for the service of those who fought in defense of our country during this war, and to the whole 11th Cavalry. This scholarship will help me to pursue my education to become an elementary school teacher.  Thank you again for this honor.

Hannah Bruce, granddaughter of Thomas F. Helm, I Troop 3/11, 1970-1971

This scholarship awarded in honor of Emile Cole, A Troop 1/11, KIA January 14, 196
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Rachel Carter

Thank you so much for selecting me to be a recipient of the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia Scholarship. I am truly honored. Your scholarship takes away some of the stress of paying for my education so I can focus on adjusting to college life. My parents and grandparents are so proud of me for earning this scholarship. My Grandpa takes great pride in having served in the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and has been telling me about his time in the service since I was in elementary school. He was so excited when I told him I got the scholarship! I feel encouraged to work harder so I can continue to achieve my goals and make my Grandpa and family proud!

Rachel Carter, granddaughter of Elbert Carter, HHT 1/11, 1969-1970

This scholarship awarded in honor of John Daniel Malcolm, Air Cavalry Troop, KIA August 25, 1970

Abby Cox

Receiving this scholarship is an immense honor. Accepting scholarship funds from a group of people who served is very humbling. Growing up hearing stories from my grandfather who served in Vietnam, interviewing him for a veteran's project, and watching him come home from the Honor Flight has given me a very deep appreciation for those who have served. My grandfather also came from poverty, and me being able to receive such a large amount of money because of him feels like a full circle moment to me. I am beyond grateful for receiving this money and being able to attend college, for every person who has made this scholarship possible, and for every person who is being honored with this scholarship. Words cannot express the emotions that come from thinking about the hundreds of stories and lives that have united to create this fund. Thank you.

Abby Cox, granddaughter of Daniel Cox, HHT 1/11, 1970-1971

This scholarship awarded in honor of Stuart Harold Thomson, B Troop 1/11, KIA January 29, 1968

Davanee Crisp

This scholarship means the world to me because I was blessed to have the opportunity to apply for this scholarship because of my “PawPaw.” He served our country during the Vietnam War, and I am more than grateful to have received it as well because I know how much that means to him. This scholarship will help pay for a good bit of my college funds and it will also help me to succeed. I am so grateful that I was able to be a recipient of the 11th ACVVC Scholarship.

Davanee Crisp, granddaughter of James Crisp, I Troop 3/11, 1970-1971

This scholarship awarded in honor of Ernest Leroy Thorson, C Troop 1/11, KIA April 26, 1970

Kaitlin Cywinski

My trips to Florida to visit my Grandad hold a special place in my heart. I remember being around 8 years old and asking about a tattoo of a horse on a crest he has. He brought me into his office and told me about his service. Every time I visit, he shows me more photos and tells me more stories about his friends he served with or tales from the ground in Cambodia. I was always captivated by his experiences and motivations. These talks mean so much to me. They shaped how I approach solving complex situations in my life, friendships/communities, and my drive to learn.

As I move from my high school in downtown Chicago to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's Grainger school of Engineering, I take with me my Granddad’s lessons of community building, open-mindedness, and relentless drive. I plan to study Environmental Engineering. I’ve always had a huge passion for the environment and innovation.

I am so grateful to the 11th Armored Cavalry for awarding me a generous scholarship to help me continue pursuing my passions, specifically in environmental engineering through college. I feel so privileged to be able to honor George Joseph Bodnar and his service to this country and to represent the 11th Armored Cavalry.

Kaitlin Cywinski, granddaughter of Timothy Kerns, D Company 1/11, 1968-1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of George Joseph Bodnar, D Company 1/11, KIA August 15, 1968

Faith Daggett

I am very grateful to have received this scholarship. I am aware that not everyone is given the opportunity to attend college and receiving this scholarship has made it a reality for me. I believe that it is my duty to achieve my full potential as an individual so I can one day provide the same support that was given to me.

Faith Daggett, granddaughter of Richard Messier, H Company 2/11, 1968

This scholarship awarded in honor of Walter Ward Becker, E Troop 2/11, KIA June 18, 1969

Jeremiah Davis

I am sincerely grateful and appreciative of the dedication to James Grady Conley for this scholarship. I am a "mature, non-traditional student" getting my first bachelor's degree in my mid-40s while raising a toddler and infant. These funds mean reduced stress in how I am going to pay for this adventure. Thank you! Thank you, emphatically, for this support.

Jeremiah Davis, son of Glen Davis, 37th Medical Company, 1969-1970

This scholarship awarded in honor of James Grady Conley, F Troop 2/11, KIA November 7, 1971

Tyler DeYoung

I am honored to be a recipient of the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia Scholarship. It is an honor because my grandfather and other Vietnam veterans have always been people that I have held in high respect. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for selecting me for this incredibly generous award.

As an incoming freshman at Saginaw Valley State University, planning to study Pre-Medicine and Kinesiology, this scholarship is instrumental in lightening the financial burden associated with my undergraduate costs. It allows me to concentrate more on my academic and career goals of eventually becoming a Chiropractor. Upon graduation, I hope to help people live healthier lives and this scholarship helps make that dream possible.

Tyler DeYoung, grandson of Eugene Drenth, Air Cavalry Troop, 1971-1972

This scholarship awarded in honor of Roy Lollis Lipscomb, G Troop 2/11, KIA April 29, 1969

Sylvia Fick

I am beyond grateful to have been chosen to receive this scholarship from the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia. This scholarship allows me to honor one of the greatest influences in my life. My grandfather William Paulsen served in Vietnam, and I couldn’t be prouder of him as well as the others who sacrificed so much to keep our country safe. This scholarship along with the bravery and resilience my grandfather has taught me will help me to achieve my academic goals at Lake Area Technical College. I want to thank everyone who has sacrificed so much to make this scholarship program possible. I am truly honored to represent the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia and I hope to make you all proud.

Sylvia Fick, granddaughter of William Paulsen, G Troop 2/11, 1968-1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of Richard Savage Cunningham, H Company 2/11, KIA May 14, 1970

Anna Franklin

The $3000 11th ACVVC scholarship will provide an awesome opportunity for me and my family. It will push me faster towards my goal of graduating college debt free and giving back to my community. More than that I will never forget the people before me that paved the way for my freedom to be and do anything I want to. My grandfather Billy Masters served bravely in the 11th Armored Calvary in Vietnam. Now with this scholarship I will do my part to honor the service and ultimate sacrifice of Blaine Joseph Shepherd.

Anna Franklin, granddaughter of John “Billy” Masters, I Troop 3/11, 1970-1971

This scholarship awarded in honor of Blaine Joseph Shepherd, HHT 2/11, KIA September 29, 1968

Brooke Henry

I am truly honored to receive this scholarship. The 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia scholarship will not only provide crucial financial assistance but inspires me to work hard on my studies. I am enrolled at Northeast Community College in Norfolk Nebraska majoring in Human Services. I am proud to be able to honor my grandfather and the hundreds of 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment troopers who have lost their lives in combat during the Vietnam War. Thank you for this great opportunity.

Brooke Henry, granddaughter of Johnnie Reynolds, Howitzer Battery 3/11, 1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of Lowell Astley Wolfries, HHT 3/11, KIA January 16, 1967

Winter Henry

I am deeply appreciative for receiving the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia scholarship. This generous scholarship will help cover tuition expenses and allow me to focus on my academic and career goals. I will be attending Northeast Community College in Norfolk Nebraska this fall, majoring in Human Services. I am honored to pay tribute to my grandfather and the many brave troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War. I am so grateful for this incredible opportunity.

Winter Henry, granddaughter of Johnnie Reynolds, Howitzer Battery 3/11, 1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of Richard Domenic Nicolini, I Troop 3/11, KIA April 1, 1968

Joanna Herrera

This scholarship is an honor to receive from those who risked their lives for our nation. It means that I will have assistance from hardworking, valiant people to pursue an education in science and help me make a difference in this world. Thank you very much for your consideration and award.

Joanna Herrera, granddaughter of Leon Hicks Jr., L Troop 3/11, 1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of Jerry Lee Houser, K Troop 3/11, KIA May 21, 1967

Emilee Hinrichs

Being selected as one of this year's scholarship winners is surreal, and I am so honored to be the granddaughter of a brave man who fought alongside hundreds of other soldiers during the Vietnam War. As I transition to college, this scholarship money will provide me with the assistance I need to pursue my lifelong passion of forensic pathology, and I could not be more grateful for the opportunity to be a first-generation college student.

Emilee Hinrichs, granddaughter of Dennis Schulz, K Troop 3/11, 1966-1967

This scholarship awarded in honor of Jody Mac Langley, L Troop 3/11, KIA April 10, 1967

John Hrom IV

My grandfather attended the University of Alabama and fought in the Vietnam War as a member of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. I am thankful that I can honor him through taking this scholarship and attending his alma mater, allowing me to follow in his footsteps.

John Hrom IV, grandson of John Hrom, HHT 2/11, 1971-1972

This scholarship awarded in honor of Johnny Joe Gallardo, M Company 3/11, KIA February 27, 1970

Tucker Jones

I am very honored to have received the 11th Calvary Scholarship. I am very thankful for all of the military men and women who have fought for our country, both in the past and for those that are serving now. This means so much to me and my grandfather, who served in Vietnam. I am going to use this scholarship to further my education to pursue a degree in Construction Science and Management, and this scholarship will be very helpful in achieving that goal.

Tucker Jones, grandson of Lee Jones, Howitzer Battery 2/11, 1970-1971

This scholarship awarded in honor of Kenneth Wayne Faul, A Troop 1/11, KIA October 28, 1968

Faith Joslin

Receiving this scholarship is an immense honor and a significant milestone in my academic journey. It represents not only financial support but also a vote of confidence in my potential and abilities. This scholarship will alleviate the burden of tuition fees, allowing me to focus more on my studies and extracurricular activities. It empowers me to pursue my educational and career goals with greater determination and enthusiasm. Moreover, it motivates me to give back to the community and support others in their academic endeavors. Thank you for believing in me and providing this incredible opportunity.

Faith Joslin is the granddaughter of Irving Gall, I Troop 3/11, 1966-1967

This scholarship awarded in honor of Joseph W. Blickenstaff Jr., Air Cavalry Troop, KIA December 19, 1970

 

Ryli Joslin

Words cannot describe how thankful I am for being awarded the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia Scholarship. This scholarship will reduce the financial burden of college and allow me to further my education at Oklahoma State University where I will be a sophomore in the fall. I am studying agricultural education, and I hope to become an agriculture teacher after graduation. I am incredibly grateful to have been chosen for the 11th ACVVC scholarship and am proud to honor those who served in the regiment, including my grandfather whose support and sacrifice has inspired me in everything that I do.

Ryli Joslin, granddaughter of George Bostick, HHT 2/11, 1967-1968

This scholarship awarded in honor of Ollis Brewster, B Troop 1/11, KIA May 13, 1968

Ethan Martinage

I am honored to have been one of the students awarded the 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia scholarship. I would like to thank all the veterans for the sacrifices they made for our country and the example they set for us to follow. I would also like to thank my grandfather. He’s been a role model in my life for as long as I can remember and has put me on the path I’m on today. Finally, I would like to thank the entire 11th ACVVC organization for providing me with a scholarship. I am attending Trinity College to study biology and this scholarship will make the financial burdens that come with that much less on my family. Thank you again for your service to our country, I am truly eternally grateful.

Ethan Martinage, grandson of William Frederick Jr, I Troop 3/11, 1970-1971

This scholarship awarded in honor of Wayne Dabney McRay, C Troop 1/11, KIA February 14, 1970

Dana Messner

I would like to thank the 11th Armored Cavalry's Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia Scholarship Committee for selecting me as one of this year's scholarship winners. It is a huge honor! It means so much to me that members of this committee, those who have risked their lives to protect our country, are supporting young adults, such as myself, by helping us get off on the right track in this new phase of our lives. I would like to especially recognize my grandfather, Gary Reith, as he is the reason I was given the opportunity to apply. This scholarship will fund my future education at Wilkes University, where I plan on majoring in Communications. I cannot express my gratitude enough, again, thank you very much!

Dana Messner, granddaughter of Gary Reith, HHT 1/11, 1968-1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of James Harvey Hinson, E Troop 2/11, KIA July 3, 1967

Lillian Mitchell

My grandpa, Jerry Mitchell, fought bravely among many others in the Vietnam War. Because of his service, he had to sacrifice many things back home. One of which being the birth of his son, my dad, among many other important events. Similarly, Edgar William Blankenship made the ultimate sacrifice, because of his service for our country. Those sacrifices should not be taken lightly and deserve to be reciprocated with honor and respect. I greatly appreciate this opportunity to bring honor to Blankenship and my grandfather’s many sacrifices.

Lillian Mitchell, granddaughter of Jerry Mitchell, I Troop 3/11, 1967-1968

This scholarship awarded in honor of Edgar William Blankenship, F Troop 2/11, KIA March 13, 1968

Evelyn Motz

I am honored to have received this scholarship, it is an amazing gift for me. This supports me immensely in my pursuit of a higher education and will allow me to one day achieve my goals of studying abroad. I am extremely excited about what the future holds for me at University of North Florida and beyond. Many thanks to all at the 11th ACVVC for the generous support.

Evelyn Motz, granddaughter of Norman Kulpa, B Troop 1/11, 1970-1971

This scholarship awarded in honor of Dennis Earl Newman, G Troop 2/11, KIA July 15, 1969

Kayla O'Hagan

The 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia’s scholarship is an honor I am proud to receive. I am proud to have been given the honor to commemorate one of our fallen brethren to further my education and in turn contribute to our country. I have always had respect for all the efforts our veterans have made to protect and ensure our country is safe for people to pursue their own ways in life. I am in awe of the heart and humanity the veterans have shown to past generations so people now can have a future to be proud of. Now I will use the heart and courage of my grandfather, along with the other veterans, to build a future that will make my country proud.

Kayla O’Hagan, granddaughter of Kenneth Henyan, HHT 1/11, 1969-1970

This scholarship awarded in honor of Dennis Lee Bertschinger, HHT 1/11, KIA March 28, 1967

Abbey Pickel

I am beyond grateful and appreciative to receive the 11th Armored Calvary Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia scholarship. My grandfather, David Lee Pickel Sr. (Pop-eye) was a lifetime member of the 11th ACVVC and recently passed away in 2023. Next year I will be pursuing my passion for nursing at East Carolina University. I would like to thank all the members of the 11th ACVVC for their acts of bravery and for assisting me and my ability to pursue higher education.

Abbey Pickel, granddaughter of David Lee Pickel Sr., E Troop 2/11, 1971-1972

This scholarship awarded in honor of Walter Burns, I Troop 3/11, KIA September 24, 1967

Sophia Pomponio

I am extremely honored to be selected as a recipient of one of the 2024 11th ACVVC Scholarships. This is the first scholarship I was awarded, and I am so thrilled! It is special to me because it not only honors my grandfather's service but also fallen hero William P. Centers Jr., who was killed in action in 1967. Growing up, my grandfather and I shared many special times together fishing, shooting or simply agitating one another for no reason other than to have fun. He is a proud veteran and has always instilled in me the importance of respecting our country and those that served in the military. This scholarship will provide much needed financial assistance as I am attending San Diego State University, an out-of-state college to pursue my dreams. Thank you again for this generous scholarship and recognition. I am truly honored.

Sophia Pomponio, granddaughter of Carl E. Brown Jr., Howitzer Battery 2/11, 1968-1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of William Phillip Centers Jr., K Troop 3/11, KIA May 21, 1967

Chloe Reynolds

This scholarship means a lot to me because it allows me to further my education. My grandpa was a Vietnam veteran and I want to make him proud of me and the things I will accomplish in the future. I want to thank all the Vietnam veterans that played a huge role in helping me attend college.

Chloe Reynolds, granddaughter of Johnnie Reynolds, Howitzer Battery 3/11, 1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of William Joseph Weidinger, L Troop 3/11, KIA March 20, 1968

Kennedi Reynolds

Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me as through it I can honor my grandfather’s bravery and sacrifice while also furthering my education with less of a financial burden. I am currently enrolled at the University of Nebraska Kearney and plan to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Inclusive Education. My passion is to provide high-quality care and education to children, particularly during their first five years of life. Thank you, 11th ACVVC, for the sacrifices you all made and for helping me with my future plans!

Kennedi Reynolds, granddaughter of Johnnie Reynolds, Howitzer Battery 3/11, 1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of Ricky David Mauney, 919th Engineer Company, KIA April 10, 1969

Caleb Rosendahl

Thank you so much for selecting me to receive the 11th ACVVC scholarship! Receiving this really means a lot to me because I know that the only reason, I had the opportunity to apply for it is because of my grandpa's selflessness and courage while serving in Vietnam. It's also amazing that the 11th ACVVC is still able to recognize everyone else that served through this scholarship!

Caleb Rosendahl, grandson of Myron Rosendahl, HHT 3/11, 1966-1967

This scholarship awarded in honor of Bruce Ervin Johnson, A Troop 1/11, KIA April 13, 1969

Nicholas Sakole

I am honored to receive the 11th Armored Calvery’s Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia scholarship. The scholarship is meaningful to me because it is a way for me to represent my grandfather who fought during the Vietnam War. I will attend West Virginia University pursuing a degree in Chemistry and the scholarship is helping to pay for my tuition. I am forever thankful for all of the members of the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia for choosing me as a recipient of this award. Lastly, I would like to thank the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and all Vietnam Veterans for their service during the Vietnam War.

Nicholas Sakole, grandson of Michael Sakole III, HHT Regt, 1966-1967

This scholarship awarded in honor of Robert Edmund Koonce, Air Cavalry Troop, KIA August 25, 1970

Gavin Sonntag

I am very honored that the scholarship committee selected me to receive this scholarship. It will significantly reduce the stress of paying for college next year. My grandfather James William Sutherland III served in Vietnam. I greatly admire his sacrifice as well as all the other veterans of the 11th Armored Calvary. I am pursuing a degree in Computer Science and Engineering at UCLA and I am excited to honor the 11th ACVVC and my grandfather through pursuing higher education.

Gavin Sonntag, grandson of James William Sutherland III, E Troop 2/11, 1969-1970

This scholarship awarded in honor of Stephen Leslie Glore, B Troop 1/11, KIA November 11, 1968

Bailey Stelly

It is such an honor to have been selected for this outstanding scholarship. Not only will I be able to further my learning, but I will be able to make my grandpa proud while doing it! I want to thank my grandfather, Sandrus Stelly, and all other veterans for all of the sacrifices they have made in and out of battle; without them this wouldn't be possible!

Bailey Stelly, granddaughter of Sandrus Stelly, HHT 2/11, 1970-1971

This scholarship awarded in honor of Val Lyndon Lafon, C Troop 1/11, KIA January 11, 1969

James Stock

The Blackhorse scholarship means a great deal to me. To know that I am being recognized for my accomplishments, which is humbling, but to also see my grandpa recognized is maybe more important. I will use this scholarship money in pursuit of my Advanced Diesel Mechanics degree which I will be working towards at WyoTech in Laramie, Wyoming.

James Stock, grandson of Richard Swenson, C Troop 1/11, 1970-1971

This scholarship awarded in honor of Franklin Steven Rutberg, E Troop 2/11, KIA May 9, 1967

Sonya Tinsley

I am profoundly grateful for the scholarship, which will significantly ease the financial burden on my family and support my journey in nursing. This generous assistance will allow me to continue my education and training with renewed focus and dedication, ultimately helping me to better serve others in my future career. Your support is invaluable, and I am committed to making the most of this incredible opportunity.
Thank you again for this opportunity.

Sonya Tinsley, daughter of Ronald Caldwell, D Company 1/11, 1969-1970

This scholarship awarded in honor of Robert Clarence Howard, F Troop 2/11, KIA November 4, 1967

Mila Walker

I am very grateful and honored to have received this scholarship! My heart goes out to the families of the veterans of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, and I truly appreciate their service. Thank you so much, these funds will be put to good use in furthering my education.

Mila Walker, granddaughter of Dennis Glunn, Howitzer Battery 1/11, 1970

This scholarship awarded in honor of Erral Dale Smallwood, G Troop 2/11, KIA September 24, 1967

Lily Waters

I am very grateful to be a recipient of the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam & Cambodia scholarship. I feel truly honored to receive this scholarship dedicated to the memory of David Joe Bredenkamp. This scholarship is meaningful to me because I get to proudly honor my grandfather, Larry Waters, and all the veterans who have served in the 11th Cavalry Regiment. I know my grandfather would be so proud of me. I would like to thank all the veterans who have served and the 11th ACVVC for making this possible. This scholarship will allow me to further my education while majoring in accounting/finance at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Thank you again!

Lily Waters, granddaughter of Larry Waters, C Troop 1/11, 1968-1969

This scholarship awarded in honor of David Joe Bredenkamp, Howitzer Battery 2/11, KIA June 7, 1969

Indred Whitaker

The 11th Armored Cavalry's Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia Scholarship is more than financial assistance to me. This scholarship represents the many lives lost in Vietnam as well as the sacrifices made by American soldiers. Receiving this scholarship has not only humbled me but also given me a new outlook on life. The sacrifices these men made in Vietnam and Cambodia have inspired me in almost every facet of my life. I hope to carry the same resilience, persistence, and bravery that thousands of men carried with them in Vietnam and Cambodia. I can't thank you enough for this opportunity to begin my educational journey.

Indred Whitaker, grandson of Floyd M. Green, 919th Engineer Company, 1967-1968

This scholarship awarded in honor of James Garfield Lawson, I Troop 3/11, KIA September 10, 1967

Kylie Wolf

I am beyond appreciative and honored to have received this scholarship. I would like to thank my papa, Jerald Simon, who served in the 11th Armored Cavalry. His sacrifice and dedication to this country, along with others who have served, has provided me with funding for my education that will ultimately lead me to working as an occupational therapist with the VA. Knowing that I have had the ability to honor him through this scholarship means more to me than one could imagine. I would also like to thank every member of the 11th Armored Cavalry’s Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia for their service and sacrifice, as well as for awarding me with this scholarship. I will forever be grateful for this award and know that my papa would be very proud if he were here with me today.

Kylie Wolf, granddaughter of Jerald Simon, HHT 3/11, 1966-1967

This scholarship awarded in honor of Peter Bruce Staddon, K Troop 3/11, KIA October 30, 1970

Quinn Wright

This scholarship means a lot to me. My grandfather, a member of the 11th ACVVC, has always been an important part of my life. He’s done a lot for me over my lifetime. Unfortunately, he recently got sick and I haven’t been able to see him. That being said, I feel as though earning this scholarship is a way of making him proud, even if I can’t see him in person. It would also be impossible to acknowledge the importance of this scholarship without recognizing the great sacrifice so many Americans made to make the country what it is today. I’m eternally grateful for their sacrifice and hope that America can continue to be a place of hope and prosperity because of their efforts. I’m so glad that the scholarship will help in my pursuit of an education, and I hope that I’ll be able to help people as a PT with that education. Thank you.

Quinn Wright, grandson of Roland Baird, L Troop 3/11, 1969-1970

This scholarship awarded in honor of Craig Gordon Klotz, L Troop 3/11, KIA October 1, 1969