Memorial Scholarship Fund
Memorial Page
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Download DD Form 2558
Scholarship Application (available 2003)

   On July 3, 1993 the VAW/VRC Memorial Scholarship Fund was established. It was started as a result of two E-2C aircraft mishaps in which ten young officers died and eight children were left fatherless. The purpose of the fund was threefold - to honor those men and any other member of the VAW/VRC community who dies while in duty status; to let the spouses and children know how deeply that sacrifice is appreciated and to help provide for the children's higher education as their parent would have wanted.

   At this time there are eight children who are eligible for the memorial scholarships. They range in age from eight to sixteen years old. The oldest child will graduate from high school in two years.

   In 1999, the resolution for the Memorial Fund was amended. While still maintaining all of the original goals, an additional one was added in order to benefit even more people. Merit scholarships would now be offered to dependents of present and former members of the VAW/VRC community. In the three years that this program has been in existence, thirteen scholarships totaling $11,200 have been awarded. In 2001 there were nineteen applicants, and five dependents were selected to receive $1000 each.

   Fund raising for the VAW/VRC Memorial Scholarship Fund has been done in a variety of ways. Donations are sought from corporations and charitable groups. Six years ago philanthropist Zachary Fisher gave the fund a huge boost by donating $10,000. Donations have also been received from Northrop Grumman and Veridian Engineering. Silent auctions held on both coasts have raised thousands of dollars. Three cookbooks have been compiled with proceeds going to support the fund. There have been numerous other fund raisers including Hawkeye Week golf tournaments, corsage sales for the Hawkeye Ball, garage sales, and T-shirt sales. A donation letter has also been sent out to members of the community for the last three years.

   Headquarters for the VAW/VRC Memorial Scholarship Fund is in Norfolk, VA. It is managed by a Board of Directors which consists of the CO/XO spouses of the E2/C2 squadrons. The day to day operation of the fund is handled by the officers of the VAW/VRC Officers' Spouses Association.

   The Memorial Scholarship Fund offers each of us the unique opportunity to contribute to a charity whose sole beneficiaries are members of our community. It also gives us the chance to all work together to achieve a common goal.