Inspiring Stories of Scholarship Recipients

1. Henry J. Reilly Scholarship Recipient “It’s the result of my upbringing with a military father that at 18 I conceived of a career that would take me all over the world, recognizing that I could be brave enough and trust myself enough to explore new horizons.” “Thank you so much for your assistance in helping me to pursue my academic and, ultimately, my professional dreams!”Anna Berger, Oak Ridge, North Carolina Attending John Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Washington, DC Masters degree in international relations

2. Henry J. Reilly Scholarship Recipient “My father's discipline ‘can do’ spirit and engagement provided me with a fantastic role model. He was always talking about ways to become a better person, and even wrote me and my brother an inspirational book on leadership, teamwork, and a host of other positive and inspiring passages.” “Thank you very much for the scholarship. It is very much appreciated. You will not be disappointed with your decision.”Alex Casado, Fayetteville, Georgia Attending Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Bachelors degree in biomedical engineering

3. Special Thanks to Our Honor Sponsors

4. Henry J. Reilly Scholarship Recipient “When your father is a Marine, expectations are high, but the empathy, grit, and determination nurtured in me from a very young age have also enabled me to try new things, share my blessings, and to never be afraid of failure.” “The scholarship will obviously help offset the high cost of my education at the University of Michigan. The money will allow me to focus on my studies and clinicals, and not have to take out as many student loans. This award will also assist my parents who will be helping to fund my education. I am forever grateful for the opportunity that this scholarship provides by allowing me to attend the school of my choice and pursue a career that is meaningful to me.” Reagan Cloutier, Escondido, California Attending the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Michigan Bachelors degree in nursing

5. Henry J. Reilly Scholarship Recipient “Although, everyday can be a struggle with my father’s absence during my early childhood . . ., I have learned to work well with others and never judge a book by its cover.  Everyone is fighting a battle inside but together we can overcome the obstacles that life has placed before us.” “I would like to send my thanks with immense gratitude for this opportunity to help advance my educational endeavors. This scholarship will help tremendously and I am so honored for having been chosen out of such a large pool of applicants. I promise to make my education worth your investment.” Katy Dinkins, San Antonio, Texas Attending Texas A&M University, Texas Bachelors degree in nursing

6. Special Thanks to Our Courage Sponsors Col. James R. Sweeney II Colonel, USMC (Ret.) Michael E. Nolan Captain, USN (Ret.)

7. Henry J. Reilly Scholarship Recipient My dad, through his work in the military, has instilled in me a passion to work hard, use my time wisely, and respect others. He led by example, and he has been a role model for me throughout my life. . . . hope to give back by helping our injured servicemen and women, as well as the people they have worked so hard to protect. “Thank you so much for your generous support of my education. This means so much to me, and I hope to honor you as I complete my degree in Physical Therapy. I hope to truly make a difference in the lives of my future patients, and I am so grateful to you for helping make that happen!” Amber Morrisett, Edmond, Okla. Attending University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma Doctor of physical therapy

8. Henry J. Reilly Scholarship Recipient “The traits I have been taught to value most both directly from my father, and indirectly in his absence, are behaviors that encourage me to be courageous, independent, loyal, respectful, and selfless.  Perhaps most importantly, they have taught me to be thankful.” “I wanted to take the chance to thank you sincerely for your investment in my education and future.” Madison Murdoch, Dearborn, Michigan Attending the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Mich. Bachelors degree in political science and government

9. Special Thanks to Our Freedom Sponsors

10. Henry J. Reilly Scholarship Recipient “An effective leader acknowledges that things may be in a constant state of change and there is always room for improvement. . . . the most important lessons I learned through military service. 1.) Be the agent of change rather than wait for it to happen. 2.) Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” “Thank you for your kind support of my educational endeavors. This gift will be used to assist me in attaining my educational goals along with improving human-robotic teleoperation display interfaces. I invite you to take a tour of my lab some time to see the groundbreaking research that these funds will be making possible. Thank you again for your generosity and support. I value your investment in my education and plan to pay it forward and give something back to others, both as scientist and as a donor to future students like myself.” Eric Roberts, Yankton, South Dakota University of South Dakota, S.D. Doctor of philosophy in psychology

11. Henry J. Reilly Scholarship Recipient “Through the encouragement of my dad to take the path less traveled, I have chosen to challenge myself academically . . .. Without Army values such as personal courage, respect, and selfless service, taught to me by my dad, I would have never thought to take on such a huge academic challenge as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.” “This scholarship will help me achieve my goals and make it easier for me to attend Virginia Tech in the fall. It is so amazing to be one of the recipients of this amazing scholarship. I cannot express my gratitude for this wonderful opportunity!” Carol Ann Rosenblum, Bluffton, South Carolina Attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Bachelors degree in chemistry

12. Special Thanks to Our Liberty Sponsors

13. Henry J. Reilly Scholarship Recipient “I was put on track and kept there because of how they raised me. I became self-reliant, driven, and passionate. I developed a sense of leadership and was soon the person in the friend group who always made the smart choices. . . . I noticed a desire to involve myself in the school and the community. After all, my family and all of my relatives were oriented around service . . ..” “As I begin my work in the field of aerospace engineering, I know that I will be faced with challenges beyond comprehension, and I am ready to work my hardest to take each one on; however, there is one that repels me. It is that of the financial stress the degree causes. Your generosity has reminded me that no challenge is undefeatable, and for that, I cannot thank you enough.” Sydney Smith, Normal, Illinois Attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, Florida Bachelors degree in aerospace engineering

14. Special Thanks to Our Patriot Sponsors Col. Margaret A. Cope, USAF (Ret.) Corro Nobil Associates Rear Adm. Paul Kayye, USN (Ret.) Maj. Gen. Robert Nester, USAF (Ret.) Pacific Tech Bridge The Honorable Anthony Principi Mrs. Maryann Richards in memory of Lt. Col. Duane J. Richards USA (Ret.) The Staff of ROA Rear Adm. Stephen Yusem, USN (Ret.) Rear Adm. & Mrs. G. Robert Merrilees, USCGR (Ret.)