THE WINNERS OF OUR 2008 SCHOLARSHIPS

THEY WERE:

Michelle Schmidt
Lucia Tolentino
Amy R. Quint

The scholarships were awarded at the VVA500 booth at the CA State Fair in August, 2008

NOTICE OF 2009 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 500 will be awarding scholarships in the amount of $500.00 each to graduates of high school and/or holders of a GED that will attend a college, university, or vocational school in 2009 or those already attending college or school.  Three of the scholarships will be awarded in honor of all of the brothers and sisters lost in the Vietnam War.  An additional $500. scholarship will be awarded honoring Sarah Bonnifield, a benefactor of VVA500.  The Board of VVA500 has announced the criteria for receiving the scholarships.  The Scholarship Committee will select the recipients based on the merits of an ESSAY and must meet the following requirements set by the Chapter.

1.  MUST be a dependent or relative as such of a Vietnam Era Veteran (Jan 1, 1959-May 7, 1975.)  The relative may be a spouse, son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, nephew or niece.  A Vietnam Veteran may also apply for the scholarship.

2.  MUST provide a copy of the Veteran's DD214 or submit proof of military service.   (If DD214 is not available the Veterans and applicant MUST have an interview with the Scholarship Committee to show proof of service).

3.  MUST complete an ESSAY on the specified topic listed below, 300-1000 words typed or handwritten (neatly) with a cover page listing the following information:  name, name of high school, evidence of holding a GED, or attendance at college or vocational school, personal address, phone number, e-mail, name of college, university or school he/she will be attending in the fall, and your educational goals.

5.  MUST submit the ESSAY by July 15, 2009 or MUST be postmarked by 12AM, July 15, 2009

6.  Previous recipients of VVA500 scholarships are eligible to apply again.

     Recipients of the scholarships will be notified by July 31, 2009.  Scholarships will be awarded at the CA State Fair Armed Forces/First Responders Day, August 25, 2009

The ESSAY TOPIC for this year is:

"Interview three Vietnam Combat Veterans.  Tell their stories.  Where did they serve and in what branch?  What did they think of the war while serving?  What did they think of the war in later years?  Did they have any injuries or long lasting effects from the Vietnam War?

Essays and attached required information should be mailed to the above address.  Any questions, please contact VVA at the address above or by phone or e-mail.  All winning essays will be published in the VVA500 newsletter.

Note:  Members of Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 500 are available to speak to classes in our local area regarding the Vietnam War and their experiences.  Call the above number or request by e-mail.