A not-for-profit
Corporation
April 30,
2010
Dear LITTLE ROCK Shipmate,
I am writing to ask you again this year for
fraternal and financial support for our Association’s Scholarship
Program. In each of the past nine years, your generosity has allowed us
to assist two Navy and Marine Corps students attached to NROTC units.
Additionally, in a separate competitive category, we have conferred
scholarship awards on two descendants of Association members. In all
cases, we've helped these winners offset some of the burden of college
expenses.
You'll recall that our scholarship awards are $2000
grants with $1000 being presented initially, based on performance
through the sophomore year, and the second $1000 awarded a year later
based continued excellence. While our aim is to award at least two
scholarships per year, we will award three if our funding is
sufficient, as we did in 2007 and 2008. Also, there are some modest
costs associated with administration and the personal presentation of
each initial award by one of our members at the winner’s unit…we’ve
never missed one.
Those of us that review and evaluate the candidates’
applications screened to us by the Naval Service Training Command are
continually impressed by the outstanding military and academic stature
of these prospective officers. You can't help but agree with that
assessment if you run through the gallery of winners since 2001 that is
posted on our website. If you attended the reunion in Buffalo last
summer, you'll recall the great pride we all felt when Staff Sergeant
Geoffrey Lancaster, USMC, was presented his second $1000 scholarship
check by Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at our banquet. SSGT Lancaster
who, with his pretty wife and young son spent much of the reunion
socializing with us, represents the very best. He is a decorated
combat veteran who ranks at the top of his class academically, and is
simply a great young guy to be around. In our NROTC units, there are
many more of these wonderful young men and women wearing the uniforms
of Midshipmen, Officer Candidates and Marine NCOs.
On a somewhat different tack, we got a favorable
response when we modified the Scholarship Program in 2006 to include
participation by civilian college students who are the direct
descendants of our members. We are disappointed that weave had only a
handful of application of which only two were from qualified
individuals that went on to win awards. If you have children,
grandchildren, and great grandchildren who are in college or soon will
be, please insure they are aware of this scholarship opportunity. The
Association website carries the application requirements, and describes
the evaluation/award process. Contact me personally if you need more
information at ksiegel@cox.net or
(703) 360-8948.
We recognize that economic conditions may not allow
you to be as generous as you might wish, but please give whatever you
can. Donations are, of course, tax deductible. Please send your check
to Treasurer Frank Berglas made out to “USS LITTLE ROCK Assoc.
Scholarship Fund”, using the envelope provided. I thank you on behalf
of those fine young Americans who will benefit from your generosity.
Sincerely,
Kent R. Siegel
Kent R. Siegel
Chairman,
Scholarship Committee
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