Education is important to everyone: Spouses’ Scholarship

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jenay Randolph
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  For the first time at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, the Enlisted Spouses Club awards a military spouse scholarship Nov. 20, 2014.

In the past, the spouses club has given scholarships to graduating seniors, but this year the decision was made that spouses could use some extra help as well.

"Spouses face some unique challenges to complete their education and we wanted to be able to help in some way," expressed Heather Baker, Enlisted Spouses Club president. "Giving this scholarship is important to us because we are all military spouses and it is important to provide support to our community."

The scholarship is worth $1,000, which was funded by donation.
In order to be eligible, applicants must go through an application process that includes: military affiliation, academic progress, the desire to receive a college degree or certificate to aid in seeking employment, and the need for financial aid. Along with the application, an essay must be submitted detailing the challenges the applicant faced in completing their education while having a spouse who is currently or formerly on active duty.
The current recipient of the scholarship was a nursing student named Rachel Pittner, spouse of Senior Airman Kyran Pittner, 6th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron crew chief, and current nursing student at Pasco Hernando State College.

"My major goal is staying debt free while pursuing my degree in Nursing. I am really passionate about giving back and helping people," expressed Pittner. "So I am very grateful to be awarded the scholarship because it enables me to work toward my goal without worrying about the financial responsibility.  Timing was perfect."

This scholarship will be rewarded annually along with student scholarships.

For more information email the Enlisted Spouses Club at macdillesc@yahoo.com.