AMVETS AWARDS VETERANS’ SCHOLARSHIPS TO ATTEND UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX

Fifty service members, veterans, and their family members honored with educational opportunities on Veterans Day

WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2009—This Veterans Day, AMVETS and the University of Phoenix announced the 50 recipients of the 2009 AMVETS scholarships. The scholarships, valued at $4,000 each toward a degree from the University of Phoenix, were awarded to active-duty members of the military, veterans, and their family members. The 50 scholarships were awarded to candidates worldwide. 

“We’re proud to see that veterans and members of the military around the globe are taking advantage of this unique program,” said AMVETS National Commander Duane J. Miskulin. “The 50 men and women we honored on Veterans Day are now well on the path to fulfilling their educational goals.”

AMVETS partnered with the University of Phoenix in 2007, offering 25 scholarships to eligible veterans and family members. University of Phoenix increased their commitment to 40 scholarships last year in an effort to help more veterans and families earn a college degree. This year, University of Phoenix went even further, offering 50 scholarships.

“University of Phoenix has been a long-time supporter of the military by helping active members, veterans, and their families realize their educational aspirations,” said Kirk Kyle, Director of National Accounts for the University of Phoenix. “Partnering with a dedicated organization like AMVETS to deliver scholarship opportunities deeper into the military community is yet another way to show appreciation for the selfless service and sacrifices of our active duty, veterans, and their devoted families.” 

AMVETS has been a vocal advocate for veterans’ education and helped to pass the landmark Post-9/11 G.I. Bill in 2008. However, the new G.I. Bill only helps recent veterans fulfill their educational aspirations. The University of Phoenix scholarships are available to veterans past and present.

“The scope of the University of Phoenix scholarship program is what makes it such a remarkable benefit,” said AMVETS National Programs Director Beryl Love. “While Congress has committed to serving veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, AMVETS and the University of Phoenix are ensuring that all of our veterans and their loved ones have access to a quality education.”

The University of Phoenix offers both online classes and traditional classroom programs, offering the kind of flexibility that members of the military and veterans need to balance obligations such as a family life or continued military service. AMVETS recognized this unique opportunity and is proud to continue its partnership with the University of Phoenix.

This year’s recipients of the University of Phoenix/AMVETS scholarships are:

Quiana A. Abner, South Mills, N.C.
Sharon D. Adger, Glen Burnie, Md.
Lindsay S. Akins, Pace, Fla.
Mariel K. Barreras, Ft. Irwin, Calif.
Lisa M. Beville, Bakersfield, Calif.
Melissa Brassington, Hudson, Colo.
Anna M. Brown, New Gloucester, Maine
Andrew St. Aubyn Oliver Brown, Lithonia, Ga.
Jonathan Carroll, Ft. Sill, Ok.
Melissa R. Cate, Stockton, Calif.
Lacey L. Cawthron, Jacksonville, Fla.
Heather R. Conn, Lincoln, Calif.
Brenda A. Couch-Aguero, El Paso, Texas
Bryan L. Cutright, Sr., Columbia City, Ore.
Susan P. Dailey, Ft. Bragg, N.C.
Gail R. Dallas, Fleming Island, Fla.
Eric L. Daniels, Los Angeles, Calif.
Nathaniel Davis, Houston, Texas
Melbern L. Davis, Jr., Davenport, Iowa
Richard Day, Mint Hill, N.C.
Adam Duran, Daly City, Calif.
Chad A. Edwards, Wichita Falls, Texas
Rebecca Gallup, Ft. Benning, Ga.
Patricia T. Ives, Pinellas Park, Fla.
Justin L. Johnson, Roseville, Calif.
Shannon Johnson, Minot, N.D.
Haley L. King, Russellville, Ark.
Gary L. King, Chandler, Ariz.
Monique Lazard, Pensacola, Fla.
Doriane M. Lewis, Kansas City, Kansas
Stacey M. Lowe, NAS Lemoore, Calif.
Erin R. Maltby, Bellingham, Wash.
Beatrice L. Moore, Evans, Ga.
Russell S. Morehouse, Tampa, Fla.
April A. Muckle, Ft. Knox, Ky.
Angel L. Murphy, Port Arthur, Texas
Chante M. Nelson, Neport News, Va.
Dwight D. Nowell, Athens, Ga.
Ticha A. Pruitt, Wahiawa, Hawaii
Jonille A. Ramsey, Anna, Texas
Gregory T. Sheppard, Taylorsville, N.C.
Nicole R. Slaney, Chetek, Wis.
Casey D. Talley, Tarawa Terrace, N.C.
Justine M. Theer, Kempner, Texas
Orchid B. Tunaya, Yorktown, Va.
Jason R. Van Ginkel, Taylorsville, Utah
Lisa M. Vasile, Lowell, Ind.
Monica C. Velarde, Harlingen, Texas
Christopher J. Walden, West Jordan, Utah
Edward J. Zapf, Little Egg Harbor, N.J.

To learn more about University of Phoenix visit www.phoenix.edu.

About AMVETS:    
A leader since 1944 in preserving the freedoms secured by America’s armed forces, AMVETS provides support for veterans and the active military in procuring their earned entitlements, as well as community service and legislative reform that enhances the quality of life for this nation’s citizens and veterans alike. AMVETS is one of the largest congressionally-chartered veterans’ service organizations in the United States, and includes members from each branch of the military, including the National Guard and Reserves. To learn more visit www.amvets.org.