American Gold Star Mothers lay wreath at Tomb of the Unknowns, Gold Star Mothers Sunday, 09/26/05 Soldiers looking at Vietnam Wall Memorial Francis Turley at a funeral for a forgotten veteran. One of the many markers at Arlington Cemetery remembered by a mother Perpetuating the noble principles for which they fought and died.


From: Brian Gawne [mailto:bgawne@fisherhouse.org]
To: Molly Morel, President AGSM

Dear Molly,

It was a pleasure talking with you this morning. I met you briefly at the Dover Fisher House Dedication when Derek Donovan introduced us, and your successful campaign for that house was remarkable.

Fisher House Foundation was able to establish a new scholarship this year; the Heroes’ Legacy Scholarship, for children of fallen or disabled service members. Scholarship grants for this special program are principally underwritten by the author's after-tax proceeds from the book "Of Thee I Sing - A Letter to My Daughters" written by President Barack Obama.

The first application deadline for this new scholarship is 1 March 2011 (for use in the Fall 2011-Spring 2012 academic year). Our concern is that may not be enough lead time to properly get the word out to qualified candidates. We would like to ask the American Gold Star Mothers if they would consider informing their members and families about the Heroes Legacy Scholarship, and posting a link on the AGSM website.

The weblink to the Heroes Legacy Scholarship is available at: http://militaryscholar.org/legacy/index.html

Amplifying information from the website –

The "Heroes' Legacy Scholarships" program honors not only those who have fallen in battle, but all who have died or have become disabled through their active military service since September 11, 2001. The program is open to their dependent unmarried children under age 23. A disability is defined as one that results in the service member being eligible for, and receiving, Traumatic Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance (TSGLI) or a permanent and total disability compensation rating of 100%.

The scholarship grants for this special program are principally underwritten by the author's after tax proceeds from the book "Of Thee I Sing - A Letter to My Daughters" written by President Barack Obama. The amount to be awarded each year depends on the amount of royalties and other potential donations.

Selected recipients will receive a scholarship grant, not to exceed the costs of tuition, books, lab fees, room and board, to any accredited U. S. post-secondary institution of high learning. The amount of the scholarship may be reduced by other funds that the student has received, from federal or state government programs or other grants. Eligibility criteria for the "Heroes' Legacy Scholarships" program are different from the "Scholarships for Military Children" program. The two applicant pools are considered separately. Applicants can apply to either or both programs if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Please feel free to have anyone from AGSM contact me if they have any questions.

Thank you so much for all you do.

Brian

Brian G. Gawne
VP for Operations
Fisher House Foundation, Inc
111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420
Rockville, MD 20850