Serving in the armed services is one of the most honorable things a citizen can do. But answering the call of duty does not come without a price, as many families unfortunately know. As students across the country prepare for college next Fall with support of their families, a certain segment of  these students may feel very concerned about their future. This group is the children who have lost a parent who fought for our country. As if that loss is not painful enough, knowing that their future is in jeopardy only makes it more difficult.

The Boston Globe recently ran a story about a Massachusetts non-profit organization  called the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund. It is an endowment that was set up to fund (up to $40,000) grants for children who have lost a parent in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Currently, they have committed themselves to helping 62 children! The average age of the children is 8. There is no application process and the organization’s director, Peter Trovato, actually seeks the families out himself, rather then having the families approach him. Even more impressive, he started this organization as a college student at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Here in NH we have a similar program run by the Postsecondary Education Commission. However, our state’s program is extended to reach children of soldiers who may have passed away during earlier conflicts. According to the Postsecondary Education website the scholarship is available to:

• any student enrolled at least half-time at a NH public institution
• between the ages of 16-25
• parent(s) died while on active duty (World War II, Korean Conflict, Vietnam or the Gulf Wars) or from a service-related disability and was a NH resident at time of death

The scholarship is for up to $2,500 and helps to cover room and board, books, or other related expenses. The NH public college the student is attending will also waive the tuition expense.

Although they are two separate programs offering different benefits, the vision for support is the same. It’s great to know there are organizations such as these to help fallen veteran’s children achieve the educational dreams their parents may have had for them.

Inspired,

Rich