Hope For The Warriors is honored to announce the Fall 2008 Scholarship Recipients:

Stephanie Edmundson - The Shannon Maxwell Award (highest honor)
Rhiannon Reigelsperger - The Bonnie Amos Award
Maria Hiester - The Karin Dickerson Award
Melanie Bishop - The Robin Kelleher - New Beginnings Award - awarded specifically to the spouse of a KIA
Tia Brooking - Continuing Education Scholarship sponsored by the Swansboro Rotary Club ($1,000)

Christy Burkart - The Sidney Popkin Memorial Scholarship
At the request of Mr. Ivins “Itchy” Popkin, we are honored to dedicate this annual Fall Semester scholarship to the honored memory of his beloved brother, Sidney Popkin. Sidney, entrepreneur and longtime owner of Boomtown Furniture in Jacksonville, NC, believed in taking care of family, pursuing ones dreams and helping your fellow man. Nicknamed “The Bull”, he was a man of conviction and generosity, donating The Jacksonville Youth Center across from City Hall and carrying food to the soup kitchen each week. It is fitting that this scholarship memorialize those values Sidney held dear in empowering a young spouse to pursue her dreams of a career that will not only give her personal satisfaction, but will allow her to take a supported role in the care for her family amidst the challenges of combat wounds and recovery they endure.

Meaghan Long - Special Dedication Scholarship:In Memory of SPC Daniel A. Desens Jr.
Danny’s is a story of hometown hero. Born September 1, 1983 in Camp Lejeune, he was Captain of the Lejeune High School football team his senior year and worked diligently at Furniture Fair, working his way from the warehouse to selling furniture of the showroom floor. He took service to country to heart, joining the North Carolina National Guard in November 2001, and was called to active duty October 2003 with Alpha Company 1st Bn 120th Inf Jacksonville, NC. Eight months later and 20 years old, his Bradley Fighting Vehicle fell under enemy fire in Baqubah, Iraq where Danny succumbed to his wounds. It has been stated that Danny was a “man his fellow troops loved and admired”. His loss was felt in country and at home but his sense of honor, dedication and duty; his service to this country lives on. This special scholarship is dedicated to Danny’s memory and his life.

Hope For The Warriors™awards scholarships to US military spouses of Wounded and Fallen Warriors. The purpose of the scholarships is to identify, recognize and reward exceptional spouses for their strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity and to aid in their continued education at a reputable, accredited college or trade school as they assume critical roles in the financial well being of their families.

Scholarship awards are $5,000 to be made co-payable to the scholarship recipient's institution for payment of tuition, books and supplies and may be reapplied for up to four years for a maximum of $20,000.

The scholarships will be awarded each year to the spouse of a wounded service member and the spouse of a fallen service member. For more information, please email Tina Atherall.

“WOW!”
A resounding “WOW!” was offered as a description of the gratitude and emotions felt by the Gold Star families and our Wounded Warrior Spouse scholarship recipients hosted by Hope For The Warriors™ in New York City from January 18th through the 21st. It was an unprecedented weekend of celebration and shared healing with other families, who have struggled with the wounds and losses of the global war on terror, including the FDNY and NYPD families. “There could not have been a more fitting location to honor the strength, fidelity and resolve of these families, than New York City.” said Tina Atherall, Scholarship Chair. “There is an innate energy and constant source of inspiration found here among a people who continue to set an example of eternal hope that springs from tenacity and unity, driven by respect and remembrance.”

There was a sense of excitement and community among the families as they began to arrive on Friday and relay their stories, curious what the next day’s events would unfold. The most special and honored treat arrived at 9am Saturday morning in the form of New York’s Bravest (FDNY), led by Mr. John Vigiano, Fire Chief Retired, who through his works to care for the wounded and fallen has continued to honor the memories of his two sons, John and Joe, who fell in the World Trade Center on 9-11. Members of FDNY graciously transported the families through New York City over the next two days, quickly becoming a part of the group’s extended family.

First stop…Times Square
In the heart of Times Square, outside the Armed Forces Recruiting Station, guests received their first taste of the exhilaration of New York City as USO performer, Lynelle Johnson sang the National Anthem. Passer-Byers stopped to hear Hope For The Warriors™ President, Robin Kelleher, recognize the scholarship recipients, wounded warriors, gold star mothers, NYPD and FDNY, thanking them for the gifts they bestowed to the freedoms we cherished. A coin presentation and issuance of certificates of appreciation were set to Hank Brake’s tune, “Thank You”.

A short walk down the block, paved way to Carmines where a Southern Italian lunch, served family style brought the group together as loved ones among the favorite smells and flavors of New York’s old neighborhoods. Families and friends dined together learning of each other's lives and experiences.

We recieved a special visit from the Chief of the FDNY. Chief Salvatore Cassano’s, taking time from his extremely busy schedule to meet the families made this lunch a more memorable experience.

Dessert Anyone?
Compliments of Ladder 4, a sampling of New York’s decadent, melt in your mouth delights: cheese cakes, cupcakes, cannoli, to name a few, were enjoyed, while the ladies tried their hand at donning the fire protection in the house. Ladder 4 offers a beautiful memorial to the firefighters from this house who had lost their lives on 9/11. We were amongst heroes here.

Thank you for welcoming us to your house Ladder 4!

Next Stop – Brooklyn: Ft Hamilton Army Lodge – Scholarship Ceremony and Homefront Hero Celebration
Amidst the nostalgia and charm of the old fort, Hope For The Warriors™ had the distinct honor to award four of its biannual scholarships to US military spouses of Wounded and Fallen Warriors in the amount of $5,000. In doing so, we attempt to identify, recognize and reward exceptional spouses for their strength, fidelity and resolve despite adversity and to aid in their continued education at a reputable, accredited college or trade school as they assume critical roles in the financial well being of their families.

Choosing the scholarship recipients is not an easy task. As we read each story, we are endlessly impressed by the manner in which these spouses have risen to challenges beyond their imagination, fulfilled crucial roles of caregiver and continue to look for the possibilities in a new day. Each recipient has a compelling story of pride and dedication. In their own right, they exemplify the warrior ethos as they continue to serve our nation along side their husbands.

The 2008 Spring Scholarship Award Recipients Are:
* Melanie Morgan – The Shannon Maxwell Honorary Scholarship
* Susan Callendar – The Bonnie Amos Honorary Scholarship
* Meaghan Long – The Karin Dickerson Honorary Scholarship
* Stephanie Swisher – The Robin Kelleher New Beginnings Scholarship

In addition, homefront heroes who have dedicated time and energy, love and devotion to supporting the troops were honored: Honorees were Mr. John Vigiano, Mr. Barry Fixler, and Mr. Todd Finger.

Day 2: WTC Tribute Center
Lee Ielpi (shown here in front of the Fireman’s bronze relief), Iris and Joe Torrillo provided the group with an insiders’ view of the events of 9-11, having lost their own family members on 9-11 and shared the amazing healing power of the WTC Tribute Center. “Of course, the Tribute Center for the WTC broke my heart, but it also inspired me. It gave me hope and strength to realize that we can overcome any obstacles and challenges that fall in our path. It was devastating, but I hope that the unity I have seen and the support offered in so many ways will continue for all of our troops.” Said Melanie Morgan.

“Three years after my husband’s injury, there was a wash of emotion for me personally as we looked to support those families we hosted and witnessed the interchange between the firefighter families and the military families – there was an undeniable connection that cannot adequately be put into words.” Said Shannon Maxwell, VP Hope For The Warriors. “I think we all left with a feeling of renewal.”

“Everything was exquisitely planned and we felt like a queen and king the entire weekend. I know it wasn't 'just for us', but I know the impact you made on all of us was one you could never truly imagine. It was THAT profound" said Melanie Morgan.

Deepest Gratitude To:
TINA ATHERALL who made it all possible with her amazing attention to detail and over the top efforts.
Kristy Mogg
John Vigiano

FDNY:
Salvatore Cassano – Chief of Department
Chief Cassano has given us the use of the Family Transport Vans so transportation was not an issue. His presence at Carmines was an added treat…normally that does not happen, but he knew how much you do for our veterans and he made the time.

Drivers and Escorts:
Ralph Esposito – Firefighter – Engine 80 / Counseling Unit
Tom Richardson – Battalion Chief 38 Battalion
Richard Hickey – Battalion Chief Retired
Don Hayde - Battalion Chief SOC
John Atwell – Captain Retired
Pete Blum - Captain Ladder 132
Anthony Fried - Firefighter Ladder 176
Darren Carey - Firefighter Ladder 32
Jack Meaney - Firefighter Engine 79

Stand By’s and those who helped “behind the scenes”
Joseph Cultrera – Lieutenant Haz Mat 1
Joe Seeney – Lieutenant Engine 230
Joe Criscuoli - Firefighter Engine 230
Bill Burke – Lieutenant – Retired
Brian Schauke – Firefighter Ladder 111
Buddy Pantilio –Firefighter Ladder 147
Unknown number of firefighters in Staten Island, who moved the vehicles to a central location (Rescue 5) for pickup and drop off