Marine Gunnery Sgt. John David Fry, was killed in action in 2006 in Iraq. In his honor, the Department of Veterans Affairs awards the Fry Scholarship for children of fallen service members. This new scholarship that is an extension of the post 9-11 GI Bill. Applications are open and ongoing. Visit www.va.org for more information.
The Freedom Alliance Foundation, a military charitable organization, awards several scholarships to military children. It has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships since its inception in 2002. Apply early. Visit www.freedomalliance.org for more information.
The Defense Commissary Agency, which runs the military's commissaries, awards thousands of dollars to children of service members through its Military Scholar grants. The agency works with The Fisher House Foundation to sponsor the scholarships. According to the Military Scholar website, the foundation provides a "Home away from home" near military medical centers for families going through a medical crisis. Visit www.militaryscholar.org for more information.
There are several places you can look for additional grants and scholarships:
- Call your military installation's family center and education center for information on available scholarships and how to apply for them.
-Ask a veterans affairs center about grants or scholarships. Many scholarships are new and few know about them.
-Ask a college or university about scholarships or financial aid for military children. Many offer tuition breaks and incentives. Most schools have an office for veterans and military families.
-Find out if your state offers free or reduced tuition for military children at its public colleges or universities.