Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Robert Etheridge, a native of Stafford, Va. was one of many recipients to receive a $2,000 scholarship this year from the Defense Commissary Agency. The Scholarships for Military Children Program awarded $1,200,000 to the family of service members worldwide. The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) created the worldwide scholarship program in 2000 to support families of service member at each commissary operated by DeCA. Scholarships are funded by private organizations, to improve military quality of life and honor the contributions of military sons and daughters.

The Fisher House Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is a partner who helps with each scholarship admission. For school year 2015-2016 only 600 college-enrolled and high school seniors were chosen from more than 5,000 applicants at 249 commissaries both regional and internationally located.

The Etheridge family submitted their appreciation to the organizations who donate to grants through The Fisher House Foundation. A professional scholarship management firm evaluates each application and selects the most qualified recipients.

“Until now, I never realized how much the Fisher House Foundation meets the needs of soon to be graduates,” said Kumi Etheridge, the mother of scholarship recipient Robert. “This scholarship has been a great blessing to our family; we thank the [DeCA and all supporting agencies] for their financial help and gracious support.”

Robert, the son of Cmdr. Robert J. Etheridge, an active duty Navy chaplain at Quantico, is slated to attend Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to study Business. The recent Brooke Point High School graduate has a cumulative grade point average of 4.25.; and participated in the Future Business Leaders of America Club, Latin Club, Young Life club, swim team and soccer team.

Each applicant was asked to write about a female who was influential during wartime. Robert chose to write about Hazel Ying Lee, a Chinese-American pilot who served during World War II. Robert is a child of Asian descent and was fascinated with the cultural history of Asian Americans during the war.

Family members can apply in their local commissary stores starting this Fall. For more information on the DeCA scholarships submission dates and its’ sponsors contact your local commissary.

— Writer: iirby@quanticosentryonline.com