Cave Creek residents receive Freedom Alliance Scholarship
Dulles, VA. – Mathew and Danielle Gonzales, residents of Cave Creek, Arizona, are recipients of the Freedom Alliance Scholarship for children of U.S. service members who have been killed or permanently disabled in an operational mission or training accident. Matthew, a freshman at Sierra Nevada College in Incline Village, Nevada is pursuing a degree in Business Management and is a first time recipient of the scholarship. Danielle, a junior at Seattle University in Seattle, Washington is pursuing a degree in Marketing and has been awarded the scholarship for the third year in a row. The Fund has now awarded $2.5 million to the children of military heroes.
"We are proud to grant this scholarship to such impressive students as Matthew and Danielle Gonzales," remarked Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon. "The purpose of this scholarship is to help alleviate the financial burdens of college tuition and also to honor the service of our military heroes through the achievements of their sons and daughters."
Matthew and Danielle’s father Chief Petty Officer Pedro Gonzales of the United States Navy was tragically killed in 2001 during an operational mission. He was awarded numerous medals and commendations, including the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and the Legion of Merit.
"I try to exceed in everything I do because what my father once said to me, ‘No matter how hard the road gets, keep moving faster than the road,’" reminisced Matthew.
Matthew and Danielle have been active members of their community and school. Matthew was the captain of his high schools dive, soccer, and track team. He was heavily involved in the Student Council and led the band for his church youth group. Danielle was the Vice President of the Student Council, a cheerleader, played on the soccer team and ran track and field. She is a member of her church youth group, and participated in the yearbook and Spanish clubs.
"The success of the scholarship fund is possible," explained Tom Kilgannon, "because of the support and generosity of the American public, especially individuals like radio and television host Sean Hannity whose tireless efforts on behalf of our troops and their families, is an example to us all."
"We are grateful for the outpouring of support because in the years ahead there will be many more children of military heroes who will need our help once they reach college age. We want to show them that a grateful nation will never forget their parents’ sacrifice," he concluded.
In order to be eligible for a Freedom Alliance Scholarship, an applicant must be the dependent son or daughter of a U.S. soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Guardsman who has been killed or permanently disabled (100% VA disability rating) as a result of an operational mission or training accident, or who is currently classified as a Prisoner of War (POW) or Missing in Action (MIA). They must also be a high school senior, high school graduate, or registered as a full time undergraduate student and under the age of 26.
To learn more about the Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund please visit www.FAScholarship.com or www.FreedomAlliance.org.