“Finally, it was enough” (Video)
Last month, we focused on a critical initiative: our Heroes Tribute Scholarship Program for Children of the Wounded – a one-of-a-kind program that provides up to $40,000 in scholarship support to every eligible child of wounded, ill or injured Marines. Earlier this week, we saw the impact of this program firsthand as we welcomed wounded Marines and their families to our Chicago Dinner for Children of the Severely Injured. It was an inspiring day with a clear highlight: the moment Sergeant Major Pat Wilkinson, father of three, took the stage.
SgtMaj Wilkinson shared with us what it was like to face the true costs of higher education and explained how the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation made his children’s dreams of a college education a reality:
“We quickly found out that the rapidly rising cost of a college education far outstripped our abilities to save. Our girls had worked hard in high school, and they had been awarded academic scholarships. It wasn’t enough. We applied our savings, and we applied for grants. It still wasn’t enough. Then our oldest, Allison, discovered the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. She applied and was granted a scholarship. And, finally, it was enough.”