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I have been on a path to respond to emergencies, reaching up to the next level since enlisting in the Air Force. Like many young people, I joined the military to serve my country and to do the most good with the intensive training I received. As a firefighter, I trained hard and worked hard, in rugged conditions but with great pride in the team of other servicemembers I worked alongside. And this service, some of the best times of my life, put me on a path of lifelong emergency management. These experiences, incredibly valuable to me, changed my life, brought me maturity and direction. I am thankful for my time in the Air Force.

I followed my military service by becoming a 911 operator for six years and then taking the logical step to leading the Disaster Services for the American Red Cross in the Central California Region as the Regional Disaster Officer for the past 3 years. Last year, while continuing to work full time at the Red Cross, I returned to school, enrolling in the CSU, Long Beach Emergency Management graduate program.

My most important reason in returning to school has been my awareness of the current level of expertise, in general, in the profession. We are in a perilous and historic time in our ability to respond to disasters and emergencies, but many who work in the profession have either experience or education but not both to bring to the complex problems of preparedness, prevention, response, recovery, and community resiliency. These critical, intensive, and increasingly frequent events require us to have both education and experience. I can be a part of bringing more people to that level by becoming an instructor at the college level, requiring my own elevation to a MS degree and by exemplifying the balanced combination of professional experience and education to the students.

As a life-long learner and proud veteran, I believe in helping my family and community as a private citizen and as a public servant. I work to improve our communities though my education and my efforts in emergency service. I know that in this way, I can significantly influence the future of professional Emergency Management and I am grateful for the support of the Hill & Ponton Veteran Scholarships Program.

Scott O’Connell

June 2022

My name is Christopher Fill, I served in the United States Marine Corps from 2013 to 2019 as a 6541, Aviation Ordnance Systems Technician at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. Originally slated to build guns, bombs, rockets, missiles and countermeasures for the F-18 and F-35 platforms, I instead developed a career in Intelligence through the Fleet Assistance Program from PFC through Sergeant. With a holistic view of the issues concerning my unit, the strategic implications of our forward-deployed nature, and the stressors of maintaining high operational tempo in the Pacific for sustained periods of time, I took a deeper interest in the psychological implications of our lifestyle. Specialized training in UMAPIT to assist our unit in the prevention of suicide, along with the fact we weren’t always successful, also helped to reshape my mind to recognize a different type of enemy hiding in plain sight – Military Mental Health.

These days, I study Psychology at Penn State University; I am wrapping up my 5^th semester at the time of this writing. My current undergraduate research directly involves PTSD, Anxiety, and Depression in Veterans. Ultimately, I will earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology to continue serving military members both in and out of uniform through clinical interventions and research supporting our population. As far as I’m concerned, my biggest life passion is in the service of those who raise their right hand to voluntarily step into the incredible struggles facing not only our nation, but the men and women we stand beside; our issues are unique and complex and our community is saturated with those who want to be of service to each other. Furthermore, knowing the vastness of the challenges ahead, coupled with the realization that there are many who also fight for Veteran and Military populations, I cannot be more grateful to Hill and Ponton for helping to support these goals through this scholarship!

Christopher Fill

December 2021

My name is Dominique Roberts, and I am a 30 year old disabled veteran of the United States Air Force. While on active duty I was a Nuclear Weapons Technician, and currently I am a Technical Order Publication Specialist where I write and edit the manuals that I used to follow as a maintainer for our nation’s nuclear stockpile. I currently live in Rio Rancho, New Mexico with my 3 dogs and 1 cat.

Following my time in service, I had some wildly varying interests, and not entirely sure how to link them – I had a newfound love of 3d printing (after receiving a 3d printer as a gift in 2016), and I knew I wanted to help my fellow veterans long-term. Finally it clicked for me one day, that the best way I can do this is to return to school for my bachelor’s degree in Biology (so that I can get my Master’s right after) in order to become a practitioner in Prosthetics and Orthotics and fabricate modern, electronic, custom prosthetic and orthotic devices for veterans using 3d printing and additive manufacturing based on their lifestyle needs and personalities (with no financial burden on them if they’re unable to pay). Currently the VA healthcare system isn’t able to meet the demands of disabled veterans in this, or most other realms of veteran needs as we have more service members returning daily from active duty. Though this doesn’t address all the needs that all veterans have, it is the way that I am best equipped to help by way of knowledge and skill sets. In my own diagnosis with disability following my service, I have gained something I never expected – a greater sense of empathy towards others as a whole. In a country where we’re all taught to only look out for ourselves, I want to teach others to not be afraid to look out for someone else, too.

Dominique Roberts

June 2021

My name is Jayla Comer. I am 24 years old and live in Oak Hill, Ohio. I graduated from Oak Hill High School in 2015 and a week after I graduated I shipped off to Parris Island, SC where I stepped onto the yellow footprints eager to earn the title Marine. I spent four years in the Marine Corps as an 0161, Military Postal Clerk. I meet many people who I still call family to this day. As a Marine, I was able to travel the world and experience different cultures. I have always been goal-oriented and up for any challenge and the Marine Corps challenged me every day. My time in the Marine Corps has shaped the person I am today. I was taught discipline, bearing, and how to overcome any obstacle thrown at me. I decided to get out of the Marine Corps in 2019 and pursue my goal of obtaining a college education. I am currently in the Respiratory Program at the University of Rio Grande. I have always wanted to work somewhere in the healthcare field. Respiratory Therapy drew me in and I immediately knew “that’s what I want to do!” I can not think of a more rewarding career path. A respiratory therapist is a specialized healthcare practitioner trained in critical care and cardio-pulmonary medicine in order to work therapeutically with people suffering from acute critical conditions, cardiac and pulmonary disease. Becoming a respiratory therapist motivates me because the greatest reward for most people going into a medical profession is the opportunity to save lives. Patients in intensive care units and emergency rooms often develop breathing complications. Some people end up losing their lives due to respiratory issues rather than the actual illness or disease that led to their hospitalization. Respiratory therapists provide the required medication, ventilators, and airways devices to keep the patients breathing. I am excited for the opportunity to help improve and impact as many people’s lives as I can, especially during these hard times.

Jayla Comer

December 2020

I served in the US Army Reserve from 1997-2005 in a combat support hospital as a nurse in Salt Lake City, Utah.  The military has provided me the opportunity to obtain my Associate of Science degree in nursing, Associates of Applied Science in emergency care and rescue, Bachelor of Science in nursing, and I’m currently working on my Doctorate of Nurse Practitioner degree in family practice medicine.

I have been a nurse for over twenty years and am currently a flight nurse.  I also worked as a firefighter/paramedic for 15 years within my local community.  As a specialist in my reserve unit, I was the enlisted training officer responsible for medical certification and licensures of our company members, training sessions, and deployment inventory.  The leadership skills acquired within my unit carried over into my civilian career as I created a liaison program between local fire departments, EMS, and hospitals to ensure patient care transition, education opportunities, and data collection for process improvement.  I have been an instructor for over ten years, have spoken at several state and regional conferences, and been published in local magazines and news outlets.

My goal is to provide primary preventive care and increase access to healthcare for all.  Recognizing and intervening early on chronic diseases can improve a patient’s quality of life and increase their life expectancy.  Prevention is less expensive than treatment, and being financially responsible is imperative in these times for individuals and healthcare programs.  I believe mental health is as important as physical health, and each patient deserves a collaborative effort from different healthcare disciplines to work on the holistic picture of health.

This scholarship will help me get one step closer to achieving my goal of obtaining a doctoral degree.  Being part of something bigger than yourself and paying it forward is the mantra of all armed forces services.  Realizing that every little contribution can make a difference to the big picture is how the wars are won.

“What good is your legacy to you when you’re dead?  Leave your legacy whenever you leave a room.”- anonymous

Brian Maynard

June 2020

Greetings, my name is Mike Bryant.  I am a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant.  I served from 2002-2014 in both active duty and the Kentucky National Guard.  I deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom during the initial 2003 invasion as an Infantryman, and again in the Iraq surge in 2007-2008.  In 2010-2011 I deployed to Afghanistan as a gunner for a transportation company and lastly, I deployed to Djibouti, Africa in 2012 and 2013.  During my time in the military I rose to the title of Squad Leader and have received several accolades to include the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, and I was even made an Honorary Kentucky Colonel (yes, the same kind as Colonel Sanders) by the Governor of Kentucky for actions taken in Afghanistan.

When I came home and medically retired, I was lost and had no purpose however a subordinate told me to research military social work because he believed I was a good leader and that’s what I did.  After learning about military social work, I felt reborn with a new purpose in life.  To help Veterans like myself suffering from chronic mental and physical challenges.  After 4 long years I just received my Bachelor of Social Work in Spring 2019 from the University of Central Florida and am currently in the last semester of my Master of Social Work Degree scheduled to graduate in Spring 2020.  I currently work for a civilian mental health agency in Central Florida that is in the process of opening a Veteran oriented mental health inpatient hospital.  I may no longer be able to go over seas and fight for my country any longer due to my own challenges, but I will be able to fight for war fighters when they return home.  I had an old retired Vietnam veteran tell me once at an airport as he was escorting my unit before a deployment and these words have become my battle cry “NEVER AGAIN WILL ANOTHER GENERATION BE FORGOTTEN”.

Mike Bryant

December 2019

My name is Jun Wong. I served in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and provided medical care to our soldiers, sailors, Marines, and airmen. Currently, I am a student and a cadet at Texas A&M Maritime Academy. In school, I am the Secretary of the Student Veterans of America – TAMUG Chapter. Additionally, I served as the Representative of the Corps of Cadet in our school’s Student Government Association. In both organizations, we organized multiple volunteering events to help the veterans at our local VFW center in Galveston, Texas. My goal is to earn my college degree and become a commissioned officer in the service. I look forward to having the privilege to lead the finest men and women in uniform.

Jun Wong

June 2019

My name is Kaci Y. Lee and I served in the U.S. Navy as a Master at Arms, which is a Law enforcement officer from 2003 to 2007. I also come from a family of Navy Veterans. My father retired as an Aviation Machinist Mate, and my older brothers served as an Aviation Structural Mechanic and a Personnel Specialist. Currently, I am a Secretary for the Deputy Chief of Staff at my local VA Medical Center and I graduated from Northeastern State University with my bachelor’s degree in December of 2018.  I am now attending Washburn University, where I will obtain my master’s degree in Social Work. With this degree I continue to will work at my local VA Medical Center but I will be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I will be able to help other Veterans meet their needs by helping them find care whether it be preventive, therapeutic, restorative or personal and resources within the VA system and in their communities. Also, my goal is to get the additional certification so that I can counsel Veterans with drug, alcohol and emotional problems.

I have always been the type of person to go out of my way to help someone and make a difference in their lives. At my current job, I don’t get to speak with Veterans very much but as I walk down the halls I try to stop and have a conversation. Most Veterans like the interaction and it makes both of our days better. Becoming a Social Worker will give me the opportunity to have more interactions with Veterans. I have learned from working here that when they have a problem it is because they are not being heard and if just one person would take the time to listen it would fix 90% of the problem. I want to be that person to listen to that Veteran and give them the tools needed to fix their problem.

Kaci Lee

December 2018

Rodney Darnell Martin Jr. was born in Las Vegas Nevada to Yvonne Thomas and Rodney Martin Sr, on December 22, 1982. Rodney came from humble beginnings; growing up in a crime-ridden neighborhood with no consistent guidance, due to his father serving a four-year prison term. At the tender age of fourteen, Rodney’s family suffered a tragic loss, as his big sister Shavonne Marie Thomas was brutally raped and murdered by their neighbor, who was an unregistered sex offender. Her remains were found burned in the back of a car 5 days before her sixteenth birthday on February 8th. The next year Rodney became isolated and battled fear and depression. This young leader wouldn’t allow his circumstances to dictate his future but instead, he used this tragedy to fuel his courage and determination. In high school, he became a member of the national honor society and dominated the sports of football, wrestling, and track and field.

Rodney received Track and Field scholarship offers from over 10 Universities around the country. He went on to earn a Bachelors of Science Degree in Criminology from the University of South Carolina. In 2007 Rodney Won a Gold Medal at the Osaka Japan Track and Field World Championships and then went on to represent the United States in the 2008 Beijing China, Olympic Games. Rodney is one of Track and Fields fastest 100 meter/200 meter sprinters of his generation.

Rodney’s passion and heart for service lead to him joining the United States Navy in February of 2014. In 2016 he went on to win the Naval Weapons Station Sailor of the year award. In May of 2016, Rodney married his longtime friend, Paige Collins. They lived in California until Rodney was transferred to his next and final command station in Norfolk, VA. There he worked aboard the USS Gravely, mainly supervising a rotating group of junior Sailors. Throughout his Naval career, Rodney was consistently recognized for being a hard worker, reliable leader, and model sailor. He earned numerous awards, including, Junior Sailor of the Year, Hard Charger of the Month, the Commanding Officer Commanders Coin, 5 times Early Promotion Recommendations and two Navy and Marine Core Achievement Medals. In February 2018, Rodney received an honorable discharge from the US Navy and moved back to Los Angeles California. Following his service, Rodney was awarded a Proclamation from the City of Las Vegas Mayor, Carolyn G. Goodman. Proclaiming February 8, 2018, as Rodney D Martin Jr. day. Recognizing his philanthropic efforts with the youth in Las Vegas, honorable service in The United States Navy and as a professional athlete representing our Country in the Olympics. Currently, Rodney is earning his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Southern California, with a Focus on Mental health and Wellness.

Rodney Martin Jr.
June 2018

My name is Andrew Frye. I served in the Marine Corps from 2012 to 2016. Upon leaving active duty I enrolled and graduated from Arizona State University, summa cum laude, with a Bachelor’s of Science in Political Science. I currently serve as the Vice President of the ASU Student Veterans Association, an organization that advocates for student veteran success on campus. My future goals include getting my graduate degree and using that knowledge to serve veterans in my community, specifically attacking suicide and homelessness problems amongst vets. My ultimate goal is to provide Veterans, who suffer from medical malpractice, with affordable representation, whether their case is against civilian or veteran hospitals. I have noticed that many veterans suffer from malpractice related incidents and misrepresentation against Veterans Affairs, and I would like to advocate on their behalf. I have spent my time as a veteran advocating for other veterans and working towards helping others achieve their ultimate goals.

Andrew Frye
December 2017

I decided to join the military in 2006 when I realized that I needed a direction in my life and that the Army would give me that sense of purpose that I had been looking for. I was not mistaken, when I did graduate from training, I was named top honor grad among nearly 300 other Soldiers. However, I was left with the feeling of needing to do more to truly make an impact and help. I knew that I had to join my brothers and sisters in defending this nation during a combat mission.

My third deployment was in support of OEF and located in Camp Beuring, Kuwait. During this mission, I was injured which ultimately resulted in the loss of function in my right hand. Upon healing from my surgeries I returned to duty in the South Carolina National Guard for about six months before being activated again to support the Warrior Transition Command as a squad leader. I used my experience as a wounded warrior to assist other Soldiers with the transition out of the military and most importantly back to their families.

The reason that I have explained my life up this point is that as far back I can remember I wanted to serve others. Honestly I thought that my path was to become a police officer; however, when I was injured and began to spend time with other wounded veterans I began to realize that my pain was in many ways similar to theirs. I fell in love with learning their stories and helping them successfully transition back to the person they were before the event. Since then it has been nearly four years and I am more passionate than ever about finding that veteran who believes there is no one there who cares or wants to listen. I feel as if it is my job and truly my honor to educate myself daily on ways to help the lost be found!

Ryan Brewer
June 2017

MSgt Kimberly Anne Babin, retired United States Air Force after 25 years of honorable service. I am an Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) veteran. I ended my military career as a First Sergeant for the 439th Logistics Readiness Squadron, Westover ARB, Massachusetts. I am currently the Director of the Department of Veteran Services for a municipality in Massachusetts and I continue to aide and assist all veterans, past, present and future. My office provides cash aide, medical insurance, housing and fuel assistance to low income veterans and their families. We assist veterans by applying for VA claims such as Service Connected Disability Pensions, Non-Service Connected Disability Pensions, Aid & Attendance, Dependency Indemnity Compensation, Survivor’s Benefits, VA Educational and Home Loan applications, VA Burial benefits, etc. My husband and I have six children and five grandchildren. The military is a family tradition, my maternal grandfather fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima during WWII; my father was an Army retired veteran who served one tour in Korean and 3 tours in Vietnam; my husband is a 31 year retired Air Force Colonel and served one tour in Iraq; our two daughters and niece are currently serving in the Air Force and one son-in-law in the United States Army. I am a member of the American Legion Post 275 Legion Riders, AMVETS Post 12, and President – Reserve Officer Association League (ROAL).

Kimberly Babin
December 2016

My name is Sean Davis. I served in the United States Army from 2008 to 2012. I am a current student at Chattahoochee Technical College in Marietta, GA where I major in Automotive Technology. I am a prominent member of the veteran’s community at Chattahoochee Tech and make it my duty to reach out and connect with the local veterans both in the automotive program and attending the college. My purpose is to aid in their aspirations and provide them with the necessary tools and information to succeed in college and how to utilize the vast education benefits we have earned during our military service. I am currently employed as a mechanic and offer automotive expertise and little to no-cost automotive repairs to both disabled and non-disabled veterans. My goal is to graduate and continue working in the automotive industry helping veterans and providing my assistance where needed.

Sean Davis
June 2016

My name is Omar Jimenez; I am a current student at MiraCosta College where I major in Sociology with an emphasis in Law and Society. At my college I also work for the Veteran Services where I help fellow veterans and their dependents utilize their education benefits. I received an honorable discharged from the United States Marine Corps in July of 2014 and since then I have been advocating for at risk groups. While I do volunteer my time to help at risk groups like foster children and veterans at my college, my goal in life is to become a lawyer and be able to advocate for them in the legal system. Too many times I see on the news how veteran housing, medical, education, and treatments are pushed to the side or even just overlooked by legislation; I plan to be the voice of my fellow veterans and advocate for those rights that every human being who has served our country deserves.

Omar Jimenez
Dec 2015

From a young age I held the dream of becoming an Airborne Ranger. Upon graduating high school I enlisted in the Army and attended the requisite training and selection for the Ranger Regiment, graduating the Ranger Indoctrination Program as the Honor Graduate in December of 2008. I served four years in 1st Ranger Battalion between 2008 and 2012, deploying three times in support of the Global War on Terror.

In August of 2012 I received an Honorable Discharge and immediately enrolled in college to pursue an education in Electrical Engineering. I currently attend the Georgia Institute of Technology, where I hold a 4.0 GPA.

I intend to use my education to remain in the fight. I believe I can do more for the United States and more for my fellow warriors with my talents as an engineer than I could by remaining in the Regiment. I hope to use my education to develop better and less expensive prosthetics for wounded Veterans, as well as the development of systems which will reduce the threats posed to our warriors in combat.

Michael Bossi
May 2015