Twenty-five Wounded Service Members Receive Full Scholarships to Colorado Technical University Online Published Jan. 23, 2009 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo -- For the second time this year, 25 brave United States service men and women from across the country have received a Wounded Warrior Scholarship from Colorado Technical University Online (CTU Online), covering the full cost of tuition and a new laptop computer. In presenting the scholarships, CTU joined with the Yellow Ribbon Fund, a non-profit organization that provides services to our injured service men and women, as well as their spouses and families, while in recovery. "It is with great pride that Colorado Technical University has committed to serve another 25 wounded warriors with full scholarships," said Dr. Wallace Pond, CTU CEO and Chancellor. "Our experience with the first group of award recipients has been both inspiring and humbling. Even after making tremendous sacrifices in service to their country, these fine men and women continue to lead by example as they work hard preparing themselves for new opportunities. CTU is grateful for the opportunity to make what is ultimately a small contribution to men and women who have heroically served us all." Twenty two of the recipients will pursue associate degrees, one will pursue a bachelor's degree, and two of the recipients will enter a master's program. In addition to tuition costs, course materials and fees are included in each scholarship, along with a laptop computer provided by CTU. Pearson Learning Solutions, a division of Pearson Education, will underwrite the education material costs of any course taken through Career Education Corporation/CTU Online that uses Pearson text books or e-books. Scholarship recipients were chosen by a nine-person selection board, including former military officers and Career Education Corporation educators and chaired by Tammy Duckworth, Director of the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs, a Major in the Illinois Army National Guard, and a Wounded Warrior herself. "These are men and women who wear the uniform, fight for our freedoms, and who have bled for our country so that we all can pursue the American dream. Now it's their turn," said Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs Director L. Tammy Duckworth. "It was a stellar slate of candidates from across America. Their stories were amazing and moving. Many began their post-secondary pursuits but had to put their educational aspirations on hold given their responsibilities providing for the welfare of their families. Others didn't have the resources they needed. Whatever their circumstances, this gift of education will hopefully be the door opener to opportunity and to fulfill their dreams. It was an honor chairing the selection committee." Fellow board Members Martin Pate and Bill Mortensen concurred. "What an absolutely awesome experience to be part of the team responsible for deciding who would receive these precious scholarships," said Martin Pate, III CSM (Retired) Chief, Plans, Training, Mobilization, Security, and Education Fort Meade MEDDAC. "This is a magnificent opportunity to give something back to the very men and women who have given so much of themselves in the name of 'Freedom' for our country. I salute the wonderful folks at The Colorado Technical University Online Program." "As a retired Army General Officer, it was extremely gratifying for me to participate in the selection board for these scholarships," said Bill Mortensen LTG, USA (Retired). "Each wounded or injured recipient had an extremely compelling argument for his selection and clearly the opportunity to gain educational opportunity was foremost on their minds. Our recipients have not let their injuries stop them from seeking improvement in their lives, and an educational scholarship was exactly the right medicine for them as well. I look forward to watching their progress over time - both in their physical condition as well as their educational opportunities." In reflecting on the news, two of the recipients, Bradley Clark and Kenneth Starnes, expressed what the scholarship means to them. "I'm really honored that people are so thoughtful to help me out, to help soldiers out. You don't get to see that a lot, so it's great," said Bradley Clark, a gunner with 11 Bravo 1T currently stationed at Fort Bragg, who will pursue an Associate's degree in Information Technology. "I'm married and have a 5-year-old son, so it will be very beneficial to my career. It's just a great opportunity. I take it as a blessing." "Since it's online, it allows me to get a college education while still getting my treatment that I need here," said Kenneth Starnes, who is in the Warrior Transition Program for wounded soldiers at Fort Bragg. "I've been wanting to go to college. I was looking to go with my military benefits, but if I can go while I'm in, I'm going to go for it." 2009 Wounded Warrior Scholarship Recipients Lawarence Belfour, Fort Bragg, Associate Degree Program David Camargo, Brooke Army Medical Center, Associate Degree Program Ryan Carr, Fort Belvoir, Associate Degree Program Bradley Clark, Fort Bragg, Associate Degree Program Ralph Condon, Fort Meade, Associate Degree Program Charles Dominguez, Brooke Army Medical Center, Associate Degree Program Robert Dones, Fort Bragg, Associate Degree Program Carolyn Flinn, Fort Belvoir, Master's Degree Program John Manuel Garcia, Brooke Army Medical Center, Associate Degree Program William Glas, Brooke Army Medical Center, Associate Degree Program Edward Heddinger, Fort Meade, Master's Degree Program Dorthea Hooper, Walter Reed Medical Center, Associate Degree Program Lou Ann Lopez, Brooke Army Medical Center, Associate Degree Program Earl Lundy, Fort Bragg, Associate Degree Program Brian McGuire, Fort Bragg, Associate Degree Program Joseph Michalski, Fort Meade, Associate Degree Program Eric Morante, Brooke Army Medical Center, Associate Degree Program Jeanne O'Brien, Fort Bragg, Associate Degree Program Elvie Payton, Fort Meade, Associate Degree Program Ricardo Perez, Brooke Army Medical Center, Associate Degree Program Antonio Pipkin, Fort Bragg, Bachelor's Degree Program Joseph Piram, Brooke Army Medical Center, Associate Degree Program Jamie Sengvanpheng, Fort Bragg, Associate Degree Program Claudia Stallings, Fort Bragg, Associate Degree Program Kenneth Starnes, Fort Bragg, Associate Degree Program