2006 VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS 

2005 VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

This year, the Veterans Caucus and it’s supporters were able to award $19,250 to qualified students in Physician Assistant programs throughout the United States. The students come from military backgrounds and have a rigorous qualification process. See below for a list of the winners.

This the amount was raised through generous contributions from many individuals and organizations. The Veterans Caucus thanks each and everyone of you for your efforts on behalf of the next generation of Physician Assistants. Thanks to all our raffle ticket purchasers, it makes big difference in the amount of money we can provide for our scholarship. I also want to thank each and everyone who participated in the awards selection process, your diligent work and commitment of your time is greatly appreciated by all the officers and members of the Caucus

In honor of Capt. Sean Grimes, the first Physician Assistant to be killed in the line of duty, the Veterans Caucus presented a $1,250 scholarship to Physician Assistant student, Eugenia Roberts, which was made possible by donations from the Caucus Past Presidents. This scholarship was created to honor Captain Grimes, as well as, all Physician Assistants who are in the line of fire as they care for their soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines. This scholarship was presented during the Memorial Day service held in Orlando. Mr. Donald Grimes, Sean’s father was a guest of the Caucus at the Memorial Day Service.

2005 Veterans Caucus Scholarship Winners

Capt. Sean P. Grimes, PA-C, U.S. Army, Medical Specialist Corp Memorial /Veterans Caucus Past Presidents Scholarship

Eugenia C. Roberts, Chatham College PA Program, $1,250

Order of St. Lazarus (Green Cross Project/

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Brian Mancuso (U.S. Army), Chatham College PA Program, $2,000

Andrea Long Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Michael A. Kennedy, Methodist College PA Program, $1,500

David L. Island, MEDEX Northwest, $1,500

Society of Army Physician Assistants/Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Patricia V. Malueg, Methodist College PA Program, $1,750

Navel Association of Physician Assistants/

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

James L. Growney, Union College PA Program, $1,250

Jean L. Seignon, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, $1,250

Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Alex M. Santiago, Medical College of Georgia, $1,250

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Elizabeth C. Sanchez, Kettering College, $1,250

Chan-Padgett Special Forces Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Steven M. Shirley, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, $1,250

SPC Craig Ivory Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Ronald Setkoski (U.S. Army). St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers, $1,250

Major Jessie and Sharon Edwards/ Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Daryl F. Stanga, Bethel College, $1,250

John M. Dwyer Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Mesha McQueen, Malcolm X College, $1,250

Vicki Moritsugu Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Michael S. Nye, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, $1,250

2004 VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Order of St. Lazarus (Green Cross Project) / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Ronald Setkoski (US Army) $2000
St. Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers, NY

The Order of St. Lazarus / Green Cross Project award is co-sponsored with the Veterans Caucus. This ancient order is a philanthropic organization that recognized the contributions made by the soldiers during the Crusades. The Green Cross Project was a group of volunteers who went onto the battle field during the Crusades and rendered medical aid to fallen soldiers.

Andrea Long Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Christopher Cooper (US Army) $1500
University of Kentucky

Eric Lenior (US Army NG) $1500
Nova Southeastern University, Florida

The Andrea Long Memorial Scholarship was new in 1998. 2 scholarships at $1250 each are made to honor the memory of Andrea Long, the late wife of long time Veterans Caucus supporter, Jim Long, Captain, USAF, Retired. Andrea Long is remembered as a very gifted teacher, one who was dedicated to the Special Education program and all children with Special Educational Needs.

Society of Army Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Alexander Bertelesen $1250
MEDEX Northwest, Washington

This scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Army PA's through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Army.

Society of Air Force Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Scott Fesse $1250
College of Medicine, University of Iowa

The scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Air Force PA's through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Air Force.

Naval Association of Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Carla Valva $1250
Le Moyne College, NY

This scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Naval Association of PA’s through the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the outstanding achievement of a veteran of the US Navy or US Marine Corps enrolled in PA training.

Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Mike Garrett (US Army) $1250
University of Detroit, Mercy Hospital, MI

Michelle Layman (US Air Force) $1250

University of New Mexico

The Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award is in honor of the memory of the late wife of RADM / Dr. Ken Moritsugu, whose life was cut short by a tragic auto accident. Donna was a multi-talented women and who Dr. Moritsugu describes as the "wind beneath his wings".

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Lisa Markworth (US Navy) $1250
Red Rock Community College, CO

The scholarship is provided by the members of the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in PA training.

Gwinn / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Maya Borofsky (US Army) $1250
Chatham College, PA

This scholarship award is new for 2003 and is provided by LtCol. (Retired) Dave Gwinn and his wife Doris. It recognizes the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in PA training.

Chan-Padgett Special Forces Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Todd Williams (US Army Reserve/SF) $1250
Methodist College, NC

This scholarship, new in 2002, is sponsored by Ms. Vicki Chan-Padgett and Major John Padgett, USA Special Forces through the Veterans Caucus. It is made in honor of the memory of the sacrifices made by their parents, Ed and Mabel Chan and Larry and Virginia Padgett during WWII.


SSGT Craig Ivory Memorial Scholarship

Josh Coates (US Army Reserve) $250
MEDEX, University of Washington

Ray Haug (US Army Reserve/SF) $1250
University of New England, Maine

Robert Kappel (US Army) $1250
Serving in Iraq

Finch University of Health Sciences, Illinois

These 3 scholarships are awarded in honor of SSGT Craig Ivory, US Army, who died in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Craig is the son of Pat and Terry Ivory, retired US Navy veteran health care providers and longtime supporters of the Veterans Caucus. The awards are made possible by the generosity of loving friends and family from across the PA profession. Craig served as a combat medic with the 173rd Airborne Division and planned to attend PA training upon his return from the war, following the footsteps of his father.

Major Jessie and Sharon Edwards Scholarship

Sue McNamara (US Navy/ ANG (retired)) $1250
Arizona School of Health Sciences, Arizona

This scholarship, new in 2004, is made through the generosity of Major Jessie Edwards (USAF, retired) and his wife Sharon to recognize the academic achievements of a veteran PA student from any uniformed service. Jessie is a longtime friend and supporter of the PA profession and longtime friend of the Veterans Caucus.


John M. Dwyer Memorial Scholarship

Keith Landendorf (USMC (recon)) $1250
Malcolm X College, Illinois

This scholarship, new in 2004, is made possible by Kathy and Frank Corcoran, lifetime members of the Veterans Caucus to honor the memory of their late son-in-law, John M. Dwyer. John passed away unexpectedly in June 2003 leaving wife Noreen, mother Rita, four brothers and sisters and countless friends. John was a very active supporter of higher education as a Certified Public Accountant and Chief Financial Officer of a biotech company, and his family has chosen to remember and honor him through this scholarship to a uniformed services veteran attending an accredited PA training program.

Vicki Moritsugu Memorial Scholarship

Timothy Billings (US Air Force) $1250
MEDEX Northwest, University of Washington

This scholarship, new in 2004, is made in honor of the late Vicki Moritsugu, loving daughter of RADM Kenneth and the late Donna Moritsugu. The Moritsugu family and friends remember Vicki’s passion for life and learning through this scholarship.

2003 VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Order of St. Lazarus (Green Cross Project) / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Abby Gardner (USAir Force) $2000
Quinnipiac University, Connecticut

The Order of St. Lazarus / Green Cross Project award is co-sponsored with the Veterans Caucus. This ancient order is a philanthropic organization that recognized the contributions made by the soldiers during the Crusades. The Green Cross Project was a group of volunteers who went onto the battle field during the Crusades and rendered medical aid to fallen soldiers.

Andrea Long Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Rachel Williams (US Air Force) $1500
Texas Tech University of the Health Sciences, Texas

Jo Miller (US Air Force) $1500
MEDEX Northwest, Washington

The Andrea Long Memorial Scholarship was new in 1998. 2 scholarships at $1250 each are made to honor the memory of Andrea Long, the late wife of long time Veterans Caucus supporter, Jim Long, Captain, USAF, Retired. Andrea Long is remembered as a very gifted teacher, one who was dedicated to the Special Education program and all children with Special Educational Needs.

Society of Army Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Richard Smith $1250
MEDEX Northwest, Washington

This scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Army PA's through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Army.

Society of Air Force Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

James M. Zedaker $1250
Kettering College of Medical Arts, Ohio

The scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Air Force PA's through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Air Force.

Naval Association of Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Katherine Bowes $1250
Medical College of Ohio

Scott Perry $1250
Shenandoah University, VA

These scholarships are sponsored by the members of the Naval Association of PA’s through the Veterans Caucus and recognize the outstanding achievement of a veteran of the US Navy or US Marine Corps enrolled in PA training. There were two scholarships co-sponsored by NAPA and the Veterans Caucus in 2003.

Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

James O. Willey (US Air Force) $1250
Kettering College of Medical Arts, Ohio

Rose Perry (US Air Force) $1250
Malcolm X College / Cook County Hospital PA Program

The Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award is in honor of the memory of the late wife of RADM / Dr. Ken Moritsugu, whose life was cut short by a tragic auto accident. Donna was a multi-talented women and who Dr. Moritsugu describes as the "wind beneath his wings".

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Alana Conley (US Army) $1250

Duke University PA Program, North Carolina

The scholarship is provided by the members of the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in PA training.

Gwinn / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Flora Adams (US Army) $1250

Malcolm X / Cook County PA Program

This scholarship award is new for 2003 and is provided by LtCol. (Retired) Dave Gwinn and his wife Doris. It recognizes the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in PA training.

Chan-Padgett Special Forces Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Not awarded in 2003 due to no eligible applicants

Wyeth Laboratories / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Not awarded in 2003—sponsorship withdrawn


2002 VETERANS CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Order of St. Lazarus (Green Cross Project) / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Craig Gilcrese (US Army) $2000
University of New Mexico PA Program, New Mexico

The Order of St. Lazarus / Green Cross Project award is co-sponsored with the Veterans Caucus. This ancient order is a philanthropic organization that recognized the contributions made by the soldiers during the Crusades. The Green Cross Project was a group of volunteers who went onto the battle field during the Crusades and rendered medical aid to fallen soldiers.

Andrea Long Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Charles Ryan (US Army) $1250
Arizona School of Health Sciences PA Program, Arizona

Dennis Isenhower (US Army) $1250
Butler University of Health Sciences, Indiana

The Andrea Long Memorial Scholarship was new in 1998. 2 scholarships at $1250 each are made to honor the memory of Andrea Long, the late wife of long time Veterans Caucus supporter, Jim Long, Captain, USAF, Retired. Andrea Long is remembered as a very gifted teacher, one who was dedicated to the Special Education program and all children with Special Educational Needs.

Society of Army Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Jack Carpenter (US Army) $1250
Quinnipiac University of Health Sciences, Conneticut

This scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Army PA's through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Army.

Society of Air Force Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Jodie Popp (US Air Force) $1250
University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, Fort Worth, Texas

The scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Society of Air Force PA's through the Veterans Caucus and honors a veteran PA student who served with distinction in the US Air Force.

Naval Association of Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Brent Schasser (US Navy) $1250
Cuyahoga Community College, Ohio

This scholarship is sponsored by the members of the Naval Association of PA's through the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the outstanding achievement of a veteran of the US Navy or US Marine Corps enrolled in PA training.

Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Patrick Van Meter (US Air Force) $1250
University of Alabama at Birmingham Surgical PA Program, Alabama

Michael Griffin (US Marine Corps) $1250
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Louisiana

The Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial Award is in honor of the memory of the late wife of RADM / Dr. Ken Moritsugu, whose life was cut short by a tragic auto accident. Donna was a multi-talented women and who Dr. Moritsugu describes as the "wind beneath his wings".

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Wayne Wayt (US Air Force) $1250
University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas

The scholarship is provided by the members of the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the achievements of an outstanding veteran of one of the seven branches of the Uniformed Services who is currently enrolled in PA training.

Wyeth Laboratories / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Troy Stoneberg (US Army) $1250
University of Wisconsin, La Crosse, Wisconsin

Andrew Poplowski (US Navy) $1250
University of Utah Physician Assistant Program, Utah

Stacy Smith (US Air Force) $1250
CCBC / Essex University, Maryland

New in 2001, these awards are sponsored by the Wyeth Laboratories, Federal Government Sales Division, through the Veterans Caucus and recognizes the outstanding contributions made by Physician Assistants to people in need of quality healthcare. It is presented for exemplary academic achievement and dedicated community service to a member or veteran of any Uniformed Service of the United States of America.

Pentagon 9-11 Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Carlos Diaz (US Army) $1250
Miami Dade Community College Physician Assistant Program, Florida

This scholarship, new in 2002, is sponsored by the members of the Veterans Caucus. It acknowledges the heroism and personal sacrifice of all uniformed service Physician Assistants and is dedicated to the memory of all those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001 at the Pentagon in Washington, DC.

Chan-Padgett Special Forces Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Charles Boelter (US Army Special Forces) $1250
Miami Dade Community College Physician Assistant Program, Florida

This scholarship, new in 2002, is sponsored by Ms. Vicki Chan-Padgett and Major John Padgett, USA Special Forces through the Veterans Caucus. It is made in honor of the memory of the sacrifices made by their parents, Ed and Mabel Chan and Larry and Virginia Padgett during WWII.


2001 Scholarship Recipients

Order of St. Lazarus (Green Cross Project) / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Valerie McKie (US Army) $2000
University of Utah PA Program, Utah

Andrea Long Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Bruce Sperry (US Army) $1250
University of Utah PA Program, Utah

Scott Lange (US Navy) $1250
Pacific University of Health Sciences, Oregon

Society of Army Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Kristin Treece (US Army) $1000
Pacific University of Health Sciences, Oregon

Society of Air Force Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Karen Tabor (US Air Force) $1000
Arizona School of Health Sciences, Arizon

Naval Association of Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Constantine Pappamihiel (US Navy) $1000
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pennsylvania

Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Mark Saxton (US Army) $1000
Medical College of South Carolina, South Carolina

Jennifer Paugh-Miller (US Air Force) $1000
Cuyahoga College, Ohio

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Bryan Riley (US Army) $1000
Finch University, Illinois

Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Dennis Perkins (US Army) $1000
Medical College of South Carolina

Benjamin Reynolds (US Navy) $1000
University of Medicine and Dentistry, New Jersey

Sheri Wilson (US Navy) $1000
Butler College, Indiana


2000 Scholarship Recipients

Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Donald L. Chapman, University of Florida
Donna Swanson, Trevecca Nazarene University

Society of Army Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Lisa Cariello, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey / Seton Hall University

The Order of St. Lazarus / Green Cross Project / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Jose C. Mercado, Miami-Dade Community College

Society of Air Force PA's / Veterans Caucus
Heidi Doyle, Medical University of South Carolina

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

David Downey, University of Southern California

The Naval Association of Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

John P. Conza, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

Andrea Long Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Cheryl Wolfe-Ruiz, Arizona School of Health Sciences
David M. Peterson, University of Texas Medical Branch-Edinburg

1999
Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Jude Tardy, Rocky Mountain College, Billings, Montana
Daniel M. Lillquist, Augsburg College PA Program

Society of Army Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Awilda LaBonne, Finch University of the Health Sciences / Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois

The Order of St. Lazarus / Green Cross Project / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Ian Marks, George Washington University PA Program, Washington, DC

Society of Air Force PA's / Veterans Caucus

William Zuber, Allentown College of St. Francis de Sale, Center City, PA

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Keven Mottinger, Finch University of the Health Sciences / Chicago Medical School, Chicago, Illinois

The Naval Association of Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Patrick Bryan, University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama

Andrea Long Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Rodney Richmond, State University of New York, Stony Brook, New York
Robert P. Culver, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California

1998
Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Ms. Frances Placide, St. Louis University PA Program

Society of Army Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Mr. Chris Hansen, Wichita State University PA Program

The Order of St. Lazarus / Green Cross Project / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Mr. Phillip Land, Methodist College, Fayetteville, NC

The Naval Association of Physician Assistants / Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Ms. Lisa Schade, Rutgers University--University of Medicine and Dentistry,
PA Program, New Jersey

Veterans Caucus Scholarship

Ms. Deirdre Bell, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC

Andrea Long Memorial / Veterans Caucus Scholarships

Mr. Jeff Lime, Arizona Southwest Center for Health Sciences, Phoenix , AZ

Ms. Stacy Dinwiddie, Northeastern University PA Program, Braintree, MA

1997
Francisco I. Norman, University of Florida, Gainesville

Matthew J. Messa, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston

Michael J. Robichaud, Medical University of South Charleston, Charleston, SC.

Joseph Stewart, University of South Alabama

Lawrence L. Conely, Univ. of Osteopathic Medicine/Health Sciences, Des Moines. IO

1996
Gregory Branche
Michelle Cardenas
Jane Hunt
John Bielinski, Jr.
William Engstrom

1995
Daniel C. Baral, Essex Community College, Baltimore, MD
Jeffrey Wilderson, George Washington University
Kenneth E. Hoffman, University of Detroit-Mercy
Jade L. Bassett, University of Washington-Medex

1994
Ruth Meehan
Rodney Tyson
John Bryan
Frederick Hall

1993
Randall L. Brady, Wichita State University
Craig N. Reid, University of Southern California

1992
Howard K. Bennett, University of Texas, Galveston
Wade L. Hudson, University of Washington, Medex