2010-11 cycle AAPA Veterans Caucus Scholarship Selectees
Donna Jones Moritsugu Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
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 whom Dr. Moritsugu describes as the “wind beneath his wings”.
Shawn Vredenburg – Shawn served in the United States Coast Guard for 20 years. During this time, he was involved in major disaster responses, mass migrant interdictions, drug enforcement, and search and rescue. His awards and decorations are listed on two pages of his DD214. He is currently in his first year at Wichita State University and carries a 3.7 GPA. His program director writes the highest recommendation. He had finished a Master Degree in Public Health to prepare himself for the rigors of the Physician Assistant program. Shawn is a single father of three children (12 year old triplets).
Program Director: Sue Nyberg, MHS, PAC
Wichita State University PA Program
1845 N. Fairmount
Wichita, KS 67260-0043
316-978-3011
Vikki Lianne Moritsugu Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This Scholarship is made in honor of the late Vikki Moritsugu, loving daughter of RADM Dr. Kenneth and the late Donna Moritsugu. The Moritsugu family and friends remember Vikki’s passion for life and learning through this scholarship.
Carol Stumbras – Carol served in the United States Navy as a Radioman some 30 years ago. She is currently enrolled at Quinnipiac University. Carol is a highly respected student because her program director writes over a page of accolades in her recommendation letter. She states that Carol is a quick learner and hard working person. Carol has volunteered on many programs and community service projects to include screening high risk populations for kidney disease, reading to children with special needs, and feed and clothe the homeless in the community. She volunteered over 50 hours during her first year in the PA program and still maintained an above average GPA. She is a member of AAPA, Connecticut Academy of Physician Assistants, Physician Assistants for Global Health, and the Society of Physician Assistants in Rheumatology.
Program Director: Cynthia Lord, MHS, PAC
Quinnipiac University PA Program
275 Mount Carmel Ave
Hamden, CT 06518
203-582-5297
Dallas and Donna Lipscomb/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This scholarship is given by Dallas (Air Force) and Donna Lipscomb for a qualifying veteran who is a single parent and if none applies than it goes to an Air Force Veteran.
Stephanie Murphy – Stephanie served in the United States Air Force as a Aerospace Medical Service Technician. She has multiple decorations including several Commendation and Achievement Medals. She enlisted in the Army Reserves and later transferred to the Air Force National Guard in Kentucky. She has deployed to Iraq. Stephanie was given high marks by her program director and she carries a 4.0 GPA in her first year. Stephanie writes that her passion is to serve other veterans at home and abroad as a member of the Kentucky Air National Guard and as employee at the Veterans Affairs Hospital.
Program Director: Gilbert Boissonneault, PHD, PAC
University of Kentucky PA Program
900 South Limestone Street
Lexington, KY 40536-0200
859-218-0857
Bruce Cunningham/Veterans Caucus Scholarship.
This scholarship is given by Bruce Cunningham (Navy) and the Veterans Caucus for a qualifying veteran of any military branch.
Melissa Tewell – Melissa is currently in the Texas Army National Guard. She enlisted in the Reserves in 2001 and served overseas. She has been awarded multiple decorations including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal twice, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, and a Good Conduct Medal. She is currently an officer in her National Guard. She is enrolled in the Texas Tech University PA Program. She has a 3.55 GPA and her program director who is a former AF PA states that she has an outstanding potential for contribution to the profession and society. She has exceptional interpersonal skills and attention to detail. Melissa hopes to work in Pediatrics after graduation.
Program Director: Elvin Maxwell, MA, MPAS, PAC
TTUHSC PA Program
3600 North Garfield
Midland, TX 79705
432-620-9905
SSgt Craig Ivory Memorial Scholarship/ Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by Pat and Terri Ivory to honor the memory of their son Craig, Army medic who passed away in Iraq.
Thomas Eppley – Thomas was in the United States Army and served as a Health Care Specialist for 13 years and a Nuclear Weapons Specialist for 6 years. He was a combat medic in both hospitals and in the field and served in peacekeeping, relief, and combat operations. He was awarded numerous decorations and awards including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal four times and involved in Iraq and NATO operations. He is currently enrolled in South University in Savannah GA. His program director writes that he thinks Thomas will be a leader both in his community and the PA profession.
Program Director: John Burns, MMSc
South University
709 Mall Blvd
Savannah, GA 31406
912-201-8024
Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This 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.
Christopher Garner – Christopher was in the United States Army and served as a Health Care Specialist and combat medic for 5 years. He was awarded multiple awards and decorations. He currently is enrolled at Westbrook College of Health Professions at the University of New England. His program director writes a very strong recommendation and gives him the highest recommendation. Mr George Bottomley writes that Christopher was a Paramedic with extensive knowledge in ACLS, trauma management, critical care transport, and primary medical care along with managerial and supervisory experience. He has volunteered as an EMT basic and then as a Cardiac Technician. He has taught Basic CPR, ACLS, NREMT Paramedic for ACLS and Advanced Airway Management. His program director gives him numerous accolades and states that he is a compassionate and intelligent student.
Program Director: George Bottomley, DVM, PA-C
University of New England
Westbrook College of Health Professions/PA Program
312 Hersey Hall
716 Stevens Avenue
Portland, ME 04103-2670
207-221-4527
The Chan-Padgett Special Forces/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
The Scholarship is provided by Lt. Col. John Padgett (USASF) and Major Vicki Chan-Padgett (USAF, Ret) to a dependent of a US Army Special Forces member enrolled in PA training ( or former SF member if they are enrolled in PA training) to recognize the courage, sacrifice and duty to country demonstrated by members of the US Army Special Forces.
Jennifer Johansson – Jennifer is the daughter of a retired Army O5 who was an aviator/special forces. He served for 20 years with some of those in the Special Forces. He was awarded multiple awards and decorations during his outstanding service to his country. Jennifer is currently enrolled the University of South Alabama. Her program director thinks highly of her and writes that Jennifer stands out. She is gifted with superb problem solving and communication skills. She is impressive and gives her the highest degree of recommendation. Her GPA is 4.0. She has made the Dean’s list multiple times in her college endeavors and volunteered in community activities before entering the Physician Assistant program.
Program Director: Zarrintaj Aliabadi, PAC, PharmD, PhD
University of South Alabama
Pat Capps Covey College of Allied Health Professions
5721 USA Drive N.
HAHN 3124
Mobile, Alabama 36688
251-445-9334
SSgt. Robert V. Milner Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This Scholarship, provided by Rear Admiral Mike Milner, PA-C, US Public Health Service and his wife Patricia Castillo, PA-C, recognizes either an US Air Force veteran or dependent of a US Air Force veteran enrolled in PA training. This Scholarship serves to memorialize the life and faithful service to his country of his father, SSGT Robert V. Milner, USAF who served during the Korean War and Berlin Airlift operations and acknowledges his father’s dedicated service to his community, friends and country.
Kyle Hasenstein – Kyle is a son of Vernon Hasenstein who served in the United States Air Force for over 20 years. He was awarded multiple awards and decorations during his outstanding service to his country. Kyle’s path to enrolling in PA school started with his experiences in Uganda and the challenges of trying to provide health care in another country. He has served in other underserved countries through SurgiCorp International in Antigua and Guatemala. He writes that traveling has broadened his horizons and bestowed his commitment to serve those most in need. His program director writes that Kyle managed to demonstrate a high level of achievement academically and also was active in other activities like the student challenge bowl, treasurer for the student body, and lobbying on Capitol Hill. The program director states that Kyle hopes to continue to be involved in medical missions after graduation.
Program Director: Luis Ramos MS
Chatham University
Woodland Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
412-365-1405
Tim and Jackie Egan/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible through the generosity of Tim and Jackie Egan and the Veterans Caucus for a deserving veteran of any of the Uniformed Services. Tim served in the Air Force.
Anna Ngo – Anna served in the United States Army as a Health Services Administrator who was awarded multiple awards and decorations including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal and served in Iraq in a combat area. Her goal on becoming a physician assistant is to provide health care stateside and abroad. Her program director highly recommends her because she is an outstanding student. She writes that Anna was the first out of her class selected for a student award receiving overwhelming nominations. Anna has helped soup kitchens, Habitat for Humanity, and the Lion’s Club. She has volunteered with the Youth Olympics, Teen for Life Conference and participated in H1N1 clinics. She will graduate with her degree in Physician Assistant Studies as well as an MPH.
Program Director: Grace Landel, PAC, Med
Touro University PA Program
1310 Club Drive
Vallejo, CA 94592
707-638-5809
Lt. Col. David Gwinn/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible through the contributions of friends of Lt. Col. David Gwinn who contributed in his memory upon his untimely death. It is for a deserving veteran of any of the US Air Force. David was loved by everyone who knew him. He helped develop the Veterans Caucus and served in every capacity on the Board until his death.
Micah Lasely – Micah served in the United States Air Force and then in the reserves for 8 years. He was a Medical Service Technician. Micah is currently enrolled in the MEDEX Northwest Program and holds a 3.59 GPA. His program director writes that he has a strong track record of community service. He belongs to the Washington State PA Society and the AAPA.
Program Director: Ruth Ballweg, MPA, PAC
University of Washington PA Program
4311 11th Avenue NE #200
Seattle, WA 98105
206-616-4001
Ken Gartzke/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This scholarship is made possible through the contributions of friends of Mr. Gartzke who contributed in his memory upon his untimely death. It is for a deserving veteran of any of the Uniformed Services. Mr. Gartzke served in the Air Force and also was on the Board of the Veterans Caucus for many years.
Ryan Dutton – Ryan was a Health Care Specialist in the United States Army. He was awarded multiple awards and decorations and involved in Afghanistan and Iraq. He served as a trauma specialist assisting the Army Physician Assistants. He is currently enrolled at MEDEX Northwest University of Washington with a GPA of 3.89. Ryan states he has been on the Dean’s list multiple times. He is a volunteer in his local homeless outreach program. His program director gives him her strongest recommendation.
Program Director: Ruth Ballweg, MPA, PAC
University of Washington PA Program
4311 11th Avenue NE #200
Seattle, WA 98105
206-616-4001
Jeremiah Tenhet US Army Military Intelligence/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by SFC Richard A Tenhet (US Army) and his wife Blanca R Tenhet, PA-C (US Army). This scholarship serves to recognize the achievement of an outstanding veteran or dependent of an US Army Military Intelligence member enrolled in a PA training program. This scholarship serves to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by members of the US Army Military Intelligence.
No qualified applicant