2011-12 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. Kenneth Moritsugu, whose life was cut short by a tragic auto accident. Donna was a multi-talented woman and whom Dr. Moritsugu describes as the “wind beneath his wings”. $1000
Winner: Elizabeth Gilbert
Elizabeth is a student at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She served in the United States Navy in tactical data systems and communications where she had experience in Haiti relief efforts both navigational and assisting other healthcare team members. Her program director states that she is an outstanding as a student maintaining a 3.6 GPA and active leader as the class representative to SAAAPA keeping her class informed of national issues that may affect them as a student and physician assistant. She plans to use the scholarship to attend the national conference as a student member.
Program Director: Richard Rahr Ed.D, PA-C
UTMB PA Program
301 University Blvd
Galveston, TX 77555 409-772-3047
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 scholarship. $1000
Winner: Melinda Hunt
Melinda is a student at Duke University. She served in the United States Air Force for four years, first as a Medical Service Specialist and later a Nurse. She was deployed to Afghanistan. Her program director states that she is an outstanding candidate. She is a hard worker and a very active volunteer in the past. She also has a Master’s Degree in Disaster and Emergency Preparedness. She is interested in international health care and wishes to go to Tanzania for a clinic rotation. She plans to re-enter the Air Force as a Physician Assistant.
Program Director: Patricia Dieter MPA, PA-C
Duke University PA Program
DUMC 104780
Durham, NC 27710 919-681-3259
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. $2000
Winner: Robert Williams
Robert is a student at the University of Washington. He served in the United States Army as a combat medic where he was deployed to Iraq. He was attached to a multi-national Special Forces team. His responsibilities were to administer medical therapy for three Iraqi Special Police Commando Battalion, Coalition forces, and Iraqi civilians that the team came across. During one of his peacekeeping operations, the team was ambushed and he states that his medical care resulted in six of his fellow soldiers being alive today. For his unwavering heroism, he was awarded the Bronze Star. Apparently he continues his high degree of commitment. His program director states that he works hard with a 3.7 GPA and he has been on the Dean’s list the last two semesters.
Program Director: Terry Scott MPA, PA-C
MEDEX Northwestern Division of PA Studies
4311 11th Ave NE Ste 200
Seattle, WA 98105 206-616-4001
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. $2000
Winner: Timothy Martinez
Timothy is a student at Touro University in California. He served in the United States Marine Corps as a rifleman. His program director states that Timothy exemplifies their mission to train quality PAs to work with underserved populations. He has been very active in civic and college activities. His program director states that he is always positive. The program has asked him to help with applicant interviews because of his balance of the program and excellent feedback on the candidates. Timothy plans to work in a VA healthcare system after graduation.
Program Director: Grace Landel, MEd, PA-C
Touro University of California
1310 Club Drive
Vallejo, CA 94592 707-638-5878
The Chan-Padgett Special Forces/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
The Scholarship is provided by Major Padgett (USASF, Ret) and Major Vicki Chan-Padgett (USAF, Ret) to a dependent or surviving spouse or child of a US Army Special Forces member enrolled in PA training or a former Special Forces 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. $2000
Winner: Brendan Baird
Brendan is a student at UT Southwestern in Texas. He served in the United States Army as a combat medic for three years and then as a Special Forces Combat Medic for 2 years. Brendan has been awarded numerous decorations to include the Army Achievement Medal with four awards, Army Commendation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. He has served in Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Egypt. His program director gives him their highest recommendation. He has demonstrated academic maturity and enthusiasm and frequently leads small studying groups on campus. Most recently, he scored 100% on his physical exam final.
Program Director: Eugene Jones PhD
UT Southwestern Dept. of Physician Assistant Studies
5323 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX 75390-9090 214-648-1701
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 is an Air Force veteran who served as an aircraft loadmaster during multiple tours in Vietnam. $2000
Winner: Tyler Shaw
Tyler is a student at UT Southwestern in Texas. His military service consisted of serving in the United States Air Force ANGUS in aircraft armament systems. On Sept 9, 2001, he enlisted into the Arkansas Air National Guard and has been in the same unit for the last ten years. He has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include the Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with one oak leaf cluster, and a number of others. At the time of this application, he was getting ready for another deployment. His program director comments on how he is humble, self-confident, intelligent, and a team player.
Program Director: Eugene Jones PhD Br />UT Southwestern Dept. of Physician Assistant Studies
5323 Harry Hines Blvd
Dallas, TX 75390-9090 214-648-1701
Lt. Col. David Gwinn/Veteran 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 developed the Veterans Caucus and served in every capacity on the Board until his death. $2000
Winner: Brendan Greenaway
Brendan is a student at Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania. He is an Air Force veteran who served in Space and Missile Operations and Space Warning Systems. He graduated from the Air Force Academy. During his military service, he spent his off time volunteering at local hospitals and worked in the international scene in the Dominican Republic and Malawi Africa. In Africa, he worked with a mobile clinic that provided basic healthcare to children in remote villages where no health infrastructure existed. He hopes to continue with international mission work after graduation.
Program Director: Walter Eisenhauer MHS, PA-C
HP 217 432 RR St
Lock Haven University – PA Program
Lock Haven, PA 17768 570-484-2168
Ken Gartzke/Veteran 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 Uniform Services. Mr. Gartzke served in the US Air Force and also was on the Board of the Veterans Caucus for many years. $2000
Winner: Nicholas Gibson
Nicholas is a student at Emory University in Atlanta GA. He served in the United States Air Force as a Pararescueman and Special Operations Medic for eight years. He is a combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan and currently is in the Reserves as a Pararescueman in the Alaska Air Guard. His program director writes that because of his deployments, Nicholas is now completing the MPH portion after finishing PA school. His program director, Dana Sayre-Stanhope wrote a glowing recommendation with numerous accolades. He is a team player and a skilled leader. He was elected by his peers as the student representative to the AAPA.
Program Director: Dana Sayre-Stanhope Ed.D, PA-C
Emory University
1462 Clifton Rd NE #280
Atlanta, GA 30322-1000 404-727-2762
Jeremiah Tenhet US Army Military Intelligence/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
The 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 a US Army veteran, whom has served in Afghanistan and is enrolled in a PA training program. This scholarship serves to recognize the dedication and sacrifices made by members of the US Army who served in Afghanistan. $_______
Winner: Kimberly Gordon
Kimberly is a student at Des Moines University. She is the spouse of Shamus Gordon who was an interrogator in the United States Army who had served in Afghanistan. He was assigned to the 110th Military Intelligence Battalion. His decorations include the Bronze Star Medal and the Achievement Medal. Her program director writes highly of her stating that she is motivated and performs well on her written and practical examinations. She is a team player and possesses the professional and interpersonal qualities that indicate she will establish her own legacy of excellence within the profession. She has a unique past in that some of her accomplishments include several publications in the field of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and Genetics during her undergraduate training.
Program Director: Jolene Kelly MPAS, PA-C
Des Moines University PA Program
3200 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA 50312 515-271-1685
Grogan Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by Rodney Grogan and his wife in the memory of CMSgt USAF retired Kenneth Grogan and his wife Ernestine and Bryce Grogan, son of Rodney and his wife. This scholarship is open to an outstanding veteran or dependent of a veteran from any branch of the military. $2000
Winner: Kristen Sprague
Kristen is a student at the University of New England. She is the daughter of Jeffrey Sprague who served 21 years on the United States Army with a chest full of awards and decorations. Kristen’s academic performance has been exemplary as an undergraduate and now as a PA student she has a 3.76 GPA. She has been on the Dean’s List and graduated Summa Cum Laude in her undergraduate degree. Her program director gives her his highest recommendation with support to back up his claim. She has been a phlebotomist, volunteers at the Children’s Hospital and Emergency Room. She performs health assessments at a homeless men shelter, and she is active in other volunteer organizations.
Program Director: George Bottomley DVM, PA-C
Westbrook College of Health Professions PA Program
716 Stevens Ave
Portland, ME 04103 207-221-4527
American Legion Post 40, Danville Pennsylvania/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This scholarship is provided by the American Legion Post 40 in Danville Pennsylvania for an outstanding veteran of the United States military currently enrolled in a PA training program. $2000
Winner: Randall Owen
Randall is a student at the George Washington University. He has served in the Massachesetts Army National Guard, California Air National Guard, and in 1991 was called to active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm as a C-130 flight engineer. His academic background includes multiple graduated degrees with research in understanding the relationships between cardiac motion, cell physiology, and heart disease. He has assisted in authoring several publications in cardiac research. He would like to go into the Army as a physician assistant after graduation. His program director writes a glowing recommendation. He serves as the Vice President of the GWU PA Program Student Society and considered and natural leader.
Program Director: Lisa Alexander EdD, MPH, PA
GW University PA Program
900 23rd Street NW Ste 6148 Br />Washington DC 20037 202-994-7644
Bruce Cunningham/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
The scholarship is given by Bruce Cunningham (Navy) and the Veterans Caucus for a qualifying veteran of any military branch. $2000
Winner: Aaron Tyler
Aaron is a student at Nova Southeastern. Aaron served in the United States Navy as a Surface Force Independent Duty Corpsman. He retired from the service in 2008 and started pursuing his dream to become a Physician Assistant. His GPA is 3.69 and wishes to be employed the Department of Veterans Affairs at a veteran hospital. His program director states he is an excellent student.
Program Director: Deborah Gerbert MS
Nova Southeastern University – Jacksonville
6675 Corporate Center Parkway, Ste 112
Jacksonville, FL 32216 904-245-8977
Society of Army Physician Assistants/Veteran Caucus Scholarship
The scholarship is provided by the members of the Society of Army Physician Assistants and Veterans Caucus to honor a veteran Physician Assistant student who served with distinction in the United States Army. $2000
Winner: Joseph Merryweather
Joseph is a student at Rosalind Franklin University. He served in the United States Army Reserve in a transportation unit. He was deployed to Iraq twice where he gained an appreciation for the medical profession. After his first deployment, he became an Emergency Medical Technician and then during his second deployment he realized that the battlefields in Iraq and ERs in Chicago had more in common than he would like to admit. He has been awarded the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct, Combat Action Badge, and the Army Reserve Achievement Medal. His program director states that he is an outstanding student on so many levels. He works extremely hard in class and is a definite leader among his peers.
Program Director: Patrick Knott PhD, PA-C
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
3333 Green Bay Rd
North Chicago, IL 60064 847-578-8689
Dallas and Donna Lipscomb/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
The 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. $2000
Winner: Philip Van Peursem with David keene, clinical coordinator
Philip is a student at Pacific University. He served in the United States Air Force as an aircrew flight equipment and aircrew pararescueman as a combat medic and search and rescue specialist. He has excelled academically carrying a 4.0 GPA. His program director states that Philip is one of their most intelligent and competent students. He is a team player, hard worker, and goes the extra mile to help his classmates and the community.
Program Director: Judy Ortiz MS, PA-C
Pacific University School of PA Studies
222 SE 8th Ave, Ste 551
Hillsboro, OR 97123 503-352-7272
SSgt. Robert V. Milner Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
This scholarship provided by Rear Admiral Mike Milner, PA-C Public Health Service and his wife Patricia Castillo, PA-C, recognizes either a 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 the Berlin Airlift operations and acknowledges his father’s dedicated service to his community, friends, and country. $2000
Winner: Jessica Roberts
Jessica is a student at the University of South Alabama. She is the daughter of Byron Roberts who served in the United States Air Force in aircraft maintenance for 24 years. Jessica’s interest in medicine started sometime around her shadowing experience with a Neurologist at Eglin Air Force Base. She is interested in mission work and hopes to continue her passion once she graduates. Her program director states that she was instrumental in setting up preventative screening examinations through the Alabama Department of Public Health. Her program director also states that while high academics are admirable with a 4.0 GPA, it is Jessica’s non-academic characteristics that make her worthy of this highly esteemed scholarship.
Program Director: Diane Abercrombie PhD, PA-C
University of South Alabama Dept. of PA Studies
5721 USA Dr. N HAHN 3124
Mobile, AL 36688 251-445-9334
Jesse Edwards Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship
The Jesse Edwards Memorial/Veterans Caucus Scholarship is given by family and friends of the late Jesse Edwards. He was an avid PA educator at the University of Nebraska, Omaha who blazed the path for the first Physician Assistant Master’s online program. His foresight into the needs of the physician assistant profession provided many PAs the opportunity to advance their education. $1000
Winner: Katdidia Tewell
Katdidia is a student at the University of Texas Medical Branch. She served in the regular Army for six years as a Mental Health Specialist. She has numerous awards and decorations and had been deployed to Iraq twice and Kosovo once as a medic. She left active service and now is currently a Second Lt in the Texas Army National Guard. She is an excellent student, being on the Dean’s List several times as an undergraduate. Currently she has a 3.6 GPA and continues that academic excellence.
Program Director: Richard Rahr Ed.D, PA-C
UTMB PA Program
301 University Blvd
Galveston, TX 77555 409-772-3047