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Note: for a downloadable MS Word version of the application see the bottom of the page. BACKGROUND. In 1970 the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (RRVA) initiated a Scholarship Program with the objective of "taking care of our own." Since its inception through fall 2007, the program has awarded over 1,047 grants for over $1,768,745 to the children and spouses of Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Army aircrew members. The RRVA is an IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, eligible for Combined Federal Campaign contributions as well as charitable donations from private individuals and organizations. However, much of the program's funding continues to be from River Rat sponsored activities, members, and private donations. To participate in the Independent Charities of America (ICA) listed in Combined Federal Campaign (CFC Campaign #10510) the River Rat Scholarship Program is required to meet very stringent requirements. 1) Kinship Requirement: Scholarship grant
recipients must be immediate dependent (legal son, daughter or spouse) of:
a) A U.S. aircrew member listed
as Killed in Action (KIA) or Missing in Action (MIA) from any combat situation
involving U.S. military from August 1964 (Vietnam Era) through the present; or
b) A military aircrew member
killed as the result of performing aircrew duties during a non-combat mission;
or
c) A RRVA member who is
currently in good standing or was in good standing at the time of their death.
2) Kinship Not Required: To provide assistance in
the education of persons in the fields related to aviation and space (Kinship
to deceased aviator not required)
Rules:
1. Selections are made on the
basis of financial need, demonstrated academic achievement, college entrance
examinations, and accomplishments in school, church, civic, and social
activities.
2. The scholarship grants cover
tuition, fees, books, room, and board.
3. Funds are sent directly to
the student's college of choice for disbursement.
4. The primary intent of the
RRVA Scholarship Grant program is to
provide financial assistance primarily for full-time academic pursuits. However, on a case by
case basis, financial support for part-time studies will be assessed.
5. RRVA funds are to be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and
board as set forth in the student's annual budget prepared by the FAA
6. The scholarship grant award
will be an amount determined by the
student’s demonstrated need, available funding, and priorities established
by the RRVA and administered by the Scholarship Committee.
7. Scholarship grants are for
one academic year—defined as starting with the Fall Semester (Aug/Sep)
and ending after the next calendar year’s summer Session (Jul/Aug).
8. Requests for the scholarship
grant applications may be made anytime during a given year. However, completed applications must be
received not later than June 15th in order to be considered for scholarship
assistance during that academic year.
Applications received after the deadline will be refused.
9. All applicants are required
to sign and abide by the RRVA Scholarship Agreement.
For a downloadable MS Word version of the RRVA Scholarship Grant Application click here. An application package may also be requested from: |
Red River Valley Association
P.O. BOX 1553
Front Royal, VA 22630-0033
(540) 636-9798
(540) 636-9776 Fax
E-Mail: ExecutiveOffice@river-rats.org