506th Association Scholarship Recipients

2010

The 506th Association Scholarship Committee selected Annette M. Tompkins, of Clarksville, TN as the winner of one of our two 2010 $500 Scholarships. Annette lived in Ohio where she attended Kent State University and received a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice. As a member of Delta Gamma she was introduced to her husband, Todd who was enrolled in the Army ROTC program. Todd and Annette were married in June of 2004 and they have enjoyed their military travels to Hawaii, Georgia, and Kentucky. At each duty station Annette has continued volunteering with the Family Readiness Group. Currently Annette is pursuing her graduate degree at Austin Peay State University where she plans on attaining her School Counseling degree. Annette's future plans are to work as a guidance counselor to assist military children and parents. Annette is the spouse of CPT Todd M. Tompkins who currently serves with HHC, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry.

The following letter is from Annette:

June 12, 2010

Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,

I am thankful to be chosen for this scholarship. As a military spouse I am proud of the dedication that my husband has to our country. His hard working spirit has given me motivation to pursue my personal goals. This contribution to my education will bring me one step closer. Thank you for assisting me with my education. I am honored to be in the Currahee family!

Thank You for your support.

Sincerely,

Annette M. Tompkins

2010

The 506th Association Scholarship Committee selected Chelsea Gibson of Lexington Park, MD as the winner of one of our two 2010 $500 Scholarships. Chelsea is a lifelong resident of Lexington Park and graduated from Great Mills High School, Great Mills, MD in 2009 with a 3.6 Grade Point Average. While in high school, Chelsea was a member of the National Honor Society, and the National Technical Honor Society. Chelsea also enjoyed playing softball and cheering for her high school. She has just finished her first year at Salisbury State University in Salisbury, MD. After graduating from college, future plans are to attend graduate school to become a nurse practitioner. Chesea's grandfather is SFC(R) Clancy Lyall (E Co, 2nd BN, 1944-1945; E Co, 1st ABG, 1956-1958).

The following letter is from Chelsea:

June 10, 2010

Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,

Thank you so very much for selecting me to be a recipient of the 2010 Association Scholarship. I am so honored and thankful for your generosity. This scholarship will help me greatly achieve my goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. My father recently passed away at the end of May and this scholarship has helped ease the struggle of paying for college off of my mother. My grandfather served with the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment in 1944 and I am very thankful for him to still be alive today. Thank you again for awarding me with this most needed scholarship and I greatly appreciate it.

Thank you for this honor,

Chelsea Gibson

2009

The 506th Association Scholarship Committee selected Julia Gomes, of Sandy, OR, as the winner of one of our two 2009 $500 Scholarships. Julia graduated from Sandy High School in 2008 where she was named Most Outstanding Senior in a class of 378 students. While in High School she volunteered at Mount Hood Legacy Hospital and was a 4H member. In addition, Julia volunteered to assist in various activities that supported the Boy Scouts of America in her community. Julia is currently attending the University of Portland and is majoring in Nursing with a minor in Leadership. She is also a cadet in the Portland Battalion Army ROTC program with an expected commissioning date of June 2012. She served as XO in the University of Portland 5K run/walk fundraiser to raise money to send gift baskets to soldiers overseas. Julia is an avid tennis player, baker and potter. She is the daughter of Jerry and Kaye Gomes; Jerry served with E Company, 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry from October 1967 to June 1969

The following letter is from Julia:

June 16, 2009

Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,

I would like to thank you for awarding me with the 506th Association Scholarship. Coincidentally, I had the opportunity to attend the 3rd 506th Currahee Reunion at Fort Campbell with my parents and many other 506th Veterans from all over the United States at the end of May. We toured the base and observed different training exercises the soldiers demonstrated for us, which illuminated the soldier's expertise within their specialties and enthusiastic interest in the Veteran's own stories in the Army. We also eagerly attended the Military Ball, witnessing a true sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps among the soldiers. In addition to the excitement of being on base and seeing my father and soldiers exchange narratives, it was the perfect occasion to learn that I received the scholarship. It could not have been a better atmosphere, being in the home of the Currahees with my father's closest battle buddies and soldiers who carry on the distinguished unit's name. I can only say how grateful and honored I am in receiving the 506th Scholarship and that I readily await my own rendezvous with destiny when I become an Army Nurse in three years.

Thank you for your relentless generosity and support,

Julia Gomes

2009

The 506th Association Scholarship Committee selected Elizabeth Wall, of Virden, IL, as the winner of one of our two 2009 $500 Scholarships. Elizabeth graduated top ten in her class from Virden High School in 2008. While in High School Elizabeth volunteered at the local Moose Kids Club, Big Brother's Big Sisters of America, Zearing Child Enrichment Center, Liberty Village Nursing Home, and Gateway Services. In High School she was also involved with Soccer, Tennis, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Spanish Club, Science Club, Peer Counseling, and Youth Orchestra. Elizabeth is currently attending Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, majoring in Nursing and works as a Nursing Assistant at Memorial Medical Center. At SIUE, Elizabeth is a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Resident Housing Association and Student government as a Senator. She is the daughter of Jim and Freda Wall; Jim served with both A and D Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry from January 1977 to April 1978 and with the Polish Battle Group attached to 4th BCT 506th Infantry in 2008.

The following letter is from Elizabeth:

June 28, 2009

To the 506th Infantry Regiment Association:

I am so honored to have been chosen as one the 2009 scholarship recipients. Thank you so much for your generosity; this scholarship is going to help me continue my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse Anesthetist, so that I may help and make a difference in the lives of others. You guys truly selfless and do an amazing job in everything you do and I want to thank you for that.

Thank you again for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth Wall

2008

The 506th Association Scholarship Committee selected Kurt Koptish whose home of record is Cincinnati, OH as the winner of one of our two 2008 $500 Scholarships. Kurt graduated from Indiana University with a BS in Public Health and was commissioned as a 2LT through ROTC in 2000. Kurt branched Medical Service Corps and served as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, Medical Operations Officer, and Company Commander in Germany, Fort Campbell and Iraq. CPT Koptish's last posting was as Commander of C Company, 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 506th Regimental Combat Team. Kurt's total service with the 506th was from November 2004 to July 2007 and included one tour of duty in Iraq. Currently attending Harvard Business School, Kurt looks forward to applying his military training and his degree from Harvard in his new life as a civilian.

The following letter is from Kurt:

June 5, 2008

Dear 506th Infantry Regiment Association,

Soldiers share a common bond which compels them to help each other under any circumstance and I am proud to see that tradition continue through the 506th Scholarship Committee. My deepest thanks to the committee and the network of Currahees for my selection as a 2008 scholarship recipient. I am extremely proud to have served with the 506th and to have played a role in the storied history of the unit that continues on this day. This award will help me complete my graduate studies and pursue my passions of leadership and helping others through a career in healthcare. I am looking forward to my second year at the Harvard Business School when I will be able to continue my general management and healthcare specific education. Through this career path, I hope to continue the legacy of the Association by impacting others and giving back to society. This summer I will be interning with DaVita, a healthcare company, in a strategic role looking at organizational structure and operations. It is my hope that this position will provide me the ability to apply my military and educational knowledge. My earnest gratitude for your generosity and support. Thank you again for selecting, me to receive this award.

Currahee,

Kurt Koptish

2008

The 506th Association Scholarship Committee selected Lauren Herwehe, of State College PA,. as the winner of one of our two 2008 $500 Scholarships. Lauren graduated from Sate College Area High School in 2007 and is currently majoring in geosciences and geography at Penn State University as a student in the Schreyer Honors College. Lauren's Father, Kenneth Herwehe, served with E Company, 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry from December 1969 to June 1970.

The following letter is from Lauren:

June 2008

To the 506th Association Scholarship Committee:

I am very excited and honored to have been chosen as a recipient of the 506 th Association Scholarship. I was in Philadelphia doing a geography field project when my mother called to tell me that I had received the scholarship. It was an extremely pleasant surprise and I almost did not believe her until I read the letter myself when I got home. With both my father and brother leaving for Iraq in the near future, we were truly grateful to have received this good news at such a stressful time.

I sincerely appreciate everything that the members of your association have done and continue to do for our nation.

Thank you for your generosity.

Sincerely,

Lauren Herwehe

2007

The 506th Association Scholarship Committee selected Callie Richardson from Layfette, IN, as the winner of the $500 College Scholarship for 2007. Callie recently graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and will be a freshman at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, in the fall of 2007. Callie's father, Dale Richardson, served with 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 506 Infantry, September 1967-January 1969.

The following letter is from Callie:

June 14, 2007

Dear 506th Association Scholarship Committee,

Thank you so much for choosing me as the winner of the 2007 scholarship! This truly was a surprise. When I opened the letter you had sent, my first thought was that it would tell me that my application was greatly appreciated. Instead, it was to tell me that I had won the scholarship. I was completely overjoyed and called my parents immediately to let them know of the news. A large weight has been lifted off of my shoulders knowing that part of my college fees will be paid for thanks to your generosity.

A requirement for acceptance of this scholarship award is to send a photograph of myself. I have included a photograph of my father and I because without his contribution to our country, I would not have been able to apply for this award.

Once again, thank you for your generosity and for choosing me as the winner of this scholarship! Your contribution will help me in my future goals of success and helping others.

Sincerely,

Callie Richardson

2006

The 506th Association Scholarship Committee selected Antonio Gomes from Sandy, OR as the winner of the $500 College Scholarship for 2006. Tony is the son of Kaye and Jerry Gomes [E Company (LRRP), 3rd Battalion, 506th Infantry, October 1967-June 1969] In 2006, Tony was a freshman at Oregon State University in Corvallis, OR.

The following eMail is from Tony:

January 20, 2007

Hello this is Tony Gomes the 506th Scholarship recipient,

I just wanted to say hello to you all and let you know how things are going down here at OSU! This term I am taking five classes, I have never taken so many at one time but I enjoy them! I have German 512 (standard German class) German 342- Literature, German 332 Culture, Math 95, and Spanish 101. So much translating! I am working my way up to calculus so I can get on with my other Construction Engineering classes! (I am in the Library right now thought I would take a break!)

But everything is going good, making a little money on the side every now and then working for Public Safety on Campus. There are also lots of pretty girls down here - enough to drive a guy crazy! I just wanted to say hello to you all and thank you again so much for the scholarship!!!

Talk to you again soon!

Tony Gomes