506th Association Scholarship Recipients

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