Sophia Kreiman is the granddaughter of Thomas Waggoner, A Co 1/506 101st airborne division Vietnam, 70 71. She grew up with a very close relationship with her family, especially her grandparents. She was born in Saginaw, Michigan, and was raised in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Sophia is proud to have attended Powers Catholic High School where her mother, aunts and uncles attended. Sophia is entering her senior year at Michigan State University where she plans to receive her bachelor's in environmental biology with a minor in Conservation, Recreation, and Environmental enforcement. She plans to use her degree to help in the effort to combat climate change, preserve the planet, and aid in the survival of all species.

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The following letter is from Sophia:

Dear 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association Scholarship Committee,

I want to express my profound gratitude to the scholarship committee for recognizing my achievements, potential, and dedication to my educational journey. This scholarship represents a financial contribution to my academic pursuits and a compelling validation of my hard work and commitment to success. Receiving this scholarship will alleviate the financial burden in my final year of undergrad and allow me to focus wholeheartedly on my studies and personal growth.

I am so humbled to receive this scholarship, thank you to all the men and women who have served to protect this country in the 506th Airborne. I also want to thank my grandfather, Thomas Waggoner for being one of my biggest supporters and mentors. I am so grateful to have a grandpa like you.

I deeply thank you for the honor of receiving this scholarship. Having been raised as a true army brat, I have dealt with a unique set of obstacles during my adolescence. With this funding being put towards my undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska Lincoln, the obstacle of financial shortcoming seems much less daunting now. My family and I are highly appreciative of the 506th association’s continued generosity.

Jordan

Zoe Drake

Winner of the $2,000 NAVILLUS Foundation Award

 Zöe Drake, 2023 graduate of Clarksville High School, is the daughter of Joshua Drake, who served as part of 1st battalion 506th infantry regiment at Fort Campbell from 2005-2011. Passionate about leadership, volunteerism, and civic engagement, Zöe spent her high school years participating in Key Club, Student Council, Youth in Government, and Model UN, among others. In addition to her many extracurricular pursuits, she maintained a 4.0 GPA and graduated third in her class; she received several awards and honors upon graduation, including the Robert Penn Warren award for excellence in English. In the fall of 2023, Zoe will be a student at the University of Memphis, majoring in International Studies with a goal to eventually work for the United Nations.

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The following letter is from Zoe Drake:

Dear 506th Scholarship Committee, 

I would first like to give my sincerest thanks for selecting me to be a 2023 scholarship winner. I am extremely humbled by this honor, and grateful for the financial assistance as I aim to complete my education debt-free. This would not be possible without your generosity. 

Your support enables me to attend the University of Memphis in the fall and with a major in International Studies. Where my father served his country through the armed service, I hope to utilize this degree to serve my country in a diplomatic capacity. 

Once again, thank you for helping me achieve my dreams!

Sincerely, 

Zöe Drake 

William Beaudoin

Winner of the $2,500 John and Marcia Lally Service Award

William Job Butler Beaudoin was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and he has moved eight times during his life as an Army brat. He is the son of COL Greg Beaudoin and Mrs. Allison Beaudoin, who proudly served in 1-506 “Red Currahee”, 4^th Brigade Combat Team. William graduated with honors from his homeschool co-op in Springfield, Virginia. During his high school career, he served as a Congressional intern on Capitol Hill with the office of Congressman Jerry Carl. Additionally, he was a College Board math SAT tutor, ran varsity cross country, played tennis on the Fort Belvoir team, and worked as a MWR lifeguard. He enjoys attending his neighborhood Bible study, working out with friends, collecting Legos, and watching Star Wars. He plans to major in biology with the goal of attending medical school following his undergraduate instruction. He aspires to pursue a career as a cardiothoracic surgeon. Eventually, he hopes to serve communities in countries across the world annually through medical missions. He will be attending the University of Alabama as a McCollough Pre-Medical Scholar this fall.

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