2020 Scholarship Recipients
The 506th Association College Scholarship Program was initiated from donations by SFC(R) Joseph F. Foster, Jr. (HHC, 2nd BN, 1969-1970) and SSG(R) Melissa D. Snock. It has since grown to the six scholarships we announce today. The Association will award three $1,000 scholarships and three $1,500 scholarships thanks, in part to the generosity of Carol Sullivan, Marilyn Overton, John Lally, Clayton Paulding and Colin Kelly. Carol, Marilyn, Clayton, John and Colin have agreed to fund named awards within our scholarship program.
Carol's $1,500 award is named The NAVILLUS Foundation Award. Marilyn's $1,500 award is named the Gene Overton Memorial Scholarship, while John's $1,500 award is the Marcia and John Lally Service Award. Colin and Clayton have named their $1,000 awards after fallen Currahees who died in the service of their country while serving in Iraq. Our sixth scholarship award for $1,500 is the Currahee Award and is funded by the 506th Association membership along with friends of the Association.
The NAVILLUS Foundation is a family foundation that was headed by Lee and Carol Sullivan. Lee has passed away and Carol has decided to continue funding this scholarship in order to honor Lee and the men who served in his Company. This award is dedicated to Lee Sullivan and the members of B Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry who served in the Republic of Vietnam during 1969 and 1970.
The Gene Overton Memorial Scholarship, given by his wife Marilyn Overton - Gene Overton served in C Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry at Fort Campbell and the Republic of Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. Gene was also the co-founder of the 506th Association and he, along with his wife Marilyn, have donated an untold amount of time, energy, and money to further the goals of the Association.
John Lally served with A Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry in Vietnam, he served as both the Chairman of the Board of Directors and President of the 506th Association. The Marcia and John Lally Service Award is to honor all Currahees who have served their nation over the last eight decades.
The CPT Luke Wullenwaber Memorial Scholarship Award: CPT Luke Wullenwaber served with the 1/506th Infantry from 2002-2004 in Korea and then Iraq. Luke was a true inspiration and commanded the respect of all he served with - officers and enlisted alike. He still serves as a daily inspiration to those that were lucky enough to know him, and this scholarship is one of the ways that we commemorate what a wonderful human being he was.
The SPC Edwin Roodhouse Memorial Scholarship Award: SPC Edwin Roodhouse served with the 1/506th Infantry from 2002-2004 in Korea then Iraq. Edwin was beloved by his fellow Currahees as a wise and kind person, who was devoted to doing his part to support the team. He loved to read and engage in philosophical discussions - this scholarship is dedicated in his honor.
If you would like to apply for a 506th Association College Scholarship please see the rules on our home page under Programs>Charitable Programs>Scholarship. If you are interested in funding a named scholarship through the 506th Association Scholarship Program please forward a letter of intent to the Scholarship Committee Chairman at the address provided in the scholarship rules. If you would like to donate to the scholarship fund go to the overhead menu in our web site and choose "Programs and Giving", then "Online Donation" or "Donation Form for mail-in donations.
Delon Altherr - Winner of the NAVILLUS Award
The 506th Association has selected Delon Altherr from Phoenix, Arizona as the recipient of the $1,000 NAVILLUS Award for 2020.
Delon is the granddaughter of Robert K Altherr (Sapp), who served in C Company, 1st Battalion, 506th PIR in Europe. Delon was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition. Soon thereafter she married her high school sweetheart and moved to Georgia where her husband, an Army Medic, was stationed. In 2017, she began her studies as a master’s student at Mercer University School of Medicine with the Biomedical Sciences Program. She concentrated her studies in the utilization of artificial chromosomes for the production of therapeutic miRNAs. After graduating with her master’s degree in 2019, she was accepted to the Mercer University School of Medicine M.D. Program and will graduate with the class of 2024. As a physician she hopes to serve the needs of her community both locally and beyond.
Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to thank the 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association for selecting me as a scholarship recipient. I am absolutely honored to have been selected and apply in my grandfather's memory. Your generosity is very much appreciated and incredibly helpful as I begin my doctorate degree.
Sincerely,
Delon Altherr
Alison Keller - Winner of the Gene Overton Memorial Scholarship
The 506th Association has selected Alison Keller from Willoughby, Ohio as the recipient of the $1,000 Gene Overton Memorial Scholarship Award for 2020.
Alison Keller is the granddaughter of William Mraz, who served in C Co, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Division out of Camp Evans. He served in Vietnam from January 1970 to December 1970. She is very honored to have such a hardworking grandfather that has been an amazing influence on her life. Alison was born and raised in Willoughby, Ohio and graduated from Willoughby South High School in May of 2019, with Honors. While in high school, Alison was involved in many organizations such as National Honors Society, Soccer and Athletic Training. Along with these, Alison volunteered at the local hospital and coached baseball for 2-5 year olds. Alison plans to continue her education at Cleveland State University in Health Sciences Pre-Physical Therapy with hopes of attending Physical Therapy school. She also has a minor in Spanish Health Sciences to further help her patients. After college, Alison plans to open her own private practice in pediatric Physical Therapy.
Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,
I am so incredibly thankful that I was chosen as the recipient of one of the scholarships offered. The 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association is very generous and overall a distinguished organization. I am honored to be chosen by such an astounding organization. The 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association has had an immeasurable impact on many people and now they are helping me to achieve my dreams. I would also like to thank my grandfather and the many other veterans for serving our country!
Thank You,
Alison Keller
Tyler Oates - Winner of the Marcia and John Lally Service Award
The 506th Association has selected Tyler Oates from Grand Rapids, Michigan as the recipient of the $1,500 Marcia and John Lally Service Award for 2020.
Tyler grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. After the events of September 11th he felt a strong sense of duty to serve his country and elected to attend the United States Military Academy. In 2010 he commissioned as an Infantry Officer. Following Ranger and Airborne schools, Tyler served in Dog Company 2-506th PIR (Platoon Leader) and Easy Company 2-506th PIR (Executive Officer). After returning from a deployment to Khost Provence, Afghanistan, Tyler attended US Army Special Forces Selection/Assessment. In 2016, after completing the US Army Special Forces Qualification Course he earned his Green Beret.
Tyler is separating from 1-10th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in order to pursue a MBA at Harvard Business School. His personal experiences with a lack of corporate environmental stewardship in his home state have driven him to help redefine the social contract between corporate and environmental responsibility and shareholder value. His wife, Alexandria and two daughters (Olivia and Emory) will be joining him in Cambridge, MA this fall.
Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,
I am incredibly honored and deeply humbled to be selected for this scholarship. The support and generosity of the 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association will help my family and I make my dreams of higher education, a reality. I would be remiss not to thank the men and women of the 506th PIR. My time in Dog and Easy Companies, 2-506th IN, played a significant role in my development as both a leader and as a man. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have served in the 506th PIR where I saw first hand the meaning of duty, sacrifice, and selfless service. At a Currahee reunion I heard a Vietnam Veteran best capture this unwritten code. He said, "No matter the battlefield, you will find a Currahee at the front lines; it's woven into our collective DNA." His words still resonate with me to this day. I am honored to continue this proud tradition with the help of this scholarship. CURRAHEE!
Sincerely,
Tyler Oates
Brody Cline - Winner of the CPT Luke Wullenwaber Award
The 506th Association has selected Brody Cline from Cheyenne, Wyoming as the recipient of the $1,000 CPT Luke Wullenwaber Memorial Scholarship Award for 2020.
Brody, the son of Tyler and Kari Cline, was born on March 23, 2022 and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He grew up actively participating in outdoor activities, various sports, and church and community activities. Brody was a member of the National Honors Society and earned letters in Academics, IB Golf, Debate and Basketball. He graduated from Cheyenne East High School with Honors and a Certificate in the International Baccalaureate Program. Brody is the proud grandson of Lin Bashford who served in the 101st Airborne Division with as assignment to D Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry during the Vietnam War. Brody plans to attend Dordt University in Iowa to play golf and major in Wildlife Biology with the hope of one day becoming a game warden.
Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,
I would like to thank the 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association for choosing me as one of the students to receive the 506th Association Scholarship. I am humbled and honored to be chosen by such a group and it means a lot to me and my family. This scholarship will help me afford a college education that will allow me to obtain my goals for the future. Because of the 506th Association, I will be able to pursue my dreams.
Thankfully,
Brody Cline
Kacey Harper - Winner of the SPC Edwin Roodhouse Award
The 506th Association has selected Kacey Harper from Lincoln, Nebraska as the recipient of the $1,000 SPC Edwin Roodhouse Memorial Scholarship Award for 2020.
Kacey Harper is the daughter of MAJ(R) Darin and Jessica Harper. Born in Fort Lewis, Washington, and relocating to Camp Humphreys, South Korea, Hanscom AFB, MA, Fort Campbell, KY and Fort Leavenworth, KS. MAJ Harper served in the 506th Infantry Brigade Headquarters as Brigade Medical Operations Officer from 2004-2007. Darin retired from Fort Riley, KS in 2014 after 20 years of service and 3 tours of duty. The Harpers relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska where Kacey graduated from Lincoln Southwest High School in 2018. Kacey attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she is an active member of Alpha Phi Sorority. This spring, Kacey was accepted into the University of Nebraska-Medical Center College of Nursing to be a part of the Class of 2022. Kacey hopes to eventually pursue further education and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthestist.
Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,
I am profoundly honored and grateful to be chosen as a recipient of this award. Many Army children, like myself, can attest to the difficulty of growing up in an everchanging environment with the comfort of family close-by. In my experience, our Army "family" consistently stepped up in time of need to help one another, just as biological family would. This award is telling of the strong bond of military servicemen and women; I am so grateful for the sacrifices of those who not only served our country but continue to go above and beyond to provide for others. With your help, I will be able to pursue my education in nursing and pay this kindness forward.
Sincerely,
Kacey Harper
Joseph Loar - Winner of the Currahee Scholarship Award
The 506th Association has selected Joseph Loar from Tiffin, Ohio as the recipient of the $1,500 Currahee Scholarship Award for 2020.
Joseph was born in Toledo, Ohio and grew up in Tiffin, Ohio. Joseph enlisted in the United States Army Reserve in 1999. He initially served in the 983rd EN BN of Monclova, Ohio before joining ROTC at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in History before commissioning into the Infantry on active duty in 2005. He has served for a combined 21 years in positions from Rifle and Scout Platoon Leader to Company Commander in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was an Aide de Camp for LTG(r) Patrick Donahue II at US Army Africa before Serving as the Battalion Executive Officer for 1st BN 506th IN Currahee. At Command and General Staff College, he earned his Master's in Military Arts and Sciences focusing on history studying tactics and leadership in the War of 1812. He has since served as the Brigade Executive Officer for 1st BDE 101st ABN DIV and then helped to stand up the Army's new 1st Security Forces Assistance Brigade. He serve3d in combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan. As the Professor of Military Science at Arkansas State University, Joseph Loar has embarked once again on a graduate level degree seeking to earn his Master's of Business Administration. He hopes to one-day transition from the Army to Corporate America to continue to contribute to the nation and serve in a new capacity.
Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,
I am humbled to be selected by the 506th Airborne Infantry Regiment Association as a 2020 scholarship winner. During my time in the 506th, I learned about the intense brotherhood that is the Currahee Family. My lessons in leadership, honor, and duty will translate well in business and as I lead and instruct tomorrow’s leaders. It is because of the 506th Committee that I can continue to focus on junior leaders and increasing my value to my soldiers with reduced financial hardship. I am proud to be part of an organization that continues to support veterans and give back to the nation that raised it in Carantan, Belgium, and the Eagle’s Nest.
Currahee!
Joseph A. Loar