Vietnam Veterans Chapter Increases Scholarship Endowment

The Civil Air Patrol Foundation and Detroit Chapter #9 of the Vietnam Veterans of America have expanded their partnership nearly tenfold. After donating $12,500 to CAP for scholarships in 2020, this month the chapter endowed the scholarships for $90,000.

“Civil Air Patrol feels so blessed to have this endowed scholarship,” said Col. Chris Ballard, Michigan Wing commander.

Added Col. Raj Kothari, CAP Foundation Board chair: “This endowment is going to allow us to support cadets in Civil Air Patrol for decades to come and will have an immeasurable impact on their lives.”

The announcement came as the group awarded its latest scholarship. Cadet 2nd Lt. Antonio Accardo of the Livonia Thunderbolt Composite Squadron received this year’s $2,500 scholarship.

Accardo “exemplifies cadet leadership,” Ballard said, citing his leadership in creating a squadron recruiting drive.

The award was presented at the chapter’s monthly meeting as Accardo’s parents and grandparents looked on.

“It’s an honor and I’m extremely grateful,” Accardo said. “This is very humbling.”

Requirements for a scholarship include being a high school senior or graduate or earning a GED; earning CAP’s Gen. Billy Mitchel Award or higher; acceptance to a college; attendance at an accredited post-secondary school or college; and full-time enrollment during the academic year for which the scholarship is awarded.