A VFW scholarship program has helped one Navy veteran work toward his goal of earning a higher education.
Sean Sexton, who currently is stationed at Fleet Readiness Center Mid-Atlantic Oceana in Virginia Beach, Va., is one of the most recent recipients of VFW’s "Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship." He learned of the scholarship through a Google search and ultimately was awarded $5,000 for the spring 2019 semester.
Sexton currently is attending Park University and studying geography with a minor in GIS through the university’s online program.
“With my lifestyle and schedule, Park was the best option for me,” Sexton said. “When being contacted by the university, they were very personal and professional. Russell Love, an advisor, helped me tremendously and checked in frequently to answer any questions I had.”
The funds, according to Sexton, have helped cover his tuition and fees. Receiving the scholarship meant “a lot” to the Navy veteran.
“Obtaining my degree has always been on my radar of things to accomplish and this scholarship has given me the opportunity to achieve that goal,” Sexton said.
He had been using the Navy’s tuition-assistance program, but said it only covers $4,500 annually.
“For more determined students, scholarship money can help military students achieve their goals in an expeditious manner,” said Sexton, who also deployed on the USS Harry S. Truman in the Arctic Ocean in late 2018.
The application process was “very straight to the point,” according to Sexton.
“The questionnaire asked for my basic info, proof of military service and a short essay talking about my financial and educational needs,” Sexton said.
Sexton said his time in the military has “opened a lot of doors” and made life better overall.
“Some [veterans] desire the financial freedom of not having any student debt,” Sexton said. “Anyone who is serious about an education deserves the assistance to achieve their goal and veterans are the most deserving of these rewards.”
This article was featured in the March/April 2019 issue of VFW Checkpoint. If you're a Post, District or Department Commander and aren't receiving the Checkpoint e-newsletter, please contact the VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org.