Following her five years in the Navy as an aviation ordnanceman, Andrea Arrizon decided to pursue a career in physical therapy.
A current student at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, Calif., Arrizon was introduced to VFW’s "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” as a means of helping her financially complete her program.
“I heard about the scholarship through my school’s scholarship portal,” said Arrizon, who served in the Navy between 2013-18. “I’ve gotten one check, but I already applied for a second scholarship.”
Andrea Arrizon, a San Leandro, California, native and former Navy aviation ordnanceman, used VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” to pursue a career in physical therapy with a degree from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. Photo courtesy of Andrea Arrizon.With two years remaining in her physical therapy program at Samuel Merritt University, Arrizon hopes her degree can open up opportunities to help fellow veterans.
“After completing my program, I’d love to either work for a military hospital or VA medical center,” Arrizon said. “I’d also like to get involved in research to better understand the types of injuries that affect these populations.”
Like Arrizon, many veterans in pursuit of higher learning turn to the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” for a hand up. The scholarship, founded in 2014, provides service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt.
Since its inception, the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” has awarded $10.6 million to more than 2,372 veterans and service members wanting to further their education.
For applications, details or eligibility guidelines on the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship,” visit vfw.org/Scholarships.