Victoria Tillett served in the Ohio Army National Guard between October 2016 and October 2022, specifically with the 1st Bn., 145th Armored Regiment. In support of Operation Spartan Shield, Tillett deployed with the 30th Infantry Division.
Prior to serving as a culinary specialist, Tillett trained to be a registered EMT before her deployment. That role led to her working alongside medics while overseas.
Tillett’s work as an EMT led to her interest in the medical field. Today, she is working on a Bachelor of Science in nursing at Chamberlain University in Ohio. After graduation, she plans to work in emergency medicine.
“I am also interested in community health nursing through medical mission trips, clinics, and possibly emergency response roles with organizations like FEMA,” Tillette said. “In the future, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in nursing education and later a nurse practitioner degree.”
To assist in her educational goals, Tillett has received the VFW’s “Sports Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” for multiple consecutive semesters. She said she learned about the scholarship after reading about it on Scholarships.com.
Tillett said she highly recommends that her peers apply as well, stressing how the scholarship has helped to take pressure off every aspect of her life.
“The Help A Hero Scholarship has been a tremendous support in my journey,” she said. “It has not only eased the financial burden of tuition but also allowed me to maintain a balance between my academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. I am deeply grateful for the assistance it has provided and encourage others to take advantage of this valuable resource.”
For more information on VFW’s “Help A Hero Scholarship,” visit VFW.org/Scholarships.
This article is featured in the 2024 October issue of Checkpoint. If you're a VFW member and don't currently receive the VFW Checkpoint, please contact VFW magazine at magazine@vfw.org. The article was submitted by Natalie Goldman, a student at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland.