UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND ANNOUNCES 2009 TILLMAN MILITARY SCHOLARS

Press Contact:
Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, Ph.D.
301.314.8505
mguenzle@umd.edu

In the inaugural year of the Tillman Military Scholarship, the University of Maryland, in association with the Pat Tillman Foundation, has awarded eight UM students scholarships for embodying the characteristics of leadership displayed by Pat Tillman. Each recipient shows significant potential to greatly improve his or her community upon graduation.

The 2009 recipients are undergraduate students David Boucher, Richard Garcia, Dan Hardisty, Anton Hoffman, Lavisha McClarin, and Dennis Robinson, and graduate students Kirby Bowling and James Dillard.

The scholarships cover study-related expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, for veteran and active service members and their dependents. Other needs, such as child care, are also covered by the scholarship. Seven of UM’s eight recipients are currently or were previously members of the U.S. military. The other recipient is the daughter of a current member of the U.S. Army.

According to Steve Olivera, coordinator of the Veterans Program Office and member of the Tillman Military Scholar Selection Committee, “The heroism of Pat Tillman spoke volumes of his character. We looked for scholars who practice ‘everyday’ leadership and have passion to pursue goals that improve communities on grand scales. They represent character from which heroes are made and we look forward to great accomplishments from them.”

The Pat Tillman Foundation was created by Tillman’s family and friends, after his death in April 2004. Following his career as a fan favorite with the Arizona Cardinals, Tillman joined the U.S. Army and was killed during active duty in Afghanistan. The Foundation's mission is to carry on Pat's legacy of leadership and service by providing veterans and their families with the necessary resources and support to improve their own lives and to continue serving their country.

“The goal of the Tillman Military Scholars program is to assist service members and their families in pursuing their educational goals, and to help them continue their service to this nation,” states Pat Tillman Foundation Chair of the Board of Directors Marie Tillman. “The University of Maryland is among several institutions leading the way in bettering the services and opportunities for veterans and their families. The Pat Tillman Foundation is honored to be a part of their efforts and provide scholarships to the service members and families that these programs work to support.”

One of four universities to partner with the Pat Tillman Foundation, Maryland has been working to address the needs of veterans through the university’s Veterans Initiative. The Pat Tillman Foundation learned of this initiative through Katie Munsch, a UM graduate assistant and Tillman Scholar from Arizona State University. Through Munsch, the Foundation considered Maryland and eventually selected the university as a site for its inaugural Tillman Military Scholars.

According to Marsha Guenzler-Stevens, chair of the UM Tillman Military Scholars selection committee, “Pat Tillman considered himself an ‘everyday leader’ and we learned during our selection process that our eight recipients also have extraordinary qualities as leaders. All of our Tillman Military Scholars have contributed their intellect and leadership to the university and they each have left their mark on their families and communities. These are role models who have and will continue to make us proud. How honored we are to partner with the Tillman Foundation in honoring their many contributions.”

DAVID BOUCHER

David Boucher, a 7-year veteran of the Army National Guard with a combat deployment in Iraq, will be a senior in the Fall 2009. With strong military presence in his family history, David was determined to serve. From his military experience, he has gained personal confidence, a trust in the value of team building, and a passion for organizational management. David commutes 2 hours each way to the University of Maryland, while his wife works full time, both pulling together to raise their 2-year old son. David has an exceptional sense of drive to complete his college degree and use his accounting major to make a difference in the public sector. He has a well-developed work ethic, having worked as much as 50 hours a week while in high school.

Quotes from David:

“As a young man from a low income, inner city community I considered the military as an opportunity for personal growth. I believed a commitment to the Army would increase my ability to pay for college and prepare me for a family. Interestingly, I finalized the decision at a musical performance. Before the show the producer asked all the veterans to stand and be recognized. Slowly, dozens of white haired men stood up. I was so overwhelmed at the sight. I still remember my own thoughts, ‘If all these men were brave enough to serve, then I will be too.’ Next time something like that happened, I wanted to be able to stand for my country and her freedom.”

“My military experience enhanced my determination. For instance, during combat operations I learned that I do have the strength to keep going. I remember being worn out past the point of exhaustion on those hot Iraqi afternoons. Those memories serve me well now when my morning alarm goes off at four a.m. Long before all the other students are awake, I am traveling two hours (one way) to school on a slow train. I study while my wife and son are sleeping because I know they need me while they are awake. I am tired but I know that this is my duty for my family.”

“The military helped remove the fear and apprehension that I might have had before a difficult task. Now I accept the responsibility, put my head down and do the right thing. April 22, 2009 marked the five year anniversary of Pat Tillman’s death. I know he felt this sense of duty. He gave up the comfortable life, took on this fear and without complaint, fulfilled his duty to his country. His legacy, in my mind, is the perfect example of who we are. We are soldiers.”

KIRBY BOWLING

Kirby Bowling is a member of the Air Force Reserves. He has had two deployments to Iraq. A PhD student at the University of Maryland, Kirby has completed all of his coursework and is now conducting his research for his dissertation. As a student of military sociology, Kirby is studying the acclimation of veteran students into the college setting. This research is enhanced by Kirby’s work as a part-time staff member in the Veterans Program Office. Kirby served as President of the TerpVets, the student organization for veteran students, during its first year of formation. Kirby is a single father of two children, a result of a marriage significantly impacted by two consecutive deployments. Kirby was a student athlete baseball player at Arizona State University in 1990-91 prior to relocating to Iowa to complete his undergraduate degree. He is very involved in the community, serving as a youth baseball coach and volunteer at his children’s school.

Quote from Kirby:

“I have been entrusted with the lives of others and all of my troops have husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and children who expect me to keep their loved ones alive through the worst possible conditions. There is no way I could ever give less than my best and I would never allow my people to have second-rate leadership. War represents the best of humanity trying to overcome the worst of humanity. Although I have been part of many combat operations, have felt death’s shadow and seen his gruesome work, I thank God I have never lost any of my people and I owe a large deal of it to a sense of commitment and expectation of performance that I require first of myself and then those with whom I serve. I have not sought medals or awards but having been blessed by many forms of accolades over the years but all have paled to the honor of giving the oath of office to my little brother and commissioning him as a Second Lieutenant as he decided to follow in my footsteps. “

JAMES DILLARD

James Dillard, an Air Force reservist with an expansive career in intelligence over 20 years, will be completing his coursework for a PhD in the academic year of 2009-2010. With wide perspective and significant wisdom, James maintains a strong sense of family, community, and the value of education. With a daughter recently out of college, a wife who recently completed her masters, James is driven to help resolve international conflict, while working on a regional level first. James’ son also attends the University of Maryland as a freshman.

Quotes from James:

“Since going to Officer Training School in March 1987, I have had the opportunity to have an exciting and varied career in intelligence analysis, imagery operations, combat survival skills training, air weapons and tactics, and expeditionary support to the warfighter. I have traveled and lived abroad for many months and years, seeing first-hand the wonders and the tragedies of our modern world in places like Saudi Arabia, Korea, the Philippines, Germany, Italy, Norway, Malaysia, and Australia. I have seen how important it is to understand foreign cultures, languages, and political strategies. I have witnessed the clash of civilizations and come to terms with the sobering truth that not every problem has a ready solution. Progress toward peace sometimes must be measured in very small increments.”

“The most valuable lesson I have learned is simply this: Be true to yourself; be honest with your colleagues, friends, and neighbors; be faithful to your God and your country; and always treat with honor not only your service but also your humanity. That’s a good lesson to learn and uphold after 22 great years with the United States Air Force.”

RICHARD GARCIA

Richard Garcia, a five year veteran who has served two deployments in the Middle East, will graduate in Spring 2010. Richard believes his Marine Corps experience has directly contributed to his success in higher education and continues to live their traits: honor, courage and commitment. A former resident of public housing in East Los Angeles with two deaf parents, Richard has overcome incredible odds and is now seen as a role model for youth in his home community. His long-term goal is to earn a Masters in Hearing and Speech and work with deaf children. Richard currently works in the Hearing and Speech Laboratory on campus working with infants. He also does sign interpretation as a volunteer for community organizations.

Quotes from Richard:

“Growing up in East Los Angeles, the life paths of many young men and women are tragic. Many never finish high school, become young parents, join gangs, become involved in drugs and overall fall victims to ‘street life.’ However, every now and then there are programs which reach out to the community and students that leave a large life altering impact, changing the lives of those adolescents. One of my greatest motivating factors came from the Los Angeles Police Academy magnet program which I was involved with throughout high school. The program was intense. I trained and learned about law and the physical aspects that come with being an officer. We also did volunteer work in the community that included starting basketball teams to get kids off the streets. One of the program’s strengths that I took to heart was the physical requirements that included running marathons and completing an actual officer’s obstacle course. These physical requirements taught me the importance of self discipline and created an athlete of me. This eventually led me to pursue an interest with the United States military.”

“Growing up with two deaf parents, on the welfare system and living in Section 8 government housing projects, I never imagined I’d arrive at such a beautiful campus three thousand miles away from home. Just like the courage to defend our country at any given time and place at a moment’s notice, I have developed the mental and moral strength to venture away from my family and live alone on the east coast so I could pursue my educational dream. This courage has pushed me to persevere by not becoming a statistic like many young men in my hometown, but instead to press forward and face the challenges through my years as a student and as I enter my career.”

“Just like Pat Tillman there have been many sacrifices I have made to do what feels like a civic duty and a responsibility of serving our country. We share the traits of a leader and the natural instinct to protect. Just like Pat Tillman, in my senior year in high school, I too got into a fight with another individual because he was bullying another kid. I was never the tough kid or a troublemaker, but the unexpected adrenaline rush to protect this kid from being bullied sent me to his rescue. This was one of my first leaps to defend. After a year of college and 9/11, I decided to put my life on hold and do what felt right. I joined the Marines.”

DAN HARDISTY

Dan Hardisty, is a senior double degree student in Chinese and Government and Politics. Dan served for six years in the Navy and when he completed his service he worked full time before starting college at a local community college. He transferred to the University of Maryland and a Chinese class ignited his passion for Sino-American Relations and the Chinese language and culture. Dan has an internship with the NSA and his dream job would be to work for this agency in the area of intelligence. Additionally, Dan works part time at the Home Depot to make ends meet as he and his wife raise their young daughter. Dan served as an officer of the TerpVets, the student organization for veteran students, during its first year of formation. He currently serves as a student representative on the University of Maryland’s Veterans Steering Committee.

Quotes from Dan:

“There are times I still get nostalgic for being in the Navy; things like being surrounded by nothing but miles of open ocean. I learned a lot from being in the Navy. I grew up, I learned about what real leadership looks like, and I learned how to manage people as a work center supervisor. Perhaps most importantly, I learned that no matter what the task, there is nothing hard work can’t solve. I originally thought I would make a career out of being in the Navy. But, in the end, I decided that I wanted to raise my family and be around for them throughout the year. I know shipmates who have had to deal with being away from their families. I would watch the difficulties they would go through and did not envy them.”

“The wonderful thing about the values a person learns in the military is that they are universal and timeless. Honor, Courage, and Commitment are not just sayings we reiterate; they are a way of life. Without our core values, we are rudderless. The Navy taught me that I never have anything to fear when I’m prepared to the best of my ability. As it is on the ship, so it is in school and in life.”

ANTON HOFFMAN

Anton Hoffman, a Marine reservist of 3 years with a tour in Iraq, will be a senior in the Fall of 2009. Inspired by Pat Tillman, he seeks to go a step above in everything he does, and because Pat was a Special Forces Ranger, Anton has driven himself to acceptance into USMC Special Forces, Marine Recon. Anton wants to make a difference by setting an example of high standards while serving his country in the military and federal law enforcement. Anton is a senior Linguistics major.

Quotes from Anton:

“The most valuable lesson I’ve learned from the Marine Corps is to give nothing less than 100% of my mind, body, and spirit to every task that I undertake and to always demonstrate the Corps’ values of discipline, integrity, courage, honor, and commitment. I demonstrated those values during my deployment to Iraq in 2008. I demonstrate those values daily at the University of Maryland where I am finishing my junior year as a linguistics major. I demonstrate those values in my lifestyle which is highly devoted to health and fitness and my studies.”

“When I graduate from the University of Maryland I will have a minor in writing. I have been empowered to develop my voice through my writing and I have written various pieces that depict my experiences serving as a Marine. I want to help veterans discover the power of their voices and help them tell their stories.”

LAVISHA McCLARIN

Lavisha McClarin, a dependent of a career Army Sergeant who has served in Iraq and was deployed again this June, comes from a family with a long history of military service and was a member of JROTC. In addition to Lavisha, both of her parents and her sister are all currently working on college degrees. Lavisha has been shaped by military values and believes in giving back to the community, such as working with children of deployed military families, and mentoring at-risk elementary students.

Quotes from Lavisha:

“My father has been in the Army for almost 30 years and he is my inspiration. He has taught me so much through his service to his country. He has shown me that through hard work and determination, anything can be achieved. I have learned how to be strong especially during this time of war. In August 2006, my father deployed to Iraq and left us behind at a new base after arriving only two months prior. I had to work through the anxiety and fear of him being in a war zone in order to be all that I could be. It was hard, especially since his deployment time kept extending and his safety was compromised numerous times. However, from this experience and many others I have learned how to be strong, to work through problems, and how to stay on track and not let hardships stand in your way.”

“I mentored fourth graders for a year and talked with them about deployment. I also participated in the Family Readiness Program at Fort Drum, New York and worked on starting a program for teens, a support group at a place where deployment was on a regular schedule. Currently I am a mentor with America Reads and America Counts. The Prince George’s County school children I work with meet twice a week and I tutor them in math. I am a person they can confide in. I love working with kids and making people’s lives better. I plan to use that inspiration in my future career as either a social worker with children, youth, and families or as a physical therapist.”

“As a dependent, I really did enjoy moving around to all of the different locations across the U.S. and the world. I have lived in 12 different locations in my 18 years of life, some of which include Alaska and Germany. I have also been to so many schools within those years that I have lost count. However, I enjoyed every moment of it because if I did not live this life I would have never seen the Aurora Borealis, been through Hurricane Katrina, or have met as many people as I have over the years..”

DENNIS ROBINSON

Dennis Robinson, a 7-year veteran of the U.S. Army with deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, will be pursuing the Business school portion of his dual MBA/J.D. program in the Fall 2009. Intensely passionate about his native city of Baltimore, Dennis hopes to create a community development corporation for the blue-collar Morrell Park neighborhood within the city, in order to revitalize and improve the quality of living there. Currently, Dennis serves his community by coaching Little League and tutoring adult-learners.

Quotes from Dennis:

”I was born and raised in Baltimore. Many of my childhood experiences mirror those of my friends and relatives. I attended the same elementary and middle schools as my brother, my parents and most of my extended family. I even worked the same paper route my father did when he was a kid. A big change in my life came when I considered entering the military after high school. I wanted a change, and I could not think of anything more challenging than leaving everything that was familiar to me so I could serve my country. At first, the decision wasn’t received well by my mentors. They were fairly adamant about me going to college; my grades signaled success to them and I had the possibility of a full scholarship. My parents would have rather I not enlisted as well. They saw my years of hard work in high school as the precursor to further academia, not a life in the Army. But to me, the choice was perfectly logical. I didn’t push myself in high school so that I could get into college. I pushed myself because I took pride in the effort required to succeed.”

“My military experience has aided my work as a community advocate tremendously. What I‘ve found in my work in Baltimore is that many citizens can be cynical about their ability to change their present situations. Years of increasing criminal activity, decreasing support for youth programs and systematic disinvestment in our communities has jaded the average citizen so much that it sometimes seems impossible to convince him or her that we can make our neighborhoods into something better. However, when I begin to feel that convincing our citizens to work for our neighborhoods is an impossible task, I remind myself of my military training. As a young sergeant I learned that good leadership is the ability to inspire and motivate. Moreover, it is the ability to convince others of the importance of the mission. If I demonstrate to Baltimoreans that I’m willing to work tirelessly to make this city better, they will be inspired, and they’ll want to work harder to better our city. Just as I did as a young sergeant, I am working to convince people of the importance of the mission.”