Editor's Note: This article by MOAA's staff is part of the MOAA Charities 2020 Impact Report, a version of which first appeared in the November 2020 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.

The MOAA Scholarship Fund supports the Educational Assistance Program, which provides interest-free loans and grants for up to five years of undergraduate study to students who are children of active duty, reserve, National Guard, or retired military personnel. Since its 1948 founding, $160 million in loans, grants, and scholarships have been awarded to more than 16,000 students.

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Here are a few stories from some loan recipients, in their own words.

Cadyn Davis 

It is not often in life that people bestow unexpected kindness upon you, let alone kindness of this magnitude. My father passed away from cancer about one year ago. As I was growing up, both he and my mother always emphasized that educating and developing the mind is one of the most important things a person can do. I cannot help but feel that as much as this is a gift to me, it is also a gift for my dad.

I am overwhelmingly grateful for your support of my family and of my dreams. Upon graduating, I plan to become a teacher with Teach For America so that I might help others pursue their own educational achievements. Thank you so much.

Queston Grannis

I have had a passion for the military, ever since I did Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps throughout high school. I chose to pursue Reserve Officers’ Training Corps in college. I have been attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Ariz., and I’m proud to say that I’m part of the Lumberjack Battalion within the 5th Brigade. This program has mentally and physically prepared me for life after college, to be the best officer that I can be in the Army.

I was grateful to receive the interest-free loan from MOAA. Instead of focusing on how I would pay for college, I was able to focus more on
my studies and enjoy my college life.

Reagan Cloutier

Thank you so much for your generous grant you have awarded me with. This money will greatly offset the cost of my tuition this year and allow me to save more money for the costs of my R.N. licensure once I graduate in May. Thank you so much for dedicating time and money to supporting military children and families.

Your generosity over the past three years has made such a big impact in my life.