Tyndall First Sergeant’s Council gives thousands in scholarships

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sergio A. Gamboa
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Four Team Tyndall Airmen received $1,000 scholarships to pursue their educational goals during an event at Tyndall June 6, 2018.

The Tyndall First Sergeants Council partnered with First Command Financial Services and were able to double the original $500 tuition allowance for the scholarship recipients. This year’s scholarships were presented in honor of Dane Turnmeyer.

Dane, the son of Tamara Turnmeyer, 325th Force Support Squadron military child education officer, was born with a congenital heart defect which required multiple surgeries and numerous medical visits during his 13 years of life.

“Danes life was full of challenges both physically and educationally,” said Master Sgt. Jeffery Hunter, 325th FSS first sergeant. “He wanted to be a normal boy like his peers and always wanted others to treat him that way. He was very dedicated, determined and never quit anything he started.”

Like Dane, certain members of Team Tyndall strive to meet their goals and have dedicated themselves to furthering their education.

The following Team Tyndall members received help pursuing degrees with the help of a scholarship:

·         Staff Sgt. Lucas Messer, 325th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron - pursuing bachelor’s in engineering

·         Senior Airman Kyrie McGlynn, 325th Medical Operation Squadron – pursuing a bachelor’s in exercise science

·         Airman 1st Class Anna Casarin Parrish, 325th Medical Group - pursuing an associate in nursing

·         Airman 1st Class Alexis Nygaard, 325th MDG - pursuing an associate in nursing

 

“I was very surprised and humbled when I found out that I was going to receive the Tyndall FSG Scholarship,” said Nygaard. “This was an incredible opportunity that I had the chance to participate in and I could not have chosen a better group of leaders to drive the event. I feel extremely fortunate, to say the least. I would like to encourage everyone to engage in their academic objectives and to strive for success.”

Nygaard plans to use the scholarship toward books and supplies for the current courses she is par taking in and will keep in mind what she is striving for.

“Dane’s goal was to attend college and graduate with a degree in a sports related field,” Hunter said. “To our scholarship winners, we ask you continue to embody the drive of Dane Turnmeyer, and never quit on yourself and never give up on your goals.”