TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- For a freshman student at Gulf Coast Community College, striking a balance between employment and education is a daily challenge.

Stephanie Fields, a student studying elementary education at Gulf Coast Community College, works more than 25 hours a week as an assistant manager, while also tackling a demanding academic course load.

"Working is important to me," said Stephanie Fields. "But I understand the need to make education a priority, and for me, it's a top priority. I know that you need a great education to succeed."

Stephanie Fields invests effort in balancing her academic career and employment responsibilities, and recently, an investment was made in her to help ensure a bright future for the first-year college student.

Ms. Fields was awarded the Chief Gregory A. Kebil Memorial Scholarship in March. The $1,000 academic scholarship was founded by the USAF Aircraft Armament Systems community. The Chief Gregory A. Kebil Memorial Scholarship Fund pays tribute to the legacy of Chief Kebil and honors his selfless contributions to the Air Force and the weapons community.

"My dad told me about the scholarship and encouraged me to apply," said Ms. Fields. "So I did, and I was lucky enough to actually receive it."

The Chief Gregory A. Kebil Memorial Scholarship is the first academic scholarship Ms. Fields has applied for. The annual scholarship program is open to dependants of Active Duty, Reserve or Guard personnel in the 462X0 or 2W1X1 career fields.

Ms. Fields aspires to become a teacher and give back to her community. She says her commitment and dedication comes from someone she has looked up to since she was a child.

"My dad is a big influence in my life," said Ms. Fields. "And he has always supported me and helped me make the right decisions."

Ms. Fields plans to use the scholarship to offset the cost of tuition and books for the upcoming semester.

She was presented the scholarship during an award ceremony held at the 325th Fighter Wing Weapons Standardization facility in March. The ceremony was presided over by Chief Master Sgt. Booker Woods, 325th Maintenance Group weapons manager.

Following the presentation, Ms. Fields expressed gratitude for the recognition.

"I can't thank you guys enough," she said. 

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Stephanie Fields is the daughter of Chief Master Sgt. Louis Fields of the 83rd Fighter Weapons Squadron. She graduated high school in England, and is currently enrolled at Gulf Coast Community College.