The 2018 Eugene Winston Turner Scholarship has been awarded to Colin Flanagan from Loveland High School. The scholarship is named for my great grandfather who served in WWII and Korea in both the Marine Corps and the Navy. Aaron Banfield from Full Throttle Indoor Karting has endowed his second My GI Foundation Scholarship and we are very grateful to partner with them. Aaron has regular free events for veterans and is both generous and kind. We are fortunate to know Aaron and applaud his fondness for American veterans. He has opened a new Full Throttle in Florence, KY, but you can find him at his Sharonville location as well. Aaron is a tremendous person first and foremost.

Colin has a storied Marine Corps and Navy lineage, which is obvious given the qualities he displays as a young man. Colin was elected to student council all four years in high school. He was a football team captain and All-ECC seletion. He was also an All-ECC Academic selection. Colin chose to attend Boy's State, which is a week-long experience the American Legion pays for their top student delegates to attend. He was chosen as field event MVP twice as a shot put and discus thrower. Colin was also chosen for the 2017 Citizenship award, which is voted on by the faculty. Congratulations, Colin! We look forward to watching your progress as a leader and as a mentor to our youth affected from your volunteerism.

Being able to honor a group of Army Air Corps Pilots has been a highlight to our service at My GI. We are particularly honored that so many people came out to support the awards we bestowed upon the airmen. Their history is simply amazing and while this gathering was a part of a celebration the real celebration happened as these brave men overcame bias and bigotry to serve as one of the most effecient units in WWII. This was truly an event with all the military personnel we had the pleasure to meet and honor for the first time. It is clear that all veterans are proud of the Red Tails and the critical role they played in our military history.