A new scholarship administered by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies will not only support veterans and their family members, but will also honor a longtime local leader who has been a fierce advocate for veterans.
The Thomas Caulfield Veterans Remembered Scholarship was created in honor of the founder of Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. (VCI). Caulfield is himself a Vietnam War Army veteran and has been the president and CEO of VCI since its creation in 1993. Today the organization covers 14 counties (including the CFA footprint of Bedford, Cambria, Indiana, and Somerset counties) and provides a wide range of services for veterans, like training, job searches, benefits, community outreach, legal help, and mental health assistance.
Bob Eyer, a board member for both the Community Foundation and VCI, started the Veterans Remembered Fund in 2021. This year will be the first time the scholarship will be awarded. “For the past 30 years, Tom has been a staunch supporter of our men and women in uniform,” said Bob Eyer, VCI board member. “This is just a small way of extending that legacy of dedication to a group that’s at the heart of our community.”
According to VCI’s Board Chairman, Matt Johnson, the new scholarship is another way to honor area veterans and highlight the work Caulfield has done. “He has worked tirelessly to assist and promote veterans in every aspect of their lives,” Johnson said. “Whether it’s been their transitioning back into the civilian workforce or needing a helping hand to overcome challenges, Tom has been there for his fellow veteran.”
The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded annually. Eligible applicants must either be a current member of the military, a dependent of a member of the military or a veteran, or the grandchild of a veteran. Eligible candidates can apply for the award by completing the Community Foundation’s Easy Apply application, which can be found on the scholarships page of our website.
To donate to support the Thomas Caulfield Veterans Remembered Scholarship, click here. To learn more about how you can honor a loved one’s legacy by creating a fund at the Community Foundation, contact Director of Donor Services Katrina Perkosky.
