The scholarship was started while the Battalion was in Vietnam and was originally administered by American International College in Springfield, Massachusetts. It remained under the auspices of the college until 2001 when it was transferred to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation. At the time of the transfer, the fund was valued at slightly over $10,000. In 2002, the 3/26 administrator changed from Andy DeBona to Tom Early. In 2009 the fund was transferred to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and was valued at $30,000.
Recipients have received cash awards ranging from $2000 to $3000 (based on a percentage of the fund value). Recipients since the fund returned to 3/26 control include:
2011 - Sheril Denny - daughter of Jim Wallin - St Cloud Minnesota Technical College
2010 - no award as of July 2010
2009 Courtney Brown - granddaughter of Curtis Brown - Kings College (NY)
2008 Chelsea Johnson - granddaughter of Rufus Wade - University of Maine at Orono
2007 Benjamin Robbins - nephew of James Sigman - Boston University
2006 Artis Montgomery - daughter of Arthur Montgomery - Rutgers University
2005 John Manzi Bailes - nephew of John Manzi - Rochester Institute of Technology
2004 James McFarland III - son of James McFarland Jr - graduate school (unknown)
2003 James McFarland III - son of James McFarland Jr - Neuman College (PA)
Sons and daughters or grandchildren of 3/26 members who have honorably served or died in service are eligible for scholarships. Further information can be found at www.mcsf.org
If you wish to donate to the 3/26 Scholarship fund, please mail your check to:
3rd Battalion 26th Marine Scholarship Fund
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
121 Saint Asaph Street
Alexandria VA 22314
Copyright 2009 3rd Battalion 26th Marine Regiment. All rights reserved.