The Wingman Foundation is proud to announce the winners of the 2016 Lieutenant Colonel Christopher “Otis” Raible Educational Grant. Due to the high level of qualifications and service displayed by the large pool of applicants, it was decided by the “Otis” Scholarship Committee to award two highly-deserving veterans with $5000 grants. Because of their outstanding achievements one undergraduate student and one graduate student were each selected for the honor.

Tegan Griffith served as an Aircraft Maintenance Administration Specialist in the Marine Corps before leaving active duty. She is currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Since her enlistment, Tegan has been active in veterans’ causes, to include working for the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs and as an active leader for the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). She is also serving as the UW-Stevens Point Student Government Association Chief of Staff and an active member of the UW-Stevens Point Veterans Club.

Brennan Shearer, working towards a Masters of Public Administration at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, was selected as the Graduate Student winner. After completing an enlistment in the Marine Corps as Logistics Specialist in the Air Wing, Brennan completed his undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina. After a stint as a management consultant and analyst, he returned to school. Since leaving active duty, Brennan has served the veteran community by creating a workplace veterans group, volunteering with a non-profit organization serving homeless and at-risk veterans.

“There were many qualified veteran and active duty servicemember applicants but these two stood out for their desire to continue to give back after completing their degrees,” said Michael Rogers, The Wingman Foundation’s Head of Programs. “We are grateful to the Raible family to allow us to continue to share Chris’s story and honor his sacrifice by providing opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Tegan and Brennan are great representatives of what ‘Otis’ stood for.”

LtCol Raible, the Commanding Officer of Marine Attack Squadron 211, put himself between the enemy and his Marines when the Bastion Air Field was attacked in 2012. Armed with only a pistol, he personally led his Marines against an infiltrating Taliban force in Afghanistan before falling to enemy fire. It is in this spirit of tenacity and commitment that The Wingman Foundation is proud to honor LtCol Raible's sacrifice.

The Wingman Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that serves Navy and Marine Corps Aviation. Michael also noted, “It’s our mission is to honor the sacrifices of our fallen air warriors. The 'Otis' Raible Scholarship is just one of the programs that TWF has creating to honor the memories and sacrifices of fallen heroes.”

Please check out the Education page to find more information on other scholarships, including the Major Michael “Martini” Martino Scholarship, to be awarded this spring.

“Never Leave A Wingman Behind.”