“The Pat Tillman Foundation is closely monitoring the tragic events that occurred today at the Boston Marathon. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families in the wake of this horrific incident. As we move forward for the 9th Annual Pat’s Run, the Tillman Foundation is working closely with the City of Tempe and Tempe Police, Arizona State University, Arizona State University Police Department and additional security to ensure the safety of all our runners and supporters on the ground this weekend. Increased security measures are being put into place as we move forward with the race.”

If you are member of the media seeking comment, please contact Michelle McCarthy at mmccarthy@pattillmanfoundation.org or (201) 675-1063.

NFL-Tillman Military Scholar D'Onior Felton on the field at FedEx Field.

In June 2010, the NFL and Pat Tillman Foundation established the NFL-Tillman Military Scholar award to annually honor an individual who exemplifies Pat’s enduring legacy of service. The scholarship is part of the Tillman Military Scholars program established by the Pat Tillman Foundation to support educational opportunities for veterans and active service members and their spouses by filling the financial gaps in the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. The Tillman Military Scholars program covers direct study-related expenses such as tuition and books, as well as other basic needs such as housing and childcare.

D’Onior, who is currently a medical student at George Washington University, developed a passion for medicine while serving in the Navy as a surgical technologist. During that time, she gained the confidence to interact with physicians and set her sights on becoming a doctor one day. Felton earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland University College while serving on active duty. After discharging in 2005, she completed all the necessary pre-med prerequisites and applied to  medical school.

“D’Onior’s military experience and training opened her eyes to a career she had never really considered,” said Marie Tillman, Chair and President of the Pat Tillman Foundation. “As a doctor, she wants to provide health care to underserved communities in the southern U.S. and through her career in public health, carry on Pat’s legacy of leadership and service. It’s an honor to recognize her as this year’s NFL-Tillman Military Scholar.”

Felton plans to enter pediatric or emergency medicine for her residency, with a focus on infectious disease. Her aim is to eventually practice medicine in a medically underserved community of the U.S. while also working with a community health care center near to her home state of Mississippi.

“We are pleased to continue our work with the Tillman Foundation on the NFL-Tillman Military Scholar program,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Pat Tillman means so much to the NFL family, and we congratulate D’Onior on receiving this year’s honor.”

Since the Foundation’s inception, the NFL has recognized Tillman’s heroic sacrifice for his country in a variety of ways that celebrate his memory.

UPDATE: Inaugural NFL-Tillman Military Scholar, Patrick Nelson, completed his bachelor’s degree in sports management and history in May and started a master’s in sports management this semester. This past year, Nelson interned with the Minnesota Vikings.

“It is an honor that through the efforts of the Pat Tillman Foundation and the generous support of our donors we are able to directly impact the lives of the new class of Tillman Military Scholars by investing in their educations,” shares Marie Tillman, founder and chair of the Pat Tillman Foundation. “In providing this support, not only do we honor Pat’s legacy of leadership and service, we encourage these individuals to create their own.”

In addition to this year’s awards, the Pat Tillman Foundation previously committed $642,000 and $709,000 to the first and second classes of Tillman Military Scholars, respectively. In total, over $2.2 million has been awarded to 171 Tillman Military Scholars. Those honored with the distinction have demonstrated a commitment to service combined with a desire to pursue impactful educational and career goals.

“Although the financial assistance makes my educational goals a reality, it’s the intangible qualities of being a Tillman Military Scholar that make this the honor of a lifetime. By being a Scholar, I will have the priceless support of an amazing Foundation invested in veterans through education and community,” states newly selected Tillman Military Scholar Lindsay Compton, a University of Michigan graduate student. “Furthermore, I’ll have the awesome privilege of carrying a hero’s story throughout my education and career. Pat’s is a great shadow to walk in, and I know that his memory will keep me grounded and focused during the most challenging times ahead.”

Visit the Scholar Map to learn more about Lindsay and her peers. And follow the Pat Tillman Foundation here, on Facebook (Pat Tillman Foundation (Official)) and on Twitter (@pattillmanfnd) to stay updated throughout the year.

Columbia University, San Diego State University, University of Michigan – Flint, University of South Florida and University of Wyoming have been selected as Tillman Military Scholar university partners for the 2011/2012 academic year.

These five universities join returning university partners Cleveland State University, Mississippi State University, Texas A&M University, University of Arizona, University of Arkansas, University of Maryland and University of Oregon. University partners are selected based on their innovative program support services and proven culture of community for military families. As a University Partner, each institution conducts outreach to its veteran student population and actively participates in the selection process. Upon selection of Tillman Military Scholars on campus, each then supports the building of community among these students, strengthening their academic and personal experience.

“Mississippi State University and the G.V. ‘Sonny’ Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans take great pride in our partnership with the Pat Tillman Foundation. Not only has the Foundation provided much needed financial assistance to our Tillman Military Scholars but it has also inspired and encouraged personal and professional growth in our students,” said Andrew Rendon, Director of the Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans at MSU. “The strength of the Pat Tillman Foundation is its desire to affect positive, lifelong change in their Scholars – a value which is fundamentally shared and appreciated by MSU.”

In 2008, understanding the challenges experienced by military families and the increased need for resources, the board of directors led by Marie Tillman, Pat’s widow, refocused its mission: to invest in veterans and their families through education and community. With the Tillman Military Scholars program, the Pat Tillman Foundation is dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for servicemembers and military families by filling the financial gaps left by the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Tillman Military Scholarships cover not only direct study-related expenses such as tuition and fees, but also other needs including housing and child care. To date, 111 Tillman Military Scholars representing 28 states and attending 46 academic institutions nationwide have been awarded over $1.3 million.

“We are honored to be a Tillman Military Scholar University Partner,” stated Dr. Larry Braue, Director of Veterans Services at the University of South Florida. “These scholarships will provide unprecedented opportunities for our student veterans to pursue their lifelong dreams. It gives the University of South Florida one more way to demonstrate our commitment to the personal success of those who sacrificed so much to protect our great nation.”

The application to become a Tillman Military Scholar opens on March 7.

The 7th annual Pat’s Run will be held Saturday, April 16, 2011 in Tempe, Arizona at Sun Devil Stadium. Registration will officially open in the fall so please check the Pat’s Run website and follow the Pat Tillman Foundation on Facebook for the latest news.

Photo by Bruce Yeung

The demonstrated need for academic resources and support for of our Armed Forces proved to be so great that in 2009 the Foundations’ Board of Directors, led by Pat’s wife, Marie Tillman, decided to commit the organization fully to a major national initiative to enable our veterans and their families to fulfill their academic dreams and become the next “Greatest Generation.”

The story of Pat’s life and legacy continues to inspire the country and has the power to shine a light on the experiences of all of those who serve. By weaving together the story of Pat Tillman with those selected to carry on his legacy through the Tillman Military Scholars program, we tell the story of the power, potential and devotion of every vet and military family member.

To accomplish this mission of celebrating Pat’s legacy and sharing the experiences of our military families, Pat Tillman Foundation will host two days of events in Washington, D.C. June 8 – 9, 2010. The inaugural “Pat Tillman Legacy Summit” schedule will include a day on Capitol Hill for the Tillman Military Scholars, service at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and a VIP reception at the Eastern Market.

For more information on the Pat Tillman Legacy Summit please email info@pattillmanfoundation.org.

November 6, 2009: As the Nation prepares to honor veterans and servicemembers next week, communities around the country will join together at parades and ceremonies to recognize the sacrifice of all U.S. veterans. These activities highlight the bravery and dedication of heroic Americans and bring attention to the needs of returning soldiers and their families, including help for educational pursuits.

The Pat Tillman Foundation carries forward the spirit of Veterans Day each and every day as we work to honor Pat’s legacy and dedication to leadership. In 2009 the Pat Tillman Foundation established the Tillman Military Scholars program, dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for servicemembers and their families by filling the financial gaps in the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. The Tillman Military Scholars program covers direct study-related expenses for veterans, such as tuition, fees, books, room and board and other basic needs, including child care.

Pat Tillman Foundation awarded $642,000 to the inaugural class of 52 Tillman Military Scholars pursuing education at every level from freshmen undergraduates to PhD candidates. All 52 scholars are connected by their intense desire to improve their own lives while continuing to serve their country and communities in a variety of ways.

In this first year of the Tillman Military Scholars program, the Pat Tillman Foundation received 480 applications from student veterans and military dependents throughout the country. In addition, four “partner” universities were chosen to help circulate information and educate eligible students about the program. Each of the partner universities were chosen for leading the way in military support services to students on campus. The 2009 / 2010 partner universities are Mississippi State University, University of Idaho, University of Arkansas and University of Maryland.

Overall the first class of Tillman Military Scholars represent 21 different universities across 16 states – Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia.

Each of the 52 Tillman Military Scholars has an inspiring story to tell and has a passion that drives them. Just as they served our country in uniform they continue to focus their efforts on ways to better their communities out of uniform.

One compelling Tillman Military Scholar story is Marine Corps Master Sergeant William “Spanky” Gibson. After losing his left leg to a terrorist sniper’s bullet while serving in Iraq in 2006, Gibson endured months of difficult rehabilitation and rigorous physical therapy. While recovering from his amputation, he set a personal goal to train for triathlons.

In 2007, he competed in the Escape from Alcatraz Swim where he met Marine General James Mathis. Upon meeting General Mathis, Gibson’s only request was to be redeployed to Iraq, making him the first ever above-the-knee amputee to be redeployed to the front lines.

After his second deployment to Iraq, Gibson earned an opportunity to become the first enlisted congressional military legislative fellow. He currently works for House Committee on Veteran Affairs Ranking Member Congressman Steve Buyer. With this opportunity, Gibson and his family moved from Oklahoma to Washington, D.C., where he has now enrolled at the University of Maryland – University College and is studying psychology, a course of study which will supplement his work with other disabled veterans. His motivation to focus on psychology is simple, “I want to spend the remainder of my life helping veterans overcome mental health problems,” said Gibson.

The Foundation’s goal for the Tillman Military Scholars program is to award annually $3.6 million in scholarship funds to veteran and active servicemembers and their families. This amount represents Pat’s NFL contract with the Arizona Cardinals which he turned down in order to join the armed forces and serve his country after September 11, 2001.

When this amount is reached, we will be honoring Pat’s life and sacrifice but also we will be honoring his peers who continue his legacy through their own military service.

The need for support is great. Each year over 300,000 troops complete their military service and return to school or work. More than 1.8 million veterans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001. More than one million children have had a parent deployed since September 11, 2001.

The mission of the Pat Tillman Foundation is to be the national leader in providing resources and educational support to this deserving group. The Tillman Military Scholars program aids all veterans and specifically the ever-growing population of veterans and dependents of the Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.

Inspired by the distinguished life and legacy of Pat Tillman – professional athlete, military hero and a man of strong character and kindness – the Pat Tillman Foundation seeks to build a community of scholars dedicated to improving their own lives, the lives of their families and their country by creating a spirit of service.