Pat Tillman Foundation » Patrick Nelson Dedication, Leadership, Continued Service Wed, 01 May 2013 02:59:56 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 NFL-TMS D’Onior Felton Recognized /2011/12/12/nfl-tms-donior-felton-recognized/ /2011/12/12/nfl-tms-donior-felton-recognized/#comments Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:09:38 +0000 Pat Tillman Foundation /?p=2812 Continue reading →]]> 2011 NFL-Tillman Military Scholar, Navy Petty Officer Third Class D’Onior Felton of Clarksdale, Mississippi, was recognized this past Sunday, December 11 before the Washington Redskins game against the New England Patriots at FedEx Field.

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.

]]> /2011/12/12/nfl-tms-donior-felton-recognized/feed/ 0 Pat Tillman Foundation & the NFL /2010/12/02/pat-tillman-foundation-the-national-football-league/ /2010/12/02/pat-tillman-foundation-the-national-football-league/#comments Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:26:55 +0000 Pat Tillman Foundation /?p=737 Continue reading →]]> Since the Foundation’s inception, the National Football League has graciously recognized Pat’s heroic sacrifice for his country in a variety of ways that celebrate his memory. The legacy of Pat Tillman and his connection to the NFL is an important American story that continues to be told by avid football fans and everyday Americans alike. Known for its rich history of honoring the U.S. Armed Services, over the past few weeks the NFL has teamed up with the Pat Tillman Foundation to recognize active duty servicemembers, veterans and military families. See below a few of these activities.

Selected as the inaugural NFL Tillman Military Scholar, Patrick Nelson was honored on the field and announced as an honorary captain during the Minnesota Vikings vs. Arizona Cardinals game.

NFL Tillman Military Scholar Patrick Nelson on the field
with Minnesota Viking captains during the coin toss.

While representing the Pat Tillman Foundation, Tillman Military Scholar Cameron Waites had an opportunity to attend the Chicago Bears Glory Days event in honor of the ’85 Bears, where he had a chance meeting with Coach Mike Ditka.

Tillman Military Scholar Cameron Waites with Coach Mike Ditka.

Team Tillman New York 2010 members were invited to the NFL Headquarters for an inspirational meeting the day before competing in the ING New York City Marathon. The tour included a photo opportunity in front of the tribute to Pat Tillman located on the commissioner’s floor.
Team Tillman members (Left to right) Brett Sheats, Anna Jablonski,
Wendy Razzi, Paul Poteet, Amy Murdock, Anthony Donatelli, James Roland
and Pat Moore with the NFL’s Pat Tillman tribute.

Team Tillman New York member and Pat Tillman Foundation Director of Programs Hunter I Riley “ran” into former NY Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer at the start of the race.

Hunter I Riley and Amani Toomer.

And Pat Tillman Foundation Board Chair Marie Tillman was joined by Arizona Cardinal Darnell Dockett in support of the Foundation’s text campaign.

Marie Tillman and Darnell Dockett.
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