Community Engagement
The Heart of Texas Chapter (HOT) of the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Recently Awarded Five Educational Scholarships Totaling $12,000 and over $5000 in Grants and Donations in 2024
Proceeds from the Chapter fund raising efforts were used to award educational scholarships to deserving students attending or planning to attend accredited schools of higher education, to Baylor University Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets, to cadets in Junior ROTC (JROTC) units at five local area high schools, to the Heart of Texas Civil Patrol (CAP), and to multiple veterans’ programs in Central Texas. Funds for these programs were derived from the “Freedom Is Not Free” Golf Tournament held on June 8, 2024 at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course.
Four scholarships were awarded for 2024. Harold Rafuse, Chapter Scholarship Chair, made the presentation of awards.
“General Harry A. Goodall” scholarship in the amount of $4,500 was awarded to Kaylee Smith who is attending Texas Tech University this fall.
“Freedom Is Not Free” scholarship in the amount of $3,500 was awarded to JaeAnn Hines who is attending Trinity University this fall.
“Freedom Is Not Free” scholarship in the amount of $2,000 was awarded to Cole Bryant (Kristi Bryant, standing in for son) who is attending West Point Military Academy this fall.
Freedom Is Not Free” scholarship in the amount of $2,000 was awarded to Maddison Betis who is attending Baylor University this fall.
In 2024, to support future leaders, Chapter also provided $2,900 in grants to Waco area ROTC/JROTC and CAP programs. The Chapter donated $1,000 each to the Baylor VETS Program, the Veteran’s One Stop, and $500 to the Stan Parker Foundation. To sustain our scholarship, grant and donation programs, the Chapter needs and looks forward to continued community support. The Heart of Texas Chapter, MOAA, is currently planning its next major 2025 fundraising event, the “Freedom Is Not Free” Golf Tournament, for Jun 7, 2025 at Waco’s Cottonwood Creek Golf Course.