Contributed by the Bennie Adkins Foundation
Lirona Joshi
Staff Writer
In a mission to honor the service of Special Forces veterans, the Benny Adkins Foundation has been providing educational scholarships to aid the transition of soldiers from military to civilian life. The foundation granted 10 scholarships in 2018 and is planning to increase the number to 25 recipients for 2019.
“We believe the Special Forces soldiers can realize great benefit in their post-military service life by investing in education during their service years and transition from military to civilian life,” said Brian White, the Benny Adkins Foundation’s treasurer and a member of its board of directors.
The foundation itself was established in the name of Sgt. Major Benny Adkins to continue the legacy of service, sacrifice and commitment of Special Forces soldiers. Adkins served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years and spent a majority of his time in the Special Forces. He was deployed to Vietnam three times, and during his second deployment he was involved in heroic efforts which eventually led to him receiving the U.S. Congressional Medal of Honor in 2014.
After his retirement at the rank of Command Sergeant Major, Adkins continued his education, eventually obtaining his bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees from Troy University.
“The foundation works with numerous universities, including Troy, to help promote supportive educational environments for soldiers that can provide the flexibility in coursework required for the soldiers to continue their education while serving on active duty,” White said.
Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins Jr. serves as a member of the foundation’s board of directors that works to grant scholarships to the candidates who show vision and dedication to their transition from successful military careers to civilian life.
Applications for the scholarship can be found on the foundation’s website at www.bennieadkinsfoundation.org. The applications for the 2019 scholarship are due by July 1, 2019.
