There are many winners at the Kevin L. White Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jonathan E. White
  • 514th Air Mobility Wing
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE DIX LAKEHURST --  Rob Johnson, Ron Tommasello, Ron Bannister, and Steph Garrett took first place in the 12 Annual Senior Airman Kevin L. White Memorial Scholarship Golf Tournament held Aug. 22 at the Falcon Creek Golf Course.

"The scholarship golf tournament is important because we are honoring Senior Airman Kevin L. White, son of retired Chief Master Sgt. John White, who passed away tragically in 2003," said Staff Sgt. Oscar Salazar, 514th Air Mobility Wing. "Money is always an issue with school. This really helps out!"

Salazar was joined by Senior Airman Vanessa Schoening, 514th Civil Engineering Squadron, Ariana Petrycki, 732nd Airlift Squadron and Michael Yee, 714th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron as this year's recipients.

Named in memory of former 514th Security Forces Squadron member, Senior Airman White, each year scholarships are awarded in his memory to deserving Airman pursuing their undergraduate education.

Salazar's supervisors, who knew Salazar was already selected, decided to have fun. At the time Salazar was unaware of the results therefore they told him he did not make it this year. Salazar went through most of the UTA weekend believing them until close of business when he received a telephone call from Master Sgt. Tanowa Watson stating the contrary.

"My face was in shock when Master Sgt. Watson said I was selected. I could not believe it," said Salazar. "I then realized my supervisors had played a trick on me."

From golf participant to scholarship recipient, the day brought together a variety of people who networked, bonded and shared stories. More importantly were the accolades the recipients received from many of the retirees such as the praises offered from Chief MSgt. Dean Roberts 514th SFS to Senior Airman Schoening.

"Senior Airman Schoening recently graduated from the New York City Fire Academy. With only 41 female firefighters in New York City, the odds of getting hired by FDNY as a firefighter (man and especially woman) are astronomical," said Roberts. "The fact that she graduated from the academy and was selected today speaks volumes of her."

White, a criminal justice major at West Chester University in Pennsylvania, was in the process of completing his undergraduate degree when he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves immediately following the Sept. 11 attacks. In honor of his dedication and duty to country, the 514th AMW Career Advisor Council and SFS created the memorial golf tournament and scholarship fund in 2003, awarding scholarships to the next generation of Airmen following in White's footsteps.