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May 17, 2023

Do You Qualify for the Fry Scholarship Program?

Among the education programs offered to spouses and children of certain service members who died in the line of duty is the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship, otherwise known as the Fry Scholarship. You may qualify for the scholarship if your parent or spouse died while serving in the military on or after September 11th, 2001, or if your parent or spouse was a member of the Selected Reserve who died from a service-connected disability.

The Fry Scholarship program provides beneficiaries with up to 36 months of education benefits at the 100% level.

The scholarship was created to honor the memory of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John D. Fry, 28, of Lorena, Texas. Fry was killed on March 8th, 2006, by an improvised explosive device he was trying to defuse in Iraq, leaving behind his widow and three small children. He was supposed to return home earlier after receiving a Bronze Star for a wound sustained in combat. Fry declined the offer and volunteered to go on one last run to defuse bombs.

 

What Can Beneficiaries Receive?

Eligible surviving spouses and children attending state-operated colleges and universities may get full tuition coverage. Those who go to private or foreign schools will have their tuition and fees capped at $26,381.37 per academic year. The program also offers a monthly housing stipend and book allowance.

Beneficiaries won’t be eligible to apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program, although they can still attend any GI Bill-approved school in the U.S. and have their tuition fully covered. Qualifying for resident tuition doesn’t require beneficiaries to be state residents.

 

Rules for Eligible Spouses and Children

If you’re the spouse of a service member, you can use the Fry Scholarship for 15 years from the anniversary of your loved one’s death or until you remarry. You will no longer be eligible for the scholarship as soon as you get married again.

If you’re the child of a service member, you can use the benefits as long as you’re between the ages of 18 and 33. Children under 18 aren’t qualified for the program even if they have completed high school. Marital status doesn’t affect eligibility.

 

How to Apply

First, you should choose a school. If you’re having uncertainties, you can use the GI Bill Comparison Tool. Once you’ve made a decision, contact the school’s certifying official to ensure that your program is approved for VA benefits.

Next, apply online or fill out a VA Form 22-5490 and send it to the VA regional office where you want to attend school. A parent or guardian will need to sign the application if you aren’t legally an adult yet.

 

A Simple Way to Make a Difference in the Lives of Struggling Veterans

Did you know that the old car that you no longer use can help transform the lives of our former service members who are facing extreme challenges in life? They’re those who have become homeless due to extreme poverty, those who can’t find decent jobs, and those who are suffering from service-connected disabilities and illnesses, including the mental variety.

When you donate your unwanted vehicle to us at Veteran Car Donations, you’ll be able to help them overcome those challenges and get back on their feet.

Our team will auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to support the vital programs of our veteran-focused charity partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding we give to provide their beneficiaries with housing and financial assistance, employment and livelihood opportunities, family support, free quality health care and medical treatment, psychotherapy services, and other services meant to improve their living conditions.

You will also benefit from your charitable contribution. We’ll quickly haul off your unwanted vehicle at a date, time, and place of your preference at absolutely no cost to you. Rest assured that we can collect your donation anywhere in the country.

You’ll also get to enjoy our quick and convenient donation process where you don’t have to do any paperwork.

On top of that, your charitable contribution will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.

Perhaps more important than all those material rewards, you’ll find utmost satisfaction in knowing that your act of charity will be used to help uplift the lives of the suffering veterans in your community.

We accept almost all types of vehicles, and we’re not picky when it comes to their ages or conditions.

Check out our FAQs page for more information on our donation program. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us through our 24/7 toll-free hotline at 877-594-5822 or you may send us a message here.

Make Our Heroes Smile with Your Car Donation Today!

There’s no doubt that your auto donation will bring smiles to the faces of our unsung military heroes who are facing hard times. We’ll use your donation to turn their lives around. Call Veteran Car Donations at 877-594-5822 or fill out our secure online donation form now! 

 

Last Updated: May 18th, 2023

Veteran Car Donations operates in all 50 states.

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