The Sentinels Of Freedom Scholarship Program^sm

Scholarship Terms and Criteria

The four-year Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship was created to benefit qualified members of the U.S. Armed Forces severely injured in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001. The program helps them readjust to civilian life and prosper in their hometowns or new communities.

Local volunteer teams pledge to provide mentoring and moral support, and the Sentinels pledge to use that support to reach their personal, professional and financial goals.

 

Four-Year Commitment

Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Recipients can receive assistance for up to four years with:

• Rent-free housing (adapted for physical needs)

• New furniture and other household supplies

• Career-placement assistance and training

• New adaptive vehicles (based upon need)

• Educational opportunities

• Financial and personal mentorship
  
   

Who Qualifies?

Any member of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines or Navy who on or after Sept. 11, 2001, sustained injuries in the line of duty resulting in one or a combination of these conditions:

• Amputation

• Blindness

• Deafness

• Paraplegia

• Severe Burns
  
   

Qualified candidates must have the skills, experience and attitude that employers look for in filling available positions and must successfully complete all interview processes.

 

Application Process

We ask that applicants first provide detailed preliminary information to the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation for evaluation. Once qualification is verified, interviews and meetings follow.

View or submit the Preliminary Candidate Questionnaire.

 

The Community’s Role

After years of relocating with the military, the men and women who accept the Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship are ready to establish roots and belong to a community. That’s why local involvement is paramount to the program’s and - more importantly - the Sentinels’ success.

A volunteer team of up to 10 business professionals, with associations and relationships that are relevant to the components of the program, mobilizes to carry out the Sentinels of Freedom mission in its community. Team members coordinate and manage local donations, and prepare for the Sentinel’s arrival, including a “Welcome Home” ceremony.

Each community accepts responsibility for raising the money to fund their local program, and 100 percent of those funds go directly to supporting that community’s hero.

 

The Team Structure

The time commitment for setting up and carrying out the program is minimal. We help train volunteer team members and shepherd the right candidate to your community.

One team member serves as team leader for the four-year term, overseeing preparations and follow-through on all aspects of the program.

The other team members – at least one of whom has significant military experience to act as a liaison with the military and government – are separated into three groups.

Called the Red, White and Blue teams, each group has a specific and focused responsibility:

RED
Red Team members focus on finding strong employment options. They contact local companies to inquire about career-oriented positions and meet with employers to determine whether job requirements suit the Sentinel’s skills, interests and goals. Team members also coordinate the interview process and finalize employment terms and agreements.

WHITE
White Team members secure housing and transportation. Contacting local builders, car dealers and area business owners about donating these resources, the team members ensure the Sentinel comes home to immediate independence. Rallying community support also is a key responsibility of the White Team.

BLUE
Blue Team members concentrate their efforts on any military issues involving Veterans Affairs, caseworkers and doctors, among others. These mentors also support the Sentinel through the final steps of military service. At least one member of the Blue Team has an extensive and fairly recent military background.

Does your community have room at the table to help just one sentinel? Please use our web form to contact us further regarding community involvement.
 

Securing Resources

The groups scout out possible local sponsors (businesses, corporations, community organizations, veterans groups) who can provide either monetary or in-kind donations for housing, furniture and transportation.

 

Employment And Training

Designated team members contact area companies to inquire about career-oriented positions and meet with employers to determine whether job requirements suit a candidate’s skills, interests and goals. Team members also finalize employment terms and agreements.

Do you represent a company interested in employing a qualified Sentinel? Please use our web form to contact us further regarding employing a qualified Sentinel.

Participating employers have included:

• AT&T

• Chevron

• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

• UPS

• Wells Fargo
  
   

"Welcome Home" Ceremony

Community members, military leaders and area dignitaries use the “Welcome Home” ceremony as an opportunity to formally thank the Sentinels for their military service and to convey a local commitment to the program. Team members organize the hour-long event at a hall, church, school or other appropriate location.

 

Ongoing Mentorship

After an initial adjustment period, the members of the team continue to act as advocates, and offer encouragement and guidance during the four-year scholarship period. It’s very important to establish and protect the rapport that forms in the first months of the program. Mutual concern, respect and trust set the foundation for enduring friendships and ensure the Sentinels reach their goals.

An inspiring bond also builds between the Sentinels and their communities. Community members are proud to make a difference in the life of a severely wounded veteran, and the Sentinels are grateful for the warm embrace.