Grand Rapids Reporter

Several organizations in Michigan are working together to help members of military families attend college.  

The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA), Community Bankers of Michigan (CBM), and Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) will offer $5,000 scholarships to 20 students, according to a press release from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's (D-MI) office.

"Community bankers from across the state of Michigan went all in to support Folds of Honor as they, in turn, honor the sacrifice of military families by educating their legacies," Michael Tierney, president and CEO of CBM, said in the press release. "Folds of Honor has provided 44,000 scholarships to U.S. military families, equaling over $200 million of critical support. Folds of Honor was founded by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, based in part upon his inspirational experience on a flight carrying a fallen soldier to Grand Rapids, Michigan.

"We are the land of the free because we are the home of the brave service members who, in many cases, made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us and our communities. We are delighted to be able to provide over $100,000 in scholarships to Michigan military families through Folds of Honor — and today's scholarship recipients make us all very proud to help support this noble mission."

Members of CBM gathered over $100,000 to provide funding through Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that aids the families of deceased or disabled military service members, the press release noted.

"I am proud to celebrate these scholarship awards alongside DIFS and CBM," Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II (D-MI) said in the press release. "Scholarships afforded me the opportunity to go to college — I know the difference these resources make for these students whose family members have given so much to our nation. Gov. Whitmer and I are committed to giving Michigan students the tools they need to thrive and to support Michigan veterans and their families."

"Folds of Honor expanded its mission to include first responders" this year, according to the press release.

"These students and their families have made incredible sacrifices in service to our country, and I am honored to join Michigan's banking industry in recognizing these deserving recipients and ensuring that those who protect our country are never forgotten," Anita Fox, director of DIFS, said in the press release. "These scholarships are just one of the many ways Michigan's banks support the communities they serve, and DIFS is proud to join CBM in honoring and supporting Michigan's military families."