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FOAA Awards Scholarships
Five $1000 scholarships for 1998-99 were awarded in a ceremony on September
30 in the University Library attended by more than 60 members and participants.
The scholarship recipients were: Nichole Noroian, a freshman from Salinas;
Juanita Perea-Jiminez, Carmel Valley; Jennifer DePaolo, Lompoc; Adrian
Andrade, Hollister; and Janet Hicks, who transferred from CSU Chico. Three
of the scholarships have been named in honor of soldiers who have contributed
to the history of Fort Ord and have served their nation in a significant
manner: General Edward O. C. Ord, for whom the post was named; General
Joseph W. (Vinegar Joe) Stilwell, who formed the 7th Division at Fort Ord
built Fort Ord in '40-4, and later was in charge of a major portion of
allied forces in the Far East campaign during WW II; and Platoon Sergeant
James L. Rucker, a former drill sergeant at Fort Ord who retired and went
on to build the ROTC program at Seaside High and work with troubled youth
in the county.
The ceremony was attended by family members of all three individuals for
whom scholarships are named. Ms. Marian Ord flew in from Washington, D.C.,
to present the General E.O.C. Ord scholarship to Juanita Perea-Jiminez.
Ms. Ord is the great-granddaughter of General Ord. She was accompanied
by her sister-in-law Mrs. Jane Ord, whose husband Mr. Edward O.C. "Ned"
Ord is the great-grandson of the general. A last minute business commitment
prevented Ned from attending. Colonel (Retired) John Easterbrook, General
Stilwell's grandson, attended and presented the General Joseph W. Stilwell
scholarship to Nichole Noroian. Seaside Mayor Pro Tem Helen Rucker presented
the Platoon Sergeant James L. Rucker scholarship to Jennifer DePaolo. Adrian
Andrade and Janet Hicks received FOAA Scholarships presented by Lieutenant
General (Retired) Robert Ord, the Chair of the Scholarship Committee for
1998-99.
President Peter Smith made opening remarks that reflected CSUMB's commitment
to FOAA and the importance to student's education of their understanding
and appreciation of the history of Fort Ord and the contributions of the
soldiers, civilians, and their families who served and lived on the base
for most of this century. Donna Johnson, the Chair of the 1999-2000 Scholarship
Committee, organized the event.
The scholarships are funded by member dues and special scholarship gifts.
The association hopes to provide at least as many scholarships next year.
This is a perfect way to "invest in the future of Fort Ord."
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