Jon-Alec Fund Awards Third Scholarship

We are thrilled to announce that we have awarded the third Jon-Alec Chervin Memorial Scholarship to Lawrence (Larry) Sampson, a very deserving student at the Community College of Aurora (CCA). Larry is a US Army veteran and a Nationally Registered EMT. He works at a busy orthopedic clinic in addition to attending classes at CCA. He aspires to become a Trauma Nurse and a Paramedic.

During his 9 years serving in the military police, Larry had frequent interactions with medical staff and was impressed by their competence. He realized that the healthcare field was filled with top notch people. As a result of these experiences, he is committed to this challenging career path.

He is an active member of the Wounded Warrior Project, assisting wounded veteran’s in adjusting to life with new circumstances. He also participates in Mental Health First Aid programs to help those with mental health issues. He has seen the effects of limited support for wounded veterans (both mentally and physically) and has lost more friends to suicide than actual combat. Working with both programs has helped him cope and resolve a lot of his own service related challenges.

We are delighted to provide support to someone who has selflessly served his country. Jon-Alec would be pleased that Larry is helping those with mental health challenges; he always believed that people struggling with mental health issues needed to be treated with respect. The picture Larry sent indicates that he is a Jon-Alec kind of guy, living his best life in the mountains. We wish Larry the success on his journey and look forward to updates as he progresses.

Larry expressed his gratitude for the support: "I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of the Jon-Alec Chervin Memorial Scholarship. With your support, I will continue to strive for academic excellence while completing my degree in paramedicine.

As an Army veteran who is now navigating the difficulties of civilian life while pursuing a career in healthcare, I have come to understand the value of a good college education. I am motivated now more than ever to finish my degree so that I can start giving back to my community."

Congratulations, Larry!