HERoes in Deed $500 to $5,000 community grant applications due by Dec. 15

Applications for HERoes in Deed awards grants in the amount of $500 to $5,000 for new and innovative small programs or projects that engage citizens and veterans while improving Warwick or surrounding communities are being accepted now and until Dec. 15.

The grants are awarded in honor of Lt. Col. Jaimie Leonard, a graduate of St. Stephen’s – St. Edward’s Elementary School and Warwick Valley High School, class of 1992.

Leonard, who also graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, was one of two Army officers and one private security contractor killed in Sharana, Afghanistan on June 8, 2013.

Leonard had also served in Bosnia and Iraq and was serving her second tour in Afghanistan on that fateful day. She became the highest ranking woman killed in action in U.S. history.

Each year HERoes in Deed also awards two scholarships to Warwick Valley High School students.

A $1,000 LTC Jaimie E. Leonard Warwick Crew Member Scholarship is awarded to a coach-nominated Warwick Valley High School Crew athlete (male or female) who is awesome, humble and able to persevere in the face of challenges, a mentor to others, someone who does not give up.

The winner of this scholarship is recognized as someone who values the camaraderie of the sport.

The Warwick Crew coach selects the winner of this scholarship.

A $2,000 HERo Scholarship, also in memory of Lt. Col. Leonard, is awarded to a Warwick Valley High School student who represents intelligence, leadership and concern for his/her community.

Special consideration is given to students who are actively making a difference in their community.

Although it is not a requirement, HERoes in Deed may also considers if the student has overcome certain obstacles in his or her lifetime.

The application for HERoes in Deed award grants including all rules and regulations as well as scholarship information is available online at http://heroesindeed.org.

- Roger Gavan