Eileen M. Bonner Scholarship Award for Medical Excellence

Funder: Reserve Organization of America (ROA) via the STARs Foundation

Award Amount: $1,000 scholarship for medical education + reimbursement of up to $1,000 in travel expenses to attend ROA National Convention to receive the award

Geographic Scope: United States

Purpose: Recognize an outstanding Reservist in the Medical Branch of one of the Uniformed Services or National Guard who has demonstrated exceptional service to military and civilian communities while furthering their medical education

Eligibility

• Reservist of the Medical Branch of one of the Uniformed Services OR National Guard
• Must be pursuing medical education/advancement in healthcare field
• Outstanding service record (above and beyond call of duty)
• Demonstrated contribution to both military and civilian communities
• Eligible Fields: Healthcare professions in reserve components of U.S. uniformed services (Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, as well as reserve components of Public Health Service and NOAA)

Selection Criteria

• Service excellence in military and civilian contexts
• Potential to enhance civilian and/or military occupation in healthcare
• Commitment to furthering medical education/training

Background

Named after Colonel Eileen M. Bonner, a native of Brooklyn, New York, who:

• Served in U.S. Army Reserve, ultimately becoming Chief Nurse of the 8th Medical Brigade (largest Army Reserve medical command with 17 hospitals and 23 other units)
• Was ROA's first female national president (1984-1985)
• Was a lifetime member of ROA
• Died in 2012

The scholarship honors her legacy as a pathmaker in military medicine and leadership.

Contact Information

ROA Headquarters:

• Address: 1 Constitution Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002-5618
• Phone (Local): 202.479.2200
• Phone (Toll Free): 800.809.9448
• Website: www.roa.org
• More Information: www.roa.org/scholarships

Application Process

1. Contact ROA: Visit www.roa.org/scholarships for current application information and deadlines
2. Submit Application Materials:
   • Application form
   • Documentation of military service in medical field
   • Examples of service to military and civilian communities
   • Evidence of pursuit of medical education
   • Supporting letters or recommendations
3. Selection: ROA committee reviews and selects winner
4. Award Presentation: Winner invited to receive award at ROA National Convention
   • Award includes $1,000 check and certificate
   • Up to $1,000 travel expense reimbursement provided

Required Materials

• Application form (available through www.roa.org/scholarships)
• Military service documentation
• Proof of enrollment/pursuit in medical education program
• Essays or statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation or endorsement