USMC Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor Association (Pop-A-Smoke) Scholarship Program

USMC Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor Association Scholarship Program

The USMC Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor Association (Pop-A-Smoke) has established a scholarship program for children/grandchildren of current members and spouses of active duty who are paid members.

Geographic Scope: United States (funder based in North Carolina)

Eligibility:

• Children or grandchildren of current POPASMOKE members
• Spouses of active duty personnel who are paid members

Active Named Scholarship Endowments:

1. Ernesto "Gooie" Gomez Memorial Scholarship - Named after Lance Corporal Ernesto "Gooie" Gomez, Navy Cross recipient who served with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 in the Republic of Vietnam
2. Morphine 1-2 Memorial Scholarship - Honoring the crew of HMM-364 (Purple Foxes) who were shot down on February 7, 2007 in Iraq: Capt Jennifer Harris, 1stLt Jared Landaker, Sgt Travis Pfister, Sgt James Tijerina, Cpl Thomas Saba, HM1 Gilbert Minjares, HM3 Manuel Ruiz
3. Master Gunnery Sergeant and Mrs. Dot Easter Scholarship - Established in 2016 to honor MGySgt Easter's service to the Marine Corps and the Easter Family's generosity
4. Colonel Bruce and Mrs. Jeanne Colbert Scholarship - Recognizing Col. Colbert's service and the Colbert Family's support

Additional Funding Opportunities: The association accepts donations to augment current endowments or to establish separate endowments in memory of individuals, units, or organizations. Donations can be made through:

• Membership renewal
• PayPal
• Mailed to Association home or admin office

For information about establishing a separate endowment, contact: skatz@popasmoke.com

Association Background: The USMC Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor Association (Pop-A-Smoke) is a veteran organization supporting combat helicopter and tiltrotor communities from various operations including Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Lebanon, Dominican Republic, Panama, Haiti, Somalia, Bosnia, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Application Process

Submission Details:

• The 2025-2026 scholarship application is available for download from the association website
• Application format: PDF download available

For Detailed Eligibility and FAQs:
Refer to the Eligibility section and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the scholarship pages at popasmoke.com/scholarships/

Application Contact:
For additional information or questions about the application process, contact the association at skatz@popasmoke.com or through the main contact page at popasmoke.com

Note: Specific required materials, narrative questions, and submission format details are available in the downloadable application form.