USMC Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor Association Scholarship Program

USMC Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor Association Scholarship Program

Funder: USMC Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor Association (Pop-A-Smoke)

Geographic Scope: United States

Program Overview:
The USMC Combat Helicopter & Tiltrotor Association has established a scholarship program for children/grandchildren of current POPASMOKE members and for spouses of active duty who are paid members.

Named Endowments

The current active scholarships are endowed in the names of:
• Ernesto "Gooie" Gomez, Morphine 1-2 - Lance Corporal Gomez was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism while serving with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 in the Republic of Vietnam on 25 January 1968 during an emergency medical evacuation mission on Hill 881 near Khe Sanh Combat Base.
• The Master Gunnery Sergeant and Mrs. Dot Easter - MGySgt Easter joined the Marine Corps in March 1943 and served with various squadrons including HMX-1 with combat duty in the Pacific and Vietnam. An endowment was established in 2016 during the POPASMOKE reunion.
• Colonel Bruce and Mrs. Jeanne Colbert - Colonel Colbert was commissioned through NROTC in 1953 and had tours including HMM-461, HMM-162, HMX-1, and HMM-164. He is credited with coining the term "Phrog" for the CH-46 helicopter. He retired in 1980 and spent 12 years with Northrop Grumman on the B-2 program.

Eligibility

Primary Eligible Categories:
• Children of current POPASMOKE members
• Grandchildren of current POPASMOKE members
• Spouses of active duty personnel who are paid members

Funding

Additional funds are being accepted to augment current endowments. Donations can be:
• Earmarked for a specific scholarship endowment
• Sent without designating a specific endowment
• Made during membership renewal, by PayPal, or sent to the Association home or Admin office

New Endowments: Interested parties may establish separate endowments in memory of an individual, unit, or organization by contacting skatz@popasmoke.com.