Source: Rebecca Strong, rebok17@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Rosie Hoefling, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010

K-STATE HUMAN ECOLOGY STUDENT RECEIVES $5,000 GRANT FOR HER SERVICE TO MILITARY FAMILIES

MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University student making a difference in the lives of Army families is being honored for her actions.

Rebecca Strong, senior in human ecology, Manhattan, has received a $5,000 educational grant from the Our Family for Families First Foundation. The scholarship award recognizes Strong's academic performance and commitment to military community service.

"I'm really excited," she said. "I applied for it last year and didn't get it, so I was excited to find out that I got it this year. It just goes to show you that if you get turned down one time it doesn't mean you shouldn't try again."

The Our Family for Families First Foundation strives to make a difference in the lives of Army families by providing scholarships and grants to the children and spouses of active duty soldiers. The organization is funded by Picerne Military Housing -- a privatized company that builds on-post, family housing for several military installments, including Fort Riley.

To be eligible for a grant, students must submit an application, an essay on how they would benefit from financial assistance and three letters of recommendation.

Strong has a history of Army involvement and dedication. In addition to having a husband stationed at Fort Riley, she has participated in Army Family Readiness Groups, been an instructor for Army Family Team Building and volunteered with the Protestant Women of the Chapel military ministry.

She also was a summer intern for K-State Research and Extension's Operation Military Kids.

"We hosted day camps for military youths all across the state," Strong said. "We also worked on Awareness to Action, an initiative to let communities know how they can help families and children who are affected by deployment. Specifically, I worked on a grandparent initiative, the theme for the year. It focuses on how to get grandparents involved with their military grandchildren."

Strong is an ambassador for K-State's Powercat Financial Counseling; a member of Pinnacle Honor Society for nontraditional students; and a member of Kappa Omicron Nu, the national human ecology honor society.

After graduating in May 2011 Strong wants to attend graduate school in family life education or continue her work with military families through K-State's Research and Extension office at Fort Riley.