CPT James Ahn Memorial Scholarship

Sergeant First Class (U.S. Army) Jon Gage

“I am honored and grateful to receive the CPT James Ahn Memorial Scholarship. After more than 21 years of service in the U.S. Army, much of it in Special Forces, CPT Ahn’s legacy of service and sacrifice is especially meaningful to me. As I transition from the military, I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aviation and continuing my flight training to become a professional pilot. I sincerely thank the scholarship committee and everyone involved in preserving CPT Ahn’s legacy for their support as I begin this next chapter.”

Master Sergeant (U.S. Army, Retired) Paul Schuweiler

His reflections on his career and on the Ahn Scholarship:

“I am honored and deeply grateful to be chosen as this year’s recipient of the CPT James Ahn Memorial Scholarship. After 25 years in the U.S. Army, including 16 in Special Forces and four deployments to Afghanistan, I have witnessed the true meaning of selfless service. While I did not serve with CPT Ahn, the Special Forces bond runs deep, and his sacrifice is a lasting reminder of the price paid for freedom. This scholarship will help me complete my Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, enabling me to continue safeguarding others with the same dedication and resolve I carried in uniform. I am thankful for the opportunity to honor CPT Ahn’s legacy and ensure it endures.”

Chief Warrant Officer 3 (U.S. Army, Retired) Michael “Mikey” Beaven

“I am profoundly honored and deeply grateful to be selected as a recipient of the CPT James Ahn Scholarship. This recognition is beyond words; it is truly a privilege to receive this award. The significance of this scholarship, born from the legacy of CPT Ahn, touches my heart profoundly. Knowing that this fund exists because of the tragic loss of a brother-in-arms is both humbling and emotional. CPT Ahn was one of the finest, and his absence is deeply felt among all who knew him. My deepest thanks to the Committee for your unwavering support on this arduous academic journey. Your generosity inspires me to push harder for excellence and to further build upon CPT Ahn’s Legacy.”

Sergeant First Class (U.S. Army, Retired) Michael “Mike” Moralez

“I am humbled and thankful to be selected as a recipient of the CPT James Ahn Scholarship. I am beyond words; it is truly an honor to receive this award. Quite frankly, I am still in shock. It is a bit difficult to accept the scholarship and am emotional, practically in tears, as I know the fund exists because of a tragedy that befell a brother-in-arms. He was one of the great ones and is dearly missed. Though the circumstances were tragic, I know that CPT Ahn always supported his teammates in any way he could, and this scholarship is a testament to his philosophy. I am filled with a renewed sense of purpose to always seek self-improvement, exceed expectations, and never settle for anything less than my best. Like CPT Ahn’s selfless service, I am pursuing my degree for the betterment of others. Thank you, CPT James Ahn, and the Committee, for your assistance and support on this academic journey.”

Army Staff Sergeant (U.S. Army, Retired) Charles Hernandez

“My experiences as a Special Forces Green Beret have proven to be invaluable in my life. The Special Forces Regiment took the young and impressionable kid that I was and groomed me into the driven, reliable, and confident soldier, father, and husband that I am today…I have a deep appreciation for how far an education can propel a person if they are simply given the opportunity to pursue it. I want to pay forward the gift of education to those most in need of it–especially by helping soldiers in the enlisted ranks…. It is an honor to receive this sponsorship.”

Sergeant Major (U.S. Army, Retired) Brandon Brewington