Our Crowdfunding Groups
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Help honor and empower our veteran men and women by donating today to the Wounded Warrior and Veterans Educational Assistance Fund. The Office of Veterans Services at the University of Pittsburgh is raising $5,000 to provide financial assistance to these military heroes who desire to complete their education but do not have the funds to do so.
Did you know that 75 percent of wounded warriors have less than a bachelor’s degree? Did you know that many veterans cannot finish their degrees because of the cost and time of pursuing an education?
Many of our military students have families, jobs, medical bills, and homes. Finding gainful employment is extremely difficult without an advanced education. While our warriors receive the GI Bill, what you may not know is that this benefit does not completely cover all of the expenses of pursuing an education. There are still many costs that have to be incurred by our warriors that prohibit them from completing their degree. Our goal of raising $5,000 will help to alleviate this financial hardship and provide peace of mind to our veteran students and their families.
Our veterans were once leaders on the battlefield, brave and courageous as they fought for our country’s freedom. Now, we are asking that you honor that bravery by saying thank you in the form of a monetary gift. Your generous donation to the Wounded Warrior and Veterans Educational Assistance Fund will enable our military men and women to focus on being successful, thriving, financially independent heroes, positively impacting their communities.
While our immediate goal is to raise $5,000 to keep this endowment active, our long-term goal is to raise $100,000 to build an endowment that provides annual income to support military students, including wounded veterans and their dependents at the University of Pittsburgh. This would enable the Office of Veterans Services to keep our wounded veterans in school and to help pay for books, supplies, transportation, as well as offset some of their tuition expense.
The Office of Veterans Services at the University of Pittsburgh helps veterans make the transition from military to University life. We support their ongoing academic success, and assist veterans, guardsmen, reservists, spouses, and dependents in receiving their military education benefits.
The Wounded Warrior and Veterans Educational Assistance Fund was developed in honor of the courage and sacrifice of Sergeant Jeremy W. Feldbusch (A&S ’01) and other U.S. military personnel founded by Pitt alumnus Erik Rodenberg. This fund awards scholarships to help veterans, particularly wounded veterans and their dependents achieve their educational goals.
“By awarding me the Wounded Warrior and Veterans Educational Assistance Fund you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school, learning. Your generosity has inspired me in continuing my efforts to help others and give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.” Shanelle Thompson Staff Sergeant, United States Air Force Reserve.
Our goal, of course, is to raise money, but just as important, is to raise awareness for the Wounded Warrior and Veterans Educational Assistance Fund. You may have a family member who served or is currently serving in the armed forces. You may already know what it is like to have someone you love come back injured in the line of duty.
We are thankful that these brave men and women fought for our freedom and kept us safe. Let our military students know that they are not alone and not forgotten. Please consider helping them now with a generous donation. You can say thank you for their service in a variety of ways:
Donate: Any gift, small or large will help us reach our goal and provide educational assistance that is not covered by military benefits.
Spread the Word: Talk to your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors. Tell them about this fundraising campaign and the Wounded Warrior and Veterans Educational Assistance Fund. Encourage them to donate, and encourage them to spread the word. Keeping our country safe and protecting our freedom impacts everyone.
Post to Social Media: Use the power of social media to show your support and enlist others in our mission to honor and empower wounded warriors. Please consider posting a message to social media, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Show Your Appreciation: When you come in contact with men and women who have served our country, show your support by thanking them. This simple gesture means so much and is very much appreciated.
We thank you for your generous donation in support of our nation's injured service members. Hail to you and to our military heroes!
You’ve shown the courage to take the first step for others and be a part of something bigger than yourself!
The backbone of any good operation, nothing is getting done without you!
You’re making a big difference in a young person’s life but somehow everyone is still afraid of you.”
You’re either in charge of a ship or you’ve graduated from being a lieutenant but either way, you’re making changes around here!
No one is sure what you do, but everyone straightens up when you come around. You’re the head honcho and everybody knows it!
You’re calling the shots. You've reached the pinnacle of military achievement, thank you for making such a huge difference.
