CHICAGO – May 16, 2014 – Illinois Patriot Education Fund (IPEF) announced that more than $54,000 was raised in 2013 for scholarships awarded to local service men, women, and their families. As a result of the fundraising efforts IPEF will be allocating scholarships via its partner organizations, including the Student Veterans of America, Fishers House, and Pat Tillman Foundation, in addition to direct awards to individuals who sought out support from the Foundation. All 2013 and 2014 scholarships are being awarded in memory of Col. Tom Nettling (RET.).
Col. Nettling was a decorated veteran who received prestigious medals including the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Presidential Unit Citation- awarded to the 11th Light Infantry Brigade. He had a distinguished military career with the army that spanned twenty-five years before his passing after a courageous battle with cancer caused by Agent Orange during his tour in Vietnam. Inspired by Col. Nettling’s tireless efforts to help his fellow veterans, Mark Slaby along with his wife Dana (Col. Nettling’s daughter), founded IPEF in 2011.
“Col. Nettling was an inspiring man who was very proud to have served his country,” said Slaby. “Through Tom we began to learn about the significant educational gaps in the post 9/11 GI Bill. He made us aware of how difficult it can be for many veterans and their family members to obtain financial assistance for their education. Particularly amongst their financial constraints. This year we honor Tom by dedicating all IPEF scholarships in his memory and hope we can provide even more scholarships within the community in his honor.”
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IPEF has gained significant momentum since its inception and remains even more optimistic about the possibilities in 2014, during which they expect to reach a quarter-million milestone in total giving within the state of Illinois. The organization is dedicated to supporting educational opportunities for veterans, service members and their spouses by filling the financial gaps in the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. Since 2011, the program has successfully funded 62 meaningful and repetitive scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 for military service people and their families.
“At IPEF we are committed to providing assistance needed for the educational journey of Illinois’ own, some of whom have given their lives or become disabled in service to our country.” Slaby continued, “Recently, we have expanded our reach to early educational needs with a goal of ensuring that the children of Illinois service men and women have access to the school supplies and materials; programs; and schools that will prepare them for vocational careers and college.”
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IPEF has also provided more than 4,000 backpacks to deserving military children. In addition the charity earned the gold star rating from Guidestar® through its commitment and transparency to donors and those that are served.
Interested candidates may apply directly to IPEF by visiting http://www.illinoispatrioteducationfund.org. IPEF receives one hundred percent of its funding through individual and corporate donations via its website and at its fundraising events, including the upcoming Medinah Patriot Day, to be held Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at the legendary Medinah Country Club, home of the 2012 Ryder Cup. For more information about sponsorships or securing a foursome, please visit www.medinahpatriotday.com.
About the Illinois Patriot Education Fund
The Illinois Patriot Education Fund is a 501(c)(3) based in Chicago, whose mission is to to provide educational financial assistance to support Illinois military families. Their volunteer efforts work to ensure that the children of these service men and women have access to the school supplies and materials; programs; and schools to prepare them for vocational careers and college. IPEF is a registered 501(c)(3) that supplements educational needs beyond benefits provided by the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Those benefits include school supplies and materials, professional tutoring programs, funding to help offset charter school costs, and scholarships. For more information please visit the official website www.illinoispatrioteducationfund.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ILPatriotriotEdFund or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/ILPatriotEdFund for the latest updates.
