Chiefs offering scholarships for members, dependents Published Sept. 27, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Timm Huffman 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- The Westover Chief's Council is offering two $500 college scholarships for the fall semester to enlisted Reserve members of the 439th Airlift Wing. One scholarship will go to an enlisted reserve member and the other is for dependents of enlisted reservists. The deadline for submission is Nov. 22. The scholarships will be awarded in January, in time for the Spring semester. According to Chief Master Sgt. Earl Duncan, 439th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, post-secondary education is extremely important for today's enlisted Airmen. "We are promoting the education. If you're not pursuing at least your Community College of the Air Force Associates Degree, or a Bachelors Degree, it is going to be hard to get promoted to the ranks of senior noncommissioned officers," he said. To apply for the scholarships, members must contact their squadron's chief for an application. They must then provide proof of enrollment and verification of grade point average (high school GPA is acceptable for first semester freshman). Applicants also have to attach a resumé, goals and personal vision statement and an essay. The Chief's Council has provided two essay topics to choose from. "What does it mean to be a part of today's Air Force Reserve Command?" and "What does it mean to be a family member of an Air Force Reserve member?" For more information, contact Chief Master Sgt. Earl Duncan at earl.duncan@westover.af.mil or Chief Master Sgt. Kathleen Wood at kathleen.wood@westover.af.mil.