Samantha Johnson* grew up in a family of five children. Four of them joined the military.
“My older brother is in the Army, my younger sister is a senior at West Point, and my younger brother is in the New York Army National Guard,” she said. “I was a combat medic in the New York Army National Guard.”
Johnson joined the military to earn an education. She served for six years and was deployed to Iraq in 2016. After her contract expired, she turned her attention to college.
Following an online search, along with help from others, Johnson discovered and was awarded the VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.” Today, she is studying nursing at SUNY Brockport.
“I’ve always wanted to be a nurse! I hope to work as an RN in the Rochester area,” she shared.
She advises veterans to explore all options to realize their goals.
“Ask your school’s VA office for help to ensure you’re taking advantage of all the benefits you’ve earned,” she said. “And reach out to veterans at your school for advice.”
Johnson believes others can succeed with the right support, just like she has.
“This scholarship has significantly improved my ability to attend nursing school with confidence,” she said. “To all those who made it possible – thank you.”
*Not her real name. Veteran prefers to remain anonymous.
Learn more about the VFW's “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.”