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Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship)

Definition

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) is a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs educational benefits program. This scholarship aims to honor and provide post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to the children and surviving spouses of service members who died in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Eligible beneficiaries can receive education benefits, including tuition, housing allowances, and stipends for books and supplies.

Key Takeaways

  1. The Fry Scholarship is a VA educational benefit for the children and spouses of active-duty service members who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, providing Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
  2. Eligible beneficiaries can receive up to 36 months of benefits, including tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies, serving as a significant financial aid for their education.
  3. Children of eligible service members can use the Fry Scholarship benefits until they reach 33 years old, while spouses have different deadlines depending on when they got married, with certain benefits available for remarriage or subsequent marriages.

Importance

The Fry Scholarship is a crucial and meaningful educational benefit for eligible military families, as it provides financial support to the children and spouses of U.S.

service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Named in honor of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry, who died in the Iraq War, this scholarship offers extensive educational opportunities through the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

By covering tuition, fees, and other educational costs, the Fry Scholarship not only honors the memory of the fallen service members but also ensures their families can build better futures through education and personal growth.

Explanation

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) is a critical resource designed to support the families of military personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation. The scholarship’s primary purpose is easing the financial burden of educational expenses for family members, thereby aiding them in achieving their educational goals and aspirations. By providing financial assistance for tuition, fees, books, and housing, the program is intended to enable these individuals to pursue higher education and build a solid foundation for their future.

Ultimately, the Fry Scholarship demonstrates the country’s gratitude and dedication to honoring the legacy of those who laid down their lives for the greater good. The Fry Scholarship is particular about assisting the spouses and children of service members who perished in the line of duty after September 10, 2001. Eligible participants include dependents of service personnel from the United States Armed Forces, in addition to the Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserve.

The scholarship not only covers a wide variety of educational institutions, including universities, colleges, and trade schools, but it also caters to on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs. This adaptability ensures that beneficiaries can pursue a diverse range of higher education paths or vocational training to suit their individual goals and ambitions. The Fry Scholarship constitutes a significant contribution to these families, empowering them to flourish despite the emotional and financial adversity they have faced.

Examples of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship)

Eligible Dependents: Jane is the surviving spouse of Marine Gunnery Sergeant John Smith, who died in the line of duty inShe can apply for the Fry Scholarship, allowing her to pursue higher education at an approved institution while receiving financial support from the VA for tuition costs, books, and housing expenses.

Benefits for Children: Marine Gunnery Sergeant Michael Brown was killed in action in 2015, leaving behind three children aged 7, 10, andAs they grow older, each child can access the Fry Scholarship to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or vocational/technical training programs. This benefit covers tuition and fees at public schools, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.

Combining with other VA Benefits: Susan’s father, Marine Gunnery Sergeant James Johnson, was killed in action inShe has been utilizing the Fry Scholarship to attend college over the last two years. After transferring to a different university, Susan gets married to a military servicemember, making her eligible for VA benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill as a dependent. However, she cannot receive both benefits simultaneously and must choose between the Fry Scholarship and the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Once she makes a decision, she cannot switch back to the other benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship)

What is the Fry Scholarship?

The Marine Gunnery Sergeant John David Fry Scholarship (Fry Scholarship) is a benefit given to the children and spouses of U.S. military service members who have died in the line of duty since September 11, 2001. This scholarship provides eligible beneficiaries with up to 36 months of educational benefits, including full tuition and fees, a monthly housing allowance, and a stipend for books and supplies.

Who is eligible for the Fry Scholarship?

Children and spouses of active-duty members of the Armed Forces who have died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, are eligible for the Fry Scholarship. The benefit is available for the children between the ages of 18 and 33 years old and for the surviving spouses for a duration of 15 years from the service member’s death.

What benefits does the Fry Scholarship offer?

The Fry Scholarship offers a range of benefits for eligible participants, including up to 36 months of full tuition and fees coverage at public institutions or a yearly cap for private institutions, a monthly housing allowance based on the location of the school, and a stipend for books and supplies, typically up to $1,000 annually.

How do I apply for the Fry Scholarship?

To apply for the Fry Scholarship, applicants need to visit the VA.gov website and submit an online application through the VA Form 22-5490 (Dependent’s Application for VA Education Benefits). Alternatively, you can print the application form and submit it by mail to your regional VA processing office.

Can I use both the Fry Scholarship and Dependent’s Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits?

No, individuals cannot use both Fry Scholarship and Dependent’s Educational Assistance (DEA) benefits. However, beneficiaries are allowed to choose between the two programs. It is advisable to compare the benefits of both programs and make an informed decision based on their individual needs and circumstances.

Is the Fry Scholarship available for online degree programs?

Yes, the Fry Scholarship is available for online degree programs as long as the program is offered by an accredited institution that is approved for VA benefits. The monthly housing allowance will still be provided for online students, although the amount may differ from students attending in-person classes.

Related VA Benefit Terms

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill
  • Survivors and Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA)
  • Yellow Ribbon Program
  • Children and Spouses of Fallen Service Members
  • Veterans Affairs Education Benefits
  • Sources for More Information

    • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Official website of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, providing comprehensive information on VA benefits, including the Fry Scholarship.
    • G.I. Bill: Official U.S. government website for information on Fry Scholarship, Post 9/11 G.I. Bill, and other education benefits for veterans and their families.
    • Military.com: An established website for the military and veteran community, featuring extensive information on military benefits like the Fry Scholarship.
    • Military OneSource: A U.S. Department of Defense website that provides information and resources for benefits and services, including Fry Scholarship and education benefits.

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