Our personal mission of service to God, country, and community through civic engagement and volunteerism is the legacy of Mr. Tom Caulfield, Vietnam era Army Veteran and President and CEO of Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc.
Tom’s Mission and Community Work
The Thomas Caulfield Veterans Remembered Scholarship was created in honor of our founder of Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. (VCI). Since 1993, Tom has been working tirelessly to advocate for and promote initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of the military and Veteran community.
Tom provides assistance with job training, employment transition assistance, connecting Veterans to VA healthcare and benefits assistance, organizing community outreach events throughout the 14 county service area (the same coverage area as the Altoona VA Medical Center), obtaining legal assistance and services for Veterans through court systems and more–all to support the health and wellbeing of the military and Veteran community.
With a passion to serve, the ambition to lead, and the drive to get the job done, Tom’s imprint on the local community and beyond has helped increase the impact of Veteran services, needs, and awareness, always working to overcome the bureaucracy that so many Veterans face elsewhere.
Through this scholarship, VCI seeks to contribute to the development of future leaders and professionals who will make meaningful contributions to society by honoring the services of our men and women in uniform. In whatever educational endeavor that is, this scholarship’s essence is to support students who share the same passion, ambition, and drive to make the community a better place to work, live, and play in–and to always remember the importance of patriotism and civic engagement.
Service to Country and Community
Through this scholarship, VCI seeks to contribute to the development of future leaders and professionals who will make meaningful contributions to society by honoring the services of our men and women in uniform. In whatever educational endeavor that is, this scholarship’s essence is to support students who share the same passion, ambition, and drive to make the community a better place to work, live, and play in–and to always remember the importance of patriotism and civic engagement.
Requirements
The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually. Eligible applicants must either be a current member of the military, a dependent of a member of the military or a veteran, or the grandchild of a veteran.
For this scholarship, applicants must be able to submit a copy of their (or their relative’s) DD-214. This document, also referred to as discharge paper/discharge form, is essential in verifying connection to military service and type of discharge. To apply for a copy of a DD214, check with your county’s Recorder of Deeds at the courthouse, or visit https://vetrecs.archives.gov/VeteranRequest/home.html. Other requirements are listed on the application.
How to Apply
This scholarship is provided through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (CFA). Applicants must apply through the Easy Apply Application. Applying for scholarship can take upwards of 30 to 45 minutes, but CFA makes this easier by centralizing scholarships; by applying for one, applicants are also matched with other potential scholarships through a database that keeps track of dozens more, meaning this effort is well worth the applicant’s time.
It is best practice to prepare letters of support, essays, transcripts, resumes, and other supportive documents ahead of time so the application process can be completed smoothly. It is not uncommon for record and letter requests to take several weeks.
CFA Scholarship Information: https://www.cfalleghenies.org/scholarships/
CFA Application Portal: https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfallegheniesscholarship
Support the Fund
Scholarship funds enable students to pursue their dreams, while also instilling a sense of gratitude and responsibility to give back and create similar opportunities for others. In this way, scholarships benefit not only the current generation, but also serve to inspire future generations of students.
If you are interested in making contributions specifically to this fund, please visit https://www.cfalleghenies.org/fund/veterans-remembered-fund/.
2025 Recipient of the Tom Caulfield Veterans Remembered Scholarship is Announced
2025 Recipient of the Tom Caulfield Veterans Remembered Scholarship is Announced
JOHNSTOWN, PA, May 1, 2025 – Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. (VCI) is pleased to announce the Tom Caulfield Veterans Remembered Scholarship’s recipient, Madelyn Lieb, of Nicktown, Pennsylvania. Lieb is the granddaughter of now deceased Vietnam era Army Veteran, Sergeant (Sgt) Ralph Joseph Lieb. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Business at Saint Francis University in the fall. A press conference is scheduled for Friday, May 16th, 2025, at the 1st Summit Arena Cambria County War Memorial, where VCI and the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies will present Lieb with a $1,000 award towards her future studies.
The essence of this scholarship is to continue the mission of service to God, country, and community through civic engagement and volunteerism as is the legacy of Mr. Tom Caulfield, Army Veteran and President and CEO of VCI. One recipient is chosen annually from a pool of highly qualified applicants based on their outstanding academic records, extracurricular activities, and demonstrated commitment to making a positive impact on their communities.
Caulfield started VCI to assist the Veteran community with various social and economic needs. Programs, offered at no cost, range from Cambria County Veteran Treatment Court, financial hardship assistance, Together with Veterans Cambria County, Veteran Rural Outreach Programs, aging services education, Veteran benefits assistance, and occupational support and training services. More information can be found on VCI’s website.
Through this scholarship, VCI seeks to contribute to the development of future leaders and professionals who will make meaningful contributions to society by honoring our men and women in uniform. The Tom Caulfield Veterans Remembered scholarship is available by applying through the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies website. Applicants must have a military affiliation whether they themselves are a veteran or are the dependent of a service member.
For information regarding the scholarship and how to apply, please visit https://www.cfalleghenies.org/scholarships/