Vasrue.com is proud to offer the Operation Iraqi Freedom Scholarship Fund supporting the education and advancement of Iraqi war affected minors while honoring two fallen soldiers, Army SPC. Roy Russell Buckley and Army SPC. Gavin J. Colburn. One lucky winner will receive a $1,000 grant to be used at the college or university of their choice. These funds can help for tuition, books, supplies or living expenses.

Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the $1,000 Operation Iraqi Freedom Scholarship Fund. Each applicant must:

Be a U.S. citizen.
Have a mother or father who is or has been actively stationed in Iraq or Afghanistan between January 1, 2003 and August 1, 2006.
Plan to pursue or be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate-level degree.

Individuals are invited to apply by writing and submitting a personal 200-300 word essay discussing the history of the Purple Heart and its significance to them. Essays found to be plagiarized or written by someone other than the applicant will be immediately disqualified. Employees, vendors, contractors or partners of Vasrue.com are not eligible. While entry is open to all age groups, judges will consider the age and level of the applicant. Submissions will be judged on content, writing style, grammar, creativity and tone. The winner must present a copy of qualifying DD-214 and orders.

Important Dates
Grant applications are accepted now through October 15, 2006. A winner will be selected no later than November 30, 2006.

About The Honorees
Army Spc. Roy Russell Buckley (“Buck”) of the 685 Transportation Company was killed in action on April 22, 2003 traveling in a convoy aboard an M818 truck. He’s survived by two daughters. Army SPC. Gavin J. Colburn, member of the 542 Transportation Company, was killed in action at the young age of 20 on April 22, 2005. Colburn was stationed in Iraq traveling in a convoy vehicle along a supply route when an improvised explosive device detonated nearby. Colburn saved the lives of many nearby soldiers before losing his own life.