On September 14th, 2012 at Bastion Air Base, Afghanistan, a group of armed insurgent attacked the flight line under the cover of darkness and produced the greatest loss of American aircraft in a single day since Vietnam. During the attack, Lieutenant Colonel Christopher "Otis" Raible and Sergeant Bradley Atwell ran towards the sound of the gunfire to protect their fellow Marines and were killed in the defense of others.

LtCol Raible, the Commanding Officer of Marine Attack Squadron 211, put himself between the enemy and his Marines. Armed with only a pistol, he personally led his Marines against the infiltrators before falling to enemy fire. It is in this spirit of tenacity and commitment that The Wingman Foundation is proud to continue this educational initiative in LtCol Raible's honor. 

Those who were closest to "Otis" remember his commitment to excellence and education. This winter, an educational grant of up to $5,000 will be awarded to the worthy applicant who can demonstrate commitment to educational excellence and service to others.

Applicants will review the following prompt and submit their essay.

WHEn LIEUTENANT COLONEL RAIBLE WAS FACED WITH ADVERSITY, HE DEMONSTRATED
UNPARALLELEd DEDICATION TO THE CORE VALUES OF HONOR, COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT.
HOW DO YOU INTEND TO STAY TRUE TO THESE VALUES DURING THE NEXT PHASE OF YOUR LIFE?

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY:

  • Navy/Marine Corps Active Duty or veterans who have served in the aviation community.

    • May include support MOS attached to aviation units.

  • Surviving spouses and children of said veterans who have died in the line of duty.

 

ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES MUST:

  • Be pursuing a degree as a part-time or full-time student for the following:

    • Undergraduate degree

    • Graduate or post-graduate degree

    • Technical degrees or training at a VA-certified institution

    • At a public or private, U.S.-based accredited institution

  • Have a desire to continue to serve others and make a positive impact on your community.

  • Compile a compelling, thoughtful, and genuine essay response. 

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

  • Online form submission

  • Written essay (max 750 words) using the prompt above

  • Documentation of military service

    • All discharged service members or eligible family will be required to provide DD-214 (SSN retracted).

  • Résumé which includes education, work, and public service history.

  • Character reference from direct supervisor, teacher, or applicable leader (non-family member) that can speak to your experience and future potential.

Email essay and all required documents to admin@wingmanfoundation.org

 The deadline for a completed application package is December 31, 2023.  

We are seeking inspired, ambitious, and passionate community leaders who are dedicated to giving back to the community.  Grant winners will be required to support The Wingman Foundation at an event during the academic year of the grant.