CFCC Receives $70,000 from Step Up for Soldiers to Fund Veteran Scholarships

From left to right are Jason Bocchino, CFCC Veterans Services Coordinator; Shane Fernando, CFCC Vice President of Advancement and the Arts; Tom Russell, Step Up for Soldiers President; Logan Thompson, CFCC Foundation, Director of Advancement; and Rachel Cavenaugh, CFCC Director of Financial Aid

Wilmington, NC – Step Up for Soldiers recently awarded $70,000 to the Cape Fear Community College Foundation to be used for student veteran scholarships.

Originally founded in 2004 by its current president, Tom Russell, Step Up for Soldiers is dedicated to supporting members of the Armed Forces. “We wanted to give back to the soldiers and their families. Family and education is very important to us,” said Russell.

The organization has benefited the community in multiple ways including installing wheelchair ramps and modifying dozens of homes for disabled veterans; running a food bank program; sponsoring the Southeast North Carolina Veterans Day Parade; holding a children’s fishing tournament annually; building and maintaining the Fallen Soldier Memorial and the Kramer House; and sending packages to frontline troops.

“This is such a powerful gift to those and their families who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Shane Fernando, Vice President of Advancement and the Arts. “This scholarship will change the lives of so many students who are returning to civilian life in our community.”

“The gift Step Up for Soldiers awarded to CFCC will be a great help to many deserving veteran students and their families for many years to come,” said Jason Bocchino, CFCC Coordinator of Veterans Affairs. “Mr. Russell recognizes how important higher education, workforce training, and achieving future growth is for a veteran. This generous group is committed to assisting veteran students in building a future for their families post-military career.”