River Rats Scholarship Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association
INTRODUCTION
Founded in 1970, the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (RRVA) launched a Scholarship Program to fulfill its mission of “taking care of our own.” From the program’s beginning through Summer 2025, RRVA has awarded 1,468 scholarships totaling more than $3,274,000 to the children, grandchildren and spouses of Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Army aircrew personnel.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for an RRVA scholarship, applicants must be an immediate relative (legal son, daughter, grandson, granddaughter, or spouse) of one of the following:
- A RRVA member in good standing who is officially listed as Killed in Action (KIA) or Missing in Action (MIA) from any U.S. military combat engagement beginning August 1964 (Vietnam Era) to the present; or
- A RRVA member in good standing who died while performing aircrew duties during a non-combat mission; or
- A current or deceased RRVA Life Member, or a current or deceased Annual Member who was in good standing.
PROGRAM RULES AND GUIDELINES
1. Selection criteria: Awards are made based on demonstrated financial need, academic performance, results from college entrance examinations, and accomplishments in school, church, civic and social activities.
2. Permitted uses: Scholarship funds may be applied toward tuition, required textbooks, and room-and-board expenses.
3. Disbursement: In most cases, payments are sent directly to the recipient’s accredited college, university, or trade/technical school for proper application to the student’s account.
4. Full- and part-time study: The program is intended primarily to assist students engaged in full-time academic programs, including technical schools. Part-time study may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
5. Award amount: The size of each grant is determined by the applicant’s demonstrated need, the availability of program funds, and the priorities established by RRVA and overseen by the RRVA Scholarship Committee.
6. Term of award: Scholarships cover one academic year. For program purposes that is defined as beginning with the Fall Semester (August/September) and concluding after the following calendar year’s Summer Session (July/August).
7. Reapplication required: Applicants must submit a new application for each academic year. Prior recipients are required to reapply to be considered for additional support.
8. Application period: To be considered for assistance for the upcoming academic year, applications must be submitted between December 15 and March 15.
9. Agreement: All applicants must sign and comply with the RRVA Scholarship Agreement as a condition of receiving funds.
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