* The New River Chapter, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) scholarship fundraising program supports local college-bound JROTC cadets.

* The program consists of a set of 12 high quality post cards which depict the wall murals of West Jefferson and are available for a $10 donation.

* The scholarship program is named in memory of the New River Chapter's senior ranking charter member, and a local community icon, Navy Rear Admiral Scott L. Sears.

* Scroll to learn more...

Chapter Vice President, retired Army Colonel Charles Knapp was instrumental in creating the postcards.

In coordination with the Ashe County Arts Council, Knapp enlisted the help of aspiring photographer and high school senior, Anna Wurster from Sparta, NC, and local graphic designer Ric Kolseth to make images of each wall mural.

A team then selected the twelve murals that made the best transition to a post card format.

The program won a "Honorable Mention" in MOAA National's 2010 Communications Award competition in the Unique Communication category. (click on the added image...)

* See the attached Post Card Flyer and view our Chapter's fundraising project.

* Proceeds from donations received for set(s) of these beautiful post cards showcasing the wall art in West Jefferson will benefit the "Rear Admiral Scott L. Sears, USN" Memorial Scholarship program.

Our Chapter's scholarship program is named to honor Rear Admiral Scott L. Sears who was born in Cleburne, TX. in 1945. Selected to flag rank as an Acquisition Professional in January 1991, Rear Admiral Sears was a graduate of Duke University's School of Business, Advanced Management Program and the National Defense University Capstone Program. His Personal awards include three Legion of Merits, three Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals. Rear Admiral Sears passed away on December 31, 2011.

Career highlights:

Graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1966 with Bachelor of Science Degrees in Physics and Economics.

Completed Naval Submarine School in 1966, and subsequently served aboard USS Barbel and USS Gudgeon.

Attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and graduated with two Master of Science Degrees in Electrical Engineering.

Served aboard USS Spadefish, USS Flying Fish and USS Henry L. Stimson.

Led the Plans, Programs and Advanced Systems Section on the Chief of Naval Operations staff.

Was the first Commander of the nuclear powered submarine, USS Albuquerque.

Deputy Commander for Training and Operations, Submarine Squadron Seventeen.

Oversaw the Tactical Weapons Branch, Chief of Naval Operations staff.

Program Manager, Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters for the development of the combat system for the next-generation attack submarine Seawolf.

Commander, Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, RI.

Retired in 1995.

Open the below downloadable files and follow the information in order to submit an applicatio for the New River Chapter's RADM Scott L. Sears, USN, Ret. scholarship.

* The Sears Scholarship Fund has been in operation since the second year of our Chapter's chartering. Per guidance provided by MOAA National, a fund created for the purpose of providing scholarships, or other monetary gifts to eligible recipients, must have sufficient resources to make awards without compromising the account set up to provide for such awards.

* The scholarship program achieved the funds necessary to enable awards, and information regarding the criteria by which JROTC students can submit an application for a scholarship as provided for herein.

* The New River Chapter has a committee organized for the purpose of managing the Sears Scholarship Program, as well as serving as a selection committee when the process of requesting applications and determining award recipient(s) will get underway.

* The Committee Chair is Cathy Ehrhardt, Member Spouse

* Other Award Committee members include Barbara Sears, surviving spouse of the scholarship program honoree and Sharon Need, Member Spouse

Adjunct members to the committee:

Doug Ehrhardt, CAPT-Ret., USN, Chapter Past President

Right click on the attached downloadable file to view/print a copy of the order form for set(s) of the "Murals of Downtown West Jefferson."

Make checks payable to the "Sears Scholarship Fund."

For postcard orders, send the completed form along with a check for the required amount to the address shown at the bottom of the form.

To make a monetary donation only, enter "0" (zero) as the number of sets requested and disregard adding the postage and handling fees.

For tax purposes, the EIN is 27-4076655.

* The Sears Scholarship Fund received a determination that it is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

* The EIN assigned is 27-4076656.

* Click on the below downloadable file to read the January 24, 2011 IRS letter granting the exemption which became effective on November 22, 2010