The following letter is from Julia:

June 16, 2009

Dear 506th Scholarship Committee,

I would like to thank you for awarding me with the 506th Association Scholarship. Coincidentally, I had the opportunity to attend the 3rd 506th Currahee Reunion at Fort Campbell with my parents and many other 506th Veterans from all over the United States at the end of May. We toured the base and observed different training exercises the soldiers demonstrated for us, which illuminated the soldier's expertise within their specialties and enthusiastic interest in the Veteran's own stories in the Army. We also eagerly attended the Military Ball, witnessing a true sense of camaraderie and esprit de corps among the soldiers. In addition to the excitement of being on base and seeing my father and soldiers exchange narratives, it was the perfect occasion to learn that I received the scholarship. It could not have been a better atmosphere, being in the home of the Currahees with my father's closest battle buddies and soldiers who carry on the distinguished unit's name. I can only say how grateful and honored I am in receiving the 506th Scholarship and that I readily await my own rendezvous with destiny when I become an Army Nurse in three years.

Thank you for your relentless generosity and support,

Julia Gomes

Elizabeth Wall

The 506th Association Scholarship Committee selected Elizabeth Wall, of Virden, IL, as the winner of one of our two 2009 $500 Scholarships. Elizabeth graduated top ten in her class from Virden High School in 2008. While in High School Elizabeth volunteered at the local Moose Kids Club, Big Brother's Big Sisters of America, Zearing Child Enrichment Center, Liberty Village Nursing Home, and Gateway Services. In High School she was also involved with Soccer, Tennis, Family Career and Community Leaders of America, Spanish Club, Science Club, Peer Counseling, and Youth Orchestra. 

Elizabeth is currently attending Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, majoring in Nursing and works as a Nursing Assistant at Memorial Medical Center. At SIUE, Elizabeth is a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau Sorority, National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society, Resident Housing Association and Student government as a Senator. She is the daughter of Jim and Freda Wall; Jim served with both A and D Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry from January 1977 to April 1978 and with the Polish Battle Group attached to 4th BCT 506th Infantry in 2008.