Las Cruces – The Mesilla Valley Chapter 10 of the New Mexico Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the New Mexico State University (NMSU) Foundation have established a scholarship for disabled veteran students, their spouses, and dependents attending NMSU Doña Ana (DACC).
The Manuel Tapia Memorial Current Use Scholarship will be available starting in the fall semester of 2016 at DACC. The scholarship will be matched with the Jon Wynne endowment from the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico to help veterans returning to college.
“We are proud to help honor Private Tapia with this scholarship,” said Nate Cote, Adjutant of DAV Chapter 10. “We are also proud of our veterans returning from all wars and want to present this gift from one warrior to another.”
Private Tapia was an accomplished soldier who survived some of the most noted battles of World War II. He participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, the Ardennes Offensive, the Rhineland Offensive and Central Europe Campaign. His medals, ribbons and honors included the WWII Campaign Medal, American Theatre Campaign, European African Middle Eastern Campaign, the Victory ribbon and five Bronze Stars. Tapia was discharged from the Army as marksman, cannoneer and gunner.
The Mesilla Valley DAV Chapter 10 has been helping veterans including homeless veterans and their families in Las Cruces for decades. Chapter 10 is one of 1,300 chapters nationally. All money raised goes directly to helping veterans and their families who either live in our community or are traveling through such as helping veterans and their families with temporary lodging.
Working with other local veteran organizations the Mesilla Valley DAV ensures veterans are recognized for their service and sacrifice to our country. “The Manuel Tapia Current Use Scholarship is only one example of Chapter 10's support for veterans in the Las Cruces Area” Cote said. “All local veterans are welcome to attend monthly meetings and events.”
Information from DACC