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NIMAC seeking applicants for Merrell Lane Scholarship

Thu, Jan 31st 2019 03:25 pm

The Niagara Military Affairs Council has established a scholarship named in honor of Merrell Lane, long-time chairman and co-founder of NIMAC. The annual scholarship will be awarded to enlisted members assigned to the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station who are in pursuit of an aviation-related career. 

The Merrell Lane Memorial Aviation Scholarship was established in memory of Lane, who enjoyed all aspects of aviation and was very active in the Thunder of Niagara Airshow. He enjoyed a lifelong hobby of rocketry and was a longtime member of the National Association of Rocketry.

"Merrell, who was an enlisted soldier himself, would be thrilled to know a scholarship in his name is being offered for enlisted members to further their careers in aviation," said John A. Cooper Sr., chairman of NIMAC. "The United States Air Force has identified pilot shortages as a challenge going forward, and to know that NIMAC can assist in this area is exciting – especially as the 914th and 107th transition to new missions."

Interested members must be enrolled in an accredited private pilot licensing program or enrolled in an aviation-related curriculum at an accredited college/university. Aviation-related fields include, but are not limited to, A&P mechanic, aeronautical engineer, aviation educator, air traffic controller, flight attendant, commercial or airline pilot.

“Scholarships like this promote incentives for individuals to build successful aviation-related careers while also enhancing their military careers. From aviators to aircraft maintenance workers with power plant certificates, the skills gained in these fields are valuable not just in aviation, but are transferable in many other industries thus enhancing an individual’s growth and marketability and creating a positive impact on the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station,” said scholarship committee chair Col. Kurt Hammer, USAF ret.

“The Merrell Lane Memorial Scholarship reflects the NIMAC mission to support the growth and prosperity of the NFARS and its personnel, creating a positive economic impact on the Western New York community,” Cooper said. “Working together with our members, strategic business partners and our community we can continue to build and be the foundation of future missions.”

Scholarship eligibility criteria and applications are available at www.NIMAC.org. Applications must be postmarked no later than May 1. Applicants will be notified of a decision by May 15 and will receive their award at the NIMAC annual meeting in June.

About Niagara Military Affairs Council:

The Niagara Military Affairs Council is a nonprofit organization that works to support the growth and prosperity of the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station and its personnel, creating a positive economic impact on the Western New York Community. Founded in 1996 as a result of the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure Commission, NIMAC continues to support and promote capital investment by the ederal government in the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station by increasing the NFARS visibility and calling attention to its attributes among key Department of Defense, Congressional and military leaders. NIMAC is an apolitical and Hatch Act-compliant organization allowing free communication between NIMAC and military leadership.

For more information, visit www.NIMAC.org. 

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