MOSCOW, Idaho, April 16 (AScribe Newswire) -- The Bob Woodruff Family Foundation has awarded a $48,000 grant to the University of Idaho's Operation Education Scholarship Program for use in educating veterans from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan who have sustained traumatic brain injury and/or post-traumatic stress disorder. Operation Education is a comprehensive scholarship program that provides financial, academic and social support to veterans who were disabled while on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.
"We are grateful for the generosity of the Woodruff family, and their desire to help America's injured veterans and their families overcome barriers and be successful," said Karen White, chair of Operation Education and the university's First Lady. "Injured veterans often need to rethink their plans for the future and adjust to a 'new normal.' Higher education often is a key factor in ensuring a successful future for the injured and their families."
"We have seen first-hand how this program helps our scholars be successful in the classroom and in life, and are very appreciative that the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation sees the value in what we are doing and is willing to invest in us," White said.
Journalist Bob Woodruff nearly was killed in early 2006 by a roadside bomb in Iraq. As he recovered, he and his family were determined to shed light on the challenges injured service members, veterans and their families face. Together with his family, he created the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation to raise awareness of "signature injuries" of the war - traumatic brain injury and combat stress - and assist the injured as they navigate their road to recovery. Today, the foundation works with private industry and government to promote excellence in education, prevention, treatment, support, and resources for the injured and their families as they reintegrate back into their communities.
"Traumatic brain injury and combat stress are the hidden injuries of war and it is easy for society to miss the signs and symptoms, and their life-altering consequences," White said. "The individualized nature of the Operation Education scholarship program makes it ideal for students with traumatic brain injury, PTSD or any other disability to get the assistance they need to overcome their individual challenges and to earn their degree."
"We are proud to support the unprecedented efforts underway at the University of Idaho," said Rene Bardorf, executive director of the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation. "Operation Education tackles the complex issue of educating our injured heroes with a comprehensive and compassionate approach, which individualizes a plan to address their academic, social and financial needs."
The university currently is assisting three veterans with disability through the Operation Education scholarship program. The program provides scholarship assistance for tuition, fees, books and living expenses. Academic and social support includes such things as testing and classroom accommodations, adaptive equipment, tutoring and academic coaching, family and individual counseling, and peer group networking.
Veterans' spouses also may apply, jointly or individually, to receive the benefits of the Operation Education scholarship program.
Major funding for the scholarship program comes from the private support of University of Idaho alumni and friends, as well as from individuals, corporations and foundations who share the university's interest in assisting America's disabled veterans. Gifts in support of Operation Education may be made by calling the University of Idaho at 208-885-5304.
To learn more about Operation Education, request an application or make an online gift, visit http://www.uidaho.edu/operationeducation.
About the University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state's flagship higher-education institution and its principal graduate education and research university, bringing insight and innovation to the state, the nation and the world. University researchers attract nearly $100 million in research grants and contracts each year; the University of Idaho is the only institution in the state to earn the prestigious Carnegie Foundation ranking for high research activity. The university's student population includes first-generation college students and ethnically diverse scholars. Offering more than 150 degree options in 10 colleges, the university combines the strengths of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. For information, visit http://www.uidaho.edu .
About Bob Woodruff Family Foundation
Established under the auspices of the Brain Injury Association in early 2007, the Bob Woodruff Family Foundation (BWFF) became and independent 501(c) 3 in January 2008. BWFF provides resources and support to injured service members, veterans and their families, with special attention to the signature hidden injuries of war - traumatic brain injury and combat stress. BWFF raises awareness and educates the public on the signature injuries of war, provides direct charitable and individual giving through community based initiatives, and works collaboratively with private industry and government to promote excellence in education, prevention, treatment, support and resources for our Nation's injured. For more information, visit http://www.bobwoodrufffamilyfund.org .
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CONTACT: Joni Kirk, University Communications, 208-885-7725, joni@uidaho.edu
Media Contact: See above.
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