“We must never forget the commitment and courageous sacrifice of our military servicemembers and veterans on behalf of our state and the nation, said Mrs. Christie. “That’s why I’m so pleased that Walmart is renewing its partnership with us to honor these heroes by helping to advance their educational objectives through the Heart of a Hero Scholarship. With Walmart’s generous contribution, ten of our servicemen and women will have an opportunity to follow their desired professional and career aspirations.”

For Marine Corps Sergeant James B. Adams, a 2012 recipient from Colts Neck, the Heart of a Hero Scholarship has meant the completion of a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing degree, which was recently conferred from American Military University. Sergeant Adams is currently pursuing his MBA with a concentration in Marketing. He said, “The ability for me to continue my off-duty education was noted by my superiors and I truly believe it was a factor in my upcoming promotion to Staff Sergeant. I plan on using the knowledge gained from college, as well as the experience and formal training I've received from the Marine Corps, in a way to give back to society.”

Another 2012 Heart of a Hero recipient, Airman First Class Vince Avallone of Mullica Hill, is using his scholarship to help attain his career goal to become a doctor. The scholarship funding has assisted in alleviating financial burdens such as tuition fees, books, and graduate school applications. “I am working on applying for The Masters of Biomedical Sciences at UMDNJ,” said Avallone. “After that I plan to further my education by becoming a candidate for medical school at UMDNJ or Rowan's Cooper Medical School.” Thanks to the financial assistance provided by the scholarship, Airman Avallone was able to focus more attention on his community service, a core element of the scholarship, including his participation in Relay for Life, Back to the Boro, and Ronald McDonald House.

“Walmart is proud to join First Lady Mary Pat Christie in once again funding the Heart of a Hero Scholarship Program through New Jersey Heroes,” said Jennifer Hoehn, Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Walmart Stores in New Jersey. “As one of our country’s largest private employers of veterans, Walmart salutes America’s heroes by helping to prepare our troops for successful professional lives during and after their service to our country.”

Applicants for the Heart of a Hero Scholarship must meet several program criteria: 1) be a United States citizen and New Jersey resident; 2) be a high school graduate or have a high school equivalency diploma (GED); 3) served in the military; 4) submit a letter stating goals and how the scholarship will be used; 5)  enroll as a student at an accredited college/university or a vocational training school in pursuit of a degree for the 2012-13 school year; 6) demonstrate a commitment to volunteerism and community contribution, in the spirit of New Jersey Heroes.  

Service members interested in applying for the Heart of a Hero Scholarship must fully complete the application form either online at the New Jersey Heroes website:  www.newjerseyheroes.org by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 26, 2013 or submit an application via US Mail postmarked no later than July 26, 2013 and mailed to NJ Heroes, P.O. Box 95, Mendham, NJ 07945-0095. Application deadline is Friday, July 26, 2013.

“New Jersey Heroes recognizes and celebrates the inspiring work being done by individuals and non-profit organizations across the Garden State,” noted Mrs. Christie.  “In that spirit, the recipients of the Heart of a Hero Scholarship will continue to embody these same ideals through volunteerism and community service.”

New Jersey Heroes is an initiative of First Lady Mary Pat Christie that showcases the positive and unique ways people and organizations are impacting New Jersey and their communities. To nominate a hero, go to http://newjerseyheroes.org and follow the application instructions to submit the person you believe is a true New Jersey Hero.