American Legion of Iowa Foundation Scholarship presentation (L to R): Robin Knight, veterans services coordinator; Brent Schmitz, scholarship recipient; Cody Shear, scholarship recipient; Bob Wenger, American Legion representative; Karen Gebel, foundation associate director; Jenny Hoover, foundation scholarship coordinator. Photo submitted

WATERLOOHawkeye Community College recently awarded $1,000 scholarships from the American Legion of Iowa Foundation to two local veterans: Cody Shear of Dumont and Brent Schmitz of Grundy Center.

Founded in 1978, the American Legion of Iowa Foundation provides financial assistance to promote Americanism, youth programs, veterans rehabilitation, and community service in the state. The foundation has accumulated an endowment of over $2,000,000, with earnings dedicated to support programs of veterans’ assistance, education, and patriotic endeavors.

Shear is a student in the Ag Business Management program. He served in the U.S. Army from 2009-2013, completing four tours in Afghanistan. Schmitz is a student in the Business Administration program. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2002-2015 and was deployed to Iraq and Kosovo. Both plan to transfer to the University of Northern Iowa after completing their programs at Hawkeye.

Bob Wenger, District III representative of the American Legion of Iowa Foundation, presented a check to the Hawkeye Foundation for the scholarships.

For more information about available scholarships and how to make tax-deductible donations through the Hawkeye Foundation, call 319-296-4002.