Thomas Senneff

At the heart of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation lies the compelling story of Veteran Marine Lance Corporal Thomas Senneff, a man whose life embodies the core values of service, sacrifice and steadfast commitment. Thomas’ unwavering dedication to both his nation and his family highlights the Foundation’s mission, serving as a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of generosity and legacy.

Thomas's path to service began with a passion for wrestling, leading him to compete for the prestigious University of Iowa. However, despite his athletic prowess, his academic journey faced challenges, culminating in a pivotal moment where he made the life-altering decision to follow in his father’s footsteps and enlist in the United States Marine Corps.

Thomas’ father, a Korean War veteran, instilled in him a profound sense of duty and honor. Having served in the “Frozen Chosin” campaign, his father’s stories of resilience and sacrifice left an indelible mark on Thomas, shaping his values and character.

In the crucible of Marine training, Thomas found the discipline and focus he had long sought. Through the rigors of military life, he honed his character and instilled within himself the values of integrity and perseverance. His time in the Corps transformed him, instilling him with a sense of duty and honor that would shape his path for years to come.

Years following his honorable discharge, Thomas returned to his pursuit of education, driven by a newfound sense of purpose and determination. He earned his MBA, a testament to his resilience and commitment to self-improvement. Through his journey, he imparted to his children the importance of education and hard work.

His children, Ellie and Thomas III, received scholarships from the Foundation, which played a vital role in their ability to obtain their degrees. Ellie pursued her calling in nursing at the University of Missouri and Thomas III delved into the realm of Biochemistry at Washington University and has gone on to pursue a degree in pharmaceutical research at the University of Michigan.

Thomas recognizes the importance of ensuring that future generations have access to the same transformative opportunities that have enriched his family's lives. With a steadfast commitment to his values and a deep sense of gratitude for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Thomas has made the decision to include the Foundation in his estate plans, pledging to leave a lasting legacy of service and education.

By including the Foundation in his estate plans, Thomas proudly joins the esteemed Rockmore Society, a testament to his commitment to ensuring the Foundation's enduring impact for generations to come.

In sharing his story, Thomas hopes to inspire others to consider their own legacy and the impact they can make through philanthropy. His journey serves as a reminder that each of us has the power to shape the future and leave a lasting imprint on the lives of others.

To explore your options for joining Thomas in creating a legacy gift that will help the children of Marine families, contact our Planned Giving team at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org today.

Sue Anne VanHaren

Leveling the Playing Field

Sue Anne VanHaren and her husband, the late George Kresovich, have always been deeply committed to providing educational opportunities to others. As kids from “the South side of town” they wanted to give back and level the playing field for those without the financial means to access the educational opportunities they desired. Together, they started a high school mentoring program in Seattle in 1986 that is still operating today.

During her time as an executive coach in 2008, Sue Anne VanHaren was introduced to Mr. Hayward Sawyer. They bonded over Hayward and George’s Marine Corps service and what it means to be part of the Marine Corps Family. Following George’s passing in 2013, Sue wanted to establish a scholarship fund in his memory and shared this news with Hayward. Hayward connected her with the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Sue said, “Given his pride and joy in being a Marine, MCSF was a perfect fit for furthering that commitment,” and so The George Anthony Kresovich Memorial Scholarship was created.

This scholarship has been funded since 2013 by many who wish to honor George and his commitment to education, dedication to the Marine Corps, and, as Sue lovingly refers to, “his powerful intellect, great soul, sweet temper, and infectious grin.” Sue’s planned gift will allow this scholarship to be given in perpetuity, allowing her and George’s commitment to “leveling the playing field” for access to education to continue for generations to come.

“Each year, I receive a thoughtful, deeply appreciative letter from one of the Marine Scholars. Each time, these letters always move me to tears and make me so very proud to be a member of the Marine Corps Family and to continue to express George's commitment, Semper Fidelis, to his Marine Corps Family.

I am so pleased and grateful to know that by being a member of The Rockmore Society I have set up an endowment in perpetuity, in George's memory, that will ease the financial burden and make it easier for the children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen to receive a higher education. I know that these children, raised on Honor, Courage, and Commitment will bring those qualities to bare in whatever they choose to do for the world.”—Sue Anne VanHaren

Geoff Thomas

Geoff Thomas first learned of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation in an unusual way.

About 20 years ago, the longtime member of the Fort Lauderdale Country Club was out on the course looking for his golf ball near the pond. While searching, he found another ball that had the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation name emblazoned on it.

Geoff, who served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1969 to 1975, returned to the pro shop and inquired about it. He learned that the golf club's general manager, Mike O'Brien, served on the committee for the foundation's South Florida Golf Tournament. Geoff was intrigued and the next week, he played in the tournament himself.

From his first year participating in the tournament to now, Geoff has developed numerous friendships through the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation and met several scholarship recipients as well. He and his wife, Janice, also became sponsors of the annual tournament.

Last year, the couple decided to further support the foundation by establishing the Geoff and Janice Thomas Endowed Scholarship.

"I believe very strongly in scholarships and that you don't get a second chance for a first-rate education," Geoff says. "I hope [this scholarship] is a building block for them for the future."

It's also Geoff's wish that the scholarship recipients will one day pay it forward.

"They will never know me and my wife, but I still hope they choose to pass it on," he says.

You, too, can provide opportunities of a lifetime through your gift, just like the Thomases. Learn more by contacting our Planned Giving team at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org.

Deb Cafferata-Refalo

Foundation supporter and Society member since 2013.

After 29 years as a dedicated airman, Marine Corps spouse, and mother, Deborah Cafferato-ReFalo was determined to obtain her college education. Also the daughter of Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. USMC (Ret.), Deborah was able to pursue her dream with the support of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Today, Deborah is paying it forward by including the Scholarship Foundation in her will.

“ When I would get that scholarship check every semester it was like holding hope. Someone who didn’t know me, didn’t know my face, invested in me and took a risk. So now, I get to take that same leap of faith. By including the Scholarship Foundation in my will, someone else is going to get a gift that keeps on giving.”
—Deborah Cafferata-ReFalo

In 1978, Deborah enlisted as an airman basic in the United States Air Force. Deborah advanced in the Air Force, was step-promoted to staff sergeant and served as NCOIC of mortuary affairs. After an honorable discharge in 1989, Deborah moved to Aiken, South Carolina, with her husband; their daughter, Alexandria, was born in 1990. In South Carolina, Deborah continued her service to others; creating a soup kitchen, and starting her own business caring for the elderly in their homes, running errands, fixing meals, and ensuring that they received their medications.

In 2002, Deborah and her family moved to Austria for five years while her husband worked for the United Nations.

Returning to South Carolina in 2007, Deborah faced personal challenges to include a divorce. Despite those difficulties, Deborah graduated from Aiken Technical College with Phi Theta Kappa honors. As Deborah pursued a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in history, she encountered financial roadblocks and personal obstacles that couldn’t hold Deborah back.

This nontraditional student exemplified a resolve and fortitude that she likely inherited from her father, Private First Class Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. USMC (Ret.), who was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism above and beyond the call of duty demonstrated in the Chosin Reservoir Campaign. With the financial help from the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, Deborah was able to graduate from the University of South Carolina Aiken with honors from Chi Delta Chi.

Eric Candelori

Foundation supporter and Society member since 1992.

"For not a lot of money today, my life insurance gift will create a significant gift to the Scholarship Foundation in the future - perpetuating its mission and support of Marine families."

Deb Carstens

Foundation supporter and Society member since 2009.

"Making a specific bequest in my will simplifies things for my family."

Gordon Evans

Gordon Evans sees opportunity at every turn. If he doesn’t, he makes it for both himself and for others.

Gordon served nine years in the Marine Corps (1965-1974) as an infantry officer and pilot in Vietnam. While serving, he quickly realized that not everyone had the same opportunities in life, including a higher education.

Gordon has always been grateful to his family for his Cornell University education and for other opportunities. He’s had successful careers in row crop vegetable farming in Southern California and commercial real estate, and continues to give back, sharing his military story and values with local elementary and high school students as a volunteer for the Joe Foss Institute.

But there have always been opportunities to give that were closer to home for Gordon. What started as smaller gifts in support of his Marine Corps family and their children—giving here and there to online fundraising auctions—evolved into a more substantive commitment, resulting in Gordon naming the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation as a beneficiary of his trust.

“I got to digging around (researching the Scholarship Foundation) and thought this is really worthwhile,” Gordon says.

His gift will endow the Capt. Gordon E. Evans and Sgt. W.E. “Mike” Clayton Memorial Scholarship, a scholarship that requires a recipient attend a school positively rated by the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, The American Council of Trustees and Alumni or attend an accredited trade or vocational school.

Military children—raised on honor, courage and commitment—can bring to the college experience leadership, a drive, determination and focus that is unique to their upbringing, Gordon says. As he sees it, his gift merely gives them a leg up in becoming their own driving force to succeed.

Gordon believes the impact of his gift goes well beyond the scholarship—the formation of a liberal arts education that’s inclusive of all viewpoints is a valuable investment in our country’s future. “How better to honor the children of Marines, Navy Corpsmen and the service members themselves than by doing something like this?” he asks.

You can provide a valuable opportunity for children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen to succeed through higher education and give back to their country just like Gordon Evans has. To learn more, contact our Planned Giving team, Director, Development Strategy, at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org.

Ralph Gloriso

Foundation supporter and Society member since 1995.

"My bequest is not a gift. It's payback. I joined the Corps as a young college student and the Marine Corps turned me into who I am today. Including the Scholarship Foundation in my estate plans seemed so appropriate."

Alexander “Sandy” Gaston

Alexander “Sandy” Gaston’s life was marked by two passions: serving his country and philanthropy. These passions converged many times before his recent passing, including through the Vietnam veteran’s support of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.

Sandy came from a long line of men who served their country, including his father in World Wars I and II. With such poignant examples of patriotism, it was little surprise when Sandy joined the Naval Reserve days after turning 17 and volunteered for active duty in Vietnam after high school graduation. He went on to serve two combat tours during the conflict.

Sandy considered military service his duty and treasured the memories of his naval service. While he held tight to his memories, he also wanted to ensure others learned from the dangers and sacrifices that veterans like himself had experienced. He believed that one person, properly motivated and with the right resources, could make a difference for their country.

With that in mind, prior to his passing, Sandy established a gift in his will for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, ensuring he could help shape future generations for years to come.

Your gift can provide a valuable opportunity for children of Marines and Navy Corpsmen. To learn more, contact our Planned Giving team at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org.

Bernadette and John Heenan

John Heenan is a busy man. He heads two companies, and serves on several boards in addition to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, among many other volunteer pursuits.

In his 30-plus years of business, John has managed acquisitions, transitions, divestitures and strategic restructuring of companies. He received his MBA in multinational finance from The Wharton School, and a bachelor’s in accounting from Drexel, where he finished first in the business school. Not bad, says John, for a young man who was “on the five-year plan in high school.”

One of nine children, John, the son of a bartender, was 18 when he enlisted in the Marine Corps as an infantryman in the late 1960s.

“They are the best fighting force in the world” he says. He later served in Cuba (GITMO) and North Carolina.

Today, diversification is integral to John’s retirement plan, and he’s a proponent of charitable gift annuities as part of a smart planned giving strategy. For the Scholarship Foundation, John and his wife, Bernadette, have created multiple deferred annuities in addition to their gracious annual giving.

“CGAs are a good option for a good cause and give you a tax benefit,” John says. “It’s a way for me to do some good today, increase diversification of my portfolio and is a leg in my long-term planning.” John says he also appreciates the added level of security and peace of mind knowing his wife, Bernadette, will receive a fixed income stream annually through the annuity.

A charitable gift annuity can also fund personal passions or key causes. For John and Bernadette, it’s the career and technical education scholarship program through the Scholarship Foundation.

“I really, really like the course of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation,” he says. “They will last for the very long term. And through this program, we’re giving kids very marketable skills.”

Learn more about charitable gift annuities as part of your planned giving by contacting our Planned Giving team at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org.

Dr. Russ Hostetler

Dr. Russ Hostetler’s father was an Army Medic, always quiet at home about his wartime service. Russ learned of his father’s bravery only through local newspaper clippings that his mother had saved.

When talk turned to Russ serving in Vietnam years later, his mother begged him not to go, and his father—true to form—stayed quiet. Russ compromised and joined the local police department so he could serve closer to home.

As fate would have it, Russ eventually joined a running group near his home in Lakeland, Fla., where several Marines were also members. Over the years, they became friends, trained together and participated in the Marine Corps marathons where he met younger Marines and got to know their stories of sacrifice.

“The Marines have something that the other branches don’t—that sense of brotherhood—the women, too—the ‘always-ness’ of it,” Russ says. “It’s something beyond time in uniform.”

He speaks fervently about his admiration and respect for the Marines, for helping keep our country free, safe and protected.

“They constantly shoulder the load for us—and their family members, too—with what they suffer with loss and absences,” he says.

It’s a freedom that perhaps many here at home take for granted. Russ’s wife, Dr. Xiao Zhang, is from China. She reminds Russ daily how precious our freedoms are in the U.S., and about places where people, particularly women, are still oppressed.

Russ says, “The Marines are the first to respond when our freedom is threatened.” That’s why he proudly honors the Marines and their families by giving annually to the Scholarship Foundation, and through a bequest in his will.

“Education is key,” he says, something a Marine shouldn’t have to sacrifice to give to his or her children. “Our country’s debt for their service is incalculable. This is my expression of thanks.”

Learn how you can support Marines and their families’ education through the Scholarship Foundation. Contact our Planned Giving team, Director, Development Strategy, at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org for more information.

Jim and Sue King

Investing in Our Nation's Future

Involvement and investment are the hallmarks of Jim and Sue King's legacy at the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. Jim, who flew 210 missions in Vietnam, became involved with the Scholarship Foundation nearly 50 years ago after squadron-mate was killed in a training accident. Jim made a contribution in his friend's honor and as a way to indirectly support his friend's wife and the education if their two children who both attended college with the support of the Scholarship Foundation.

Jim kept up with the Scholarship Foundation after that, attending events and making financial investments. After retirement, his involvement deepened to include serving as a board member and chairing the Chicago Dinner, among other significant positions.

Jim and Sue also have become major investors, believing that every dollar is a "sound investment in the future of our country and provides children with Marine Corps values an opportunity to attend college or a vocational school," Jim says.

Perpetuating that sentiment, the Kings recently made a gift in their will to the Foundation and, in doing so, became members of The Rockmore Society.

Their gift, as Jim and Sue see it, ensures the King's family's support lasts for generations.

"We're saying thank you to veterans," Jim says, "and recognize their service and sacrifices for our family and others The Kings have proven that there are many ways to make an impact—during your lifetime and beyond.

"Jim and Sue's continued commitment to the Scholarship Foundation has been transformational for our organization," says Lt. Gen. Robert Ruark. "From supporting the Foundation as investors and event volunteers, to serving on the board of directors for 13 years and now as members of The Rockmore Society—Jim and Sue have made a real difference in the lives of Marine children, and will continue to do so far into the future."

Join the Kings and invest in the Scholarship Foundation with a gift in your will. Contact our Planned Giving team at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org for more information.

Major Sean T. Moore USMC (Ret)

Rockmore Society member since 2004 and supporter since 2006

In spite of never having been avid golfers themselves, Major Sean Moore USMC (Ret.) and his wife, Elizabeth, have been strong and consistent supporters of the Scholarship Foundation's San Diego Golf Tournament on board Camp Pendleton for more than a decade. Sean, a financial advisor and portfolio manager, enjoys spending the day with his clients allowing them to learn more about the Marine Corps and the students who benefit from the Scholarship Foundation's investments in their education. In that way, he and Elizabeth hope to add to those who might consider the Scholarship Foundation for their own charitable giving.

Sean and Elizabeth recently joined The Rockmore Society thereby creating a personal legacy that will extend beyond their lifetimes and help future generations of Marine Corps sons and daughters pursue higher education. With their commitment to The Rockmore Society, Sean and Elizabeth honor Elizabeth's father, a Marine officer who passed away at a very young age, shortly after Sean had the privilege of meeting him.

Major General Arnold Punaro

Major General Arnold Punaro vividly recalls the day that changed his life.

Major General Arnold Punaro vividly recalls the day that changed his life.

It was Jan. 4, 1970, in the Que Son Mountains of the Republic of Vietnam. Later dubbed the “Ambush at Hill 953,” then Marine 2nd Lieutenant Punaro and his men found themselves under siege by enemy gunfire. As he tended to a wounded Marine, Punaro—who was just five months into his tour of duty—was shot in the back. Another Marine, unknown to Punaro, rushed to his aid.

“Someone had come after me. Incredibly brave. Incredibly risky,” Punaro wrote in his memoir, On War and Politics: The Battlefield Inside Washington’s Beltway. “I grabbed his flak jacket and yelled, ‘Let’s go! Let’s go!’” But there was no answer. He had been struck and killed in the firefight.

That Marine, Corporal Roy Lee Hammonds of Waxahachie, Texas, was just 21 at the time of his death. He had been in Vietnam for almost a year and was slated to head home in just a few weeks.

Punaro says he doesn’t know what compelled Hammonds to risk his own life for his, but he has dedicated his life to honoring that sacrifice.

“I was someone he had never met and he saved my life,” Punaro says. “I’ve wrestled with that. It’s a very painful thing. I think about why he did it and about the ultimate sacrifice that he paid. He will never know what that meant to me.”

To ensure that the next generation will recognize Hammonds’ courage and sacrifice, he and his wife, Jan, along with the couple’s four children, created an endowed scholarship of $100,000 through the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation in Hammonds’ name. The gift will be a reminder of his bravery for generations to come.

“What he did for me is what Marines and soldiers have done for centuries—living up to the motto of Semper Fidelis: always faithful,” Punaro says. “Now, children of Marines who will serve in the future can benefit from and learn from his selfless act, which embodies the very soul of the United States Marine Corps.”

To learn how you can support Marines and their families’ education through the Scholarship Foundation or to learn more about making a gift in honor of a fellow veteran, contact our Planned Giving team at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org.

Randolph H. Smith

Foundation supporter since 2005 and Society member since 2012.

Randolph "Randy" Smith never met someone in need he didn't want to help.

"He was very sensitive to the needs of people he met," says Randy's wife, Mary Allen Smith of South Carolina. "That's just the kind of person he was."

Generosity was a family trait for Randy, who passed away in June 2017. But he credited the Marine Corps with putting him on the right path in life.

Randy served from 1967–70. He graduated from boot camp as Private First Class and achieved the rank of Sergeant.

"It was tough for him because he wasn't used to that kind of discipline," says Mary. "But it made a man out of him, and he appreciated that. He loved the Marine Corps and wanted to give back."

Commitment to Education

Over the years, Randy did well in the lumber business and owned a sporting goods store. Throughout his life, he gave back to his community and church.

"His family has always been, and we have been big on giving back," Mary says. "He felt very strongly about supporting our troops and educating the children of the troops."

Randy left $100,000 in his will to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation to support the critical mission of furthering education.

He also came up with a unique, non-cash approach to giving and left his custom muscle car to the Foundation. The red, white, and blue Dodge Challenger has each branch of service painted on it, as well as "land of the free because of the brave." It will be auctioned by Mecum Auto Auction on Oct. 5 with proceeds benefiting the children of Marines.

"He was very, very generous and had a love for people and his country, and he was very supportive of his country," Mary says. "That was a special trait that he had."

Randy Smith found a unique way to support the children of Marines by giving his Dodge Challenger to the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation. To learn more about making a gift of an asset like a car or other piece of personal property, contact our Planned Giving team at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org.

Robert Yelenovsky

Former Marine Gives to Help Educate Today’s Children

After suffering the loss of his father, a broken engagement, accidentally cutting off his finger which got him laid off from his career as a machinist, Robert Yelenovsky joined the Marine Corps to change his life.

“The Marine Corps just turned me around instantly,” says Robert, who joined in 1984. “I really put my whole heart into it. I successfully achieved my goal of making honor man in boot camp, and that was the first real challenge I had for myself. It was hard work, but I loved it.”

Today, Robert is vice president and manager of retirement plan advisors at Fragasso Financial Advisors in Pittsburgh.

“I do the same thing in my work life as I did in boot camp with gaining honor man,” he says. “I tend to excel despite not having the formal training. Because I was raising a young family and working all the time, I was never able to complete a college degree. I just shoot for the top and use my training in the Marines to get those results.”

Back to the Marines
Recently, Robert found the Marine Corps fulfilled a need again, this time as the recipient of his time and money. He’s a member of the Steel City Marines, and serves on the committee that plans the annual scholarship dinner. He and wife, Janine, have also named the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation in their will.

Robert says his training as a retirement planner and experience as a Marine spurred the gift. He says the bequest is part of properly preparing for retirement.

He remembers the sacrifices his family made and wants to assist the children of today’s Marines, especially first-generation students. He’s impressed that 90 percent of scholarship recipients graduate or are on track to graduate.

“The dollars, energy and time that we devote to this are well spent and well-deserved,” he says. “College wasn’t talked about in our household. It’s important to me that that it becomes part of the conversation for these children.”

Provide for the children of Marines, like Robert has, with a gift in your will. To learn more, contact our Planned Giving team at 703.549.0060 or plannedgiving@mcsf.org.