August 20, 2009

TROY, AUSA partner to offer scholarship to Fort Rucker NCO

DOTHAN—Troy University and the Fort Rucker-Wiregrass Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army have partnered to present a full, graduate-level scholarship to a Fort Rucker noncommissioned officer.

The Wiregrass AUSA and TROY presented the scholarship to Sgt. 1st Class David Cofer on Thursday, Aug. 20, during the AUSA General Membership Breakfast in Ozark.

The U.S. Army has named 2009 the Year of the NCO, and in recognition, the AUSA and TROY partnered to help further the career of an Army NCO, said Sam MacMaster, president of the AUSA Wiregrass Chapter.

“Because NCOs are truly the backbone of the Army, we thought that this would be a great way recognize the service and contributions of an outstanding NCO during this year,” MacMaster said.

Dothan Campus Vice Chancellor Dr. Don Jeffrey said the scholarship is another example of TROY’s long-standing relationship with Fort Rucker.

“Our heritage in the Wiregrass starts with Fort Rucker,” Jeffrey said. “We are absolutely proud to be a partner in this scholarship and it is especially meaningful to me because I retired from the Army as an NCO.”

Cofer currently works as an Equal Opportunity Advisor for the Army and plans to use the scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in human resources.

“I think this will help me become a better EOA,” he said.

Troy University and the Fort Rucker-Wiregrass Chapter of the Association of the U.S. Army presented a full, graduate-level scholarship to Sgt. 1st Class David Cofer on Thursday, Aug. 20, during the AUSA General Membership Breakfast in Ozark. The Army has declared 2009 the Year of the Noncommissioned Officer and in recognition, TROY and the Wiregrass AUSA partnered to further the career of a Fort Rucker NCO. Pictured left to right are: Col. Kelly Thomas, Wiregrass AUSA Chapter President Sam MacMaster, Sgt. 1st Class David Cofer and Dothan Campus Vice Chancellor Dr. Don Jeffrey. (TROY photo/Matt Clower)