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Sheppard spouse earns Tillman scholarship

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kyle E. Gese
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  

Founded in 2004, the Pat Tillman Foundation’s mission is to invest in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships – building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others.

 

According to their  website, the scholars chosen show extraordinary academic and leadership potential, a true sense of vocation, and a deep commitment to create positive change through their work in the fields of medicine, law, business, education and the arts. The Pat Tillman Foundation has nearly 460 scholars with more than $14 million in academic scholarships and support attending more than 100 universities.

 

Recently, Katelyn Newton, spouse of Tech. Sgt. Michael Newton, 366th Training Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal instructor, was selected in June, 2016, as one of 60 nationwide to receive the Pat Tillman Foundation Scholarship.

 

“I didn’t think I would get a scholarship in a million years,” Katelyn said. “It is pretty humbling to be recognized among this group of really elite students … I have a very large interest in serving children with cancer, but I also have a very large interest in pediatric palliative care (a specialized medical care that provides relief for children with serious illnesses and their families). There are very few programs catered towards kids in that situation and I want to change that.”

 

Katelyn is an Arizona State University pediatric oncology nurse, pursuing her doctorate of nursing practice with the vison to make a positive impact in the lives of children and families during their greatest times of need.

 

Her husband’s commitment to serving in the Air Force has inspired her to volunteer her medical skills at camps for children with cancer, events serving children in foster care and their families and at schools around the globe. She has worked in pediatric care for five years and currently works in Dallas.

 

“I knew she was going to get it from day one,” her husband said. “She says she has no idea how I do my job, and I have absolutely no idea how she does hers … She works three to four nights a week and has clinical two to three days a week. So I see her on average one to two days a week, if she doesn't have to travel to Phoenix for school. Thank God, she has family in Dallas that she can stay with; that’s helped us out immensely as far as having a safe place to stay. Still, not being able to see my wife for that stretch of time is difficult.”

 

“She’s told me before that the greatest gift she could ever receive is for a family to allow her to help them through the end of life for their child, and to make it easier for them,” he said. “I’d rather walk out on an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) than have to talk to a parent who’s losing their kid.”

 

“Somewhere inside, we hear a voice. It leads us in the direction of who we wish to become. But it is up to us whether or not to follow.” – Pat Tillman