Pioneer Scholarship

(Earth Sciences & Environmental Studies)

Award Amount ($500-$5,000)

The Pioneer Scholarship is aimed at students who are passionate about environmental sustainability, conservation, and scientific research related to the Earth. This scholarship supports future leaders in environmental science, sustainability efforts, and ecological preservation.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Must be pursuing a degree or coursework related to environmental science, earth sciences, ecology, sustainability, renewable energy, or natural resource management.

  • Demonstrates a passion for environmental conservation, sustainability efforts, or research related to Earth sciences.

  • Participation in environmental advocacy groups, conservation projects, or sustainability programs.

  • Strong academic performance in science, mathematics, and environmental studies.

  • Submission of an essay or research proposal focused on environmental challenges, sustainability solutions, or earth sciences exploration.

LCpl. Jordan C. Haerter

In honor of the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter, we are proud to establish the Pioneer Scholarship bearing his name.

On the warm, dusty morning of April 22, 2008, Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, and Cpl. Jonathan T. Yale of the 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines, faced imminent danger while serving as sentries at Joint Security Station Nasser in Ramadi, Iraq. Just as sentries had done generations before, they stood their ground, fully aware of the peril they faced.

A Mercedes-Benz dump truck laden with 2,000 pounds of explosives raced toward their security checkpoint. With only moments to react, Haerter, armed with an M-16A2 Rifle, and Yale, with an M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon, fired relentlessly at the approaching vehicle. Their swift and courageous response forced the suicide bomber to detonate the explosives prematurely, only yards away from their position, but far enough to save the lives of those within the station.

Tragically, Haerter was killed instantly. Yet, his actions, along with those of Cpl. Yale, saved the lives of 50 Marines, 21 Iraqi police officers, and numerous civilians. Before that day, Haerter and Yale had never met. They came from different backgrounds and deployed with different units—Yale preparing to head home and Haerter just beginning his seven-month tour. But in that moment of danger, they made the split-second decision to stand, fight, and sacrifice their lives together. Their final act of courage, defiance, and selflessness bound them forever.

Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter was remembered as a kind, thoughtful young man—an entrepreneur, a quick wit with a dry sense of humor, and a person destined for a lifetime of good. He learned to fly before he earned his driver’s license, and his Little League coach remarked, “Some kids come and go. He was one of those kids you don’t forget.”

George S. Patton once said, "It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived." While he might have believed in that sentiment, we acknowledge the deeper truth: Mourning is fitting and proper, for it is through mourning that we truly honor such a life.

It is our profound honor to offer the Pioneer Scholarship in the name of Lance Cpl. Jordan C. Haerter, Navy Cross recipient. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Semper Fidelis.