The Frontline to Freeway Military Scholarship program is just one way that TCI Transportation shows employees they’re valued. This year, the winner is Sage Burns, the daughter of one of TCI’s fantastic employees!
Meet Sage Burns, Our 2022 Scholarship Winner
This year, Sage Burns was awarded the Frontline to Freeway 4K Scholarship. She is the daughter of TCI employee Kevin Burns, Sales Manager of our Savannah, GA location.
Sage is a Freshman at Augusta University as a first-year biology major with plans to become a Pre-Physician Assistant. Just recently, she also joined the Georgia Army National Guard as a Combat Medic or 68 Whiskey.
Sage shared in her essay, “since enlisting in the Army National Guard…I have found my passion for serving and helping others and this scholarship would not only help me pursue my degree but also advance in my military career.”
While she has known since high school that she wanted to pursue a profession in the medical field, she also recognized the financial challenges of attending college. Upon seeking the advice of her parents, both of whom are military veterans, she enlisted and completed basic training at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri. From there, she completed Advanced Individual Training as a 68 Whiskey Combat Medic in Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
During her training, hearing combat stories from others made her realize the impact she could have. “I could make a difference in whether someone goes back home to their family or dies in combat inspired me more than ever to become the best medic I possibly could.”
Now, as a college Freshman, Sage is a certified combat medic, emergency medical technician, and patient care technician, with plans to accomplish much more. She is enrolled as an enlisted soldier in the ROTC program at Augusta University and, once she graduates, she has plans to become a commissioned officer. Once she has earned her Physician Assistant degree, her goal is to eventually serve in active duty with the Army Medical Department (AMEDD).
Needless to say, Sage’s personal story should be an inspiration to all. Regardless of age, dreams, or even personal challenges, she is the embodiment of the saying, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Rather than letting her financial concerns stop her from pursuing her goals, she sought the advice of others, listened to the personal stories of experienced soldiers, and not only found her true passion in life, but found solutions.
Through her willingness to share her own story and follow in her parents’ military footsteps, Sage has accomplished a lot in the past couple of years. In her own words, she reflects: “A year later, I am finally sitting here in my college dorm…with bigger goals and dreams than I’ve ever had.”
Congratulations to you, Sage! TCI is proud to award you the scholarship, which will be used towards the Fall semester tuition.
About the Frontline to Freeway Military Scholarship
The Frontline to Freeway Scholarship was established specifically for TCI employees who have served or are still serving as active duty or reserve military personnel. Eligible candidates include TCI veterans and veteran employees’ children or spouses.
TCI has the utmost respect for military service members and their families. These individuals have dedicated a significant portion of their lives to serving and protecting our nation. With countless sacrifices and a display of tremendous bravery that often results in them missing important family milestones and events, the Frontline to Freeway 4k Scholarship is designed to help reduce the financial stress associated with a major milestone: The cost of attending college.
Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Each year, qualified candidates have the opportunity to apply for the $4,000 scholarship before the end of August by submitting and completing TCI’s scholarship application. So long as the applicant is a TCI employee or the spouse/child of a qualifying employee, they are eligible. Along with the form, the individual must submit proof of military status via DD Form 214. A completed essay, college acceptance letter, and school transcripts must also accompany their submission.
The final requirement is that the applicant must provide proof of tuition payment and associated documentation of class schedule and current enrollment in post-secondary courses at a university, vocational, community, or state college. The TCI Scholarship Committee reviews each application and overall scores, and winners are chosen by vote. The funds are then sent directly to the winner’s college to help pay for their tuition.
Our People Come First
Since the beginning, TCI’s foundation of business and success has focused on the people and community. We recognize our employees and customers as the backbones of business. We value others and are dedicated to helping enrich lives and provide excellent service. The Frontline to Freeway scholarship is just one example of how we support our nation’s military and the people who serve our nation and our hometown. Visit our Veterans webpage to learn more.
As a family-owned business for more than 40 years, we know what really matters in life. While this military scholarship is reserved for veteran employees and family members, we also offer the Gerry Flynn Scholarship which is open to all employees.
