Davids Joins Million Dollar Check Presentation for Veteran Scholarships
LENEXA, KS - Today, Representative Sharice Davids joined Sport Clips Haircuts to present the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the U.S. (VFW) with a $1.3 million check for the “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” program. The donation will help provide scholarships for Kansas veterans to pursue post-secondary and trade education opportunities. Davids, whose mother served in the U.S. Army for 20 years, is committed to advocating for the health and well-being of Kansas veterans.
“My mother served in the U.S. Army for 20 years and she taught me so much about honor, sacrifice, and dedication to country,” said Davids. “Our service members and veterans deserve nothing less than the quality health care, services, and access to jobs that they’ve earned. I want to extend a huge thank you to Sports Clips for supporting Kansas veterans and to our local VFWs for always ensuring veterans like my mom are cared for.”
“Representative Davids’ presence here today exemplifies her continued support of our nation’s transitioning service members, veterans and their families,” said Duane Sarmiento, VFW National Commander. “We’re appreciative of her efforts to amplify the vital role of student veteran programs like the VFW’s ‘Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship’ and her commitment to ensuring those who’ve served can attain their higher education goals.”
“We were interested to learn that Rep. Davids’ mother is an Army veteran who experienced her own challenges in the transition from military to civilian life, giving her a unique perspective on veterans’ causes and programs. We are pleased to welcome her to this special event to help us celebrate the Help A Hero Scholarship program,” said Gordon Logan, Air Force veteran, VFW Life member and founder and chairman of Sport Clips Haircuts.
Davids has been a dedicated advocate for the support of Kansas veterans after their return from active duty. A bill she led with Representative Mark Alford, aimed at supporting veteran small business owners, received broad bipartisan support when it passed the U.S. House last year. She also helped pass the Honoring our PACT Act, which expands Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) health care eligibility to 3.5 million American veterans exposed to burn pits and toxic airborne hazards while deployed.
Davids' office also helps military and veteran constituents access VA health care and benefits and acts as a facilitator between federal, state, and local agencies. For more information on how veterans can receive assistance, constituents are encouraged to visit Davids' website or call her office at (913) 621-0832.
Background:
Since 2013, Sport Clips has been the primary supporter of the VFW’s "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" program, which provides scholarships for service members and veterans for use at post-secondary schools and trade schools. To date, the company has awarded more than 2,720 scholarships totaling $12.3 million. The funds for today's donation were raised through client and partner contributions at Sport Clips Haircuts locations nationwide, as well as through Sport Clips' Veterans Day donations of $2 per paid haircare service.
The VFW is the nation's largest and oldest major war veterans organization. Founded in 1899, the congressionally chartered VFW is comprised entirely of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, Guard and Reserve forces. Veterans can learn more about the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” program, including their April 30 scholarship deadline, at SportClips.com/heroor vfw.org/Scholarship.