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Marine Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry was an Explosives Ordnance Disposal Technician serving in Iraq doing the work of disabling IEDs, which proved to be among the deadliest threats to GIs during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He could have saved his own life and left Iraq with a Purple Heart after injuring his hand in 2005. Instead, he considered the cause and how is fellow soldiers would continue the mission and made the decision to stay.
Not long after we was killed by boobytrap left to sabotage an IED that he volunteered to disarm.
The Fry Scholarship honors his bravery by caring for and supporting the families of veterans who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country. By covering college tuition costs, the Fry Scholarship ensures a hopeful future for the families that fallen soldiers have been left behind.
Marine Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry’s heroic sacrifice ensures his name and legacy live on.
But what is the Fry Scholarship and what does it do?
The Fry Scholarship is offered to the children and spouses of deceased veterans who died in the line of duty on or after September 11, 2001, ensuring they get the help and support they need in their academic pursuits and future career paths.
How Much Does the Fry Scholarship Pay?
They Fry Scholarship covers the in-state tuition at public colleges in full, and up to $22,805.34 annually for private universities or out-of-state tuition rates at state schools. This generous benefit program also covers housing, books, and supplies for up to 36 months.
Who is Eligible for the Fry Scholarship?
Any child or a spouse of a deceased veteran who served in the Armed Forces or was a member of the Selected Reserve and lost their lives from a service-connected disability, on or after September 11, 2001.
As a Child of a Deceased Service Member:
- If you turned 18 years of age or graduated from high school before January 1, 2013, you are eligible for the Fry Scholarship until 33 years of age.
- If you turn 18 year of age or graduated from high school after January 1, 2013, you are eligible for the Fry Scholarship after you graduate high school or turn 18, whichever comes first.
- If you deceased parent was part of the Select Reserve and died from a service-connected disability while not on active duty, you are eligible for the Fry Scholarship at any time, no matter your age.
- If the deceased parent died in the line of duty before August 1, 2011, you may be eligible for both the Fry Scholarship as well as the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance (DEA) program. You may only use one program at a time, with the cap for combined benefits ending at 81 months of full-time training.
- If you are already receiving Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) and are wanting to use the Fry Scholarship, you must give up your DIC payments.
As the Spouse of a Deceased Service Member:
- If you remarry, you are no longer eligible for the Fry Scholarship.
- If you are still unmarried and are the spouse of a deceased service member, you are eligible for both the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) payments as well as the Fry Scholarship.
How to Apply for the Fry Scholarship
- Choose your school: It is a good idea to check the GI Bill® Comparison Tool as it can help you choose a school that best fits you and your needs. It also ensures that your chosen program is approved for VA benefits.
- Apply for Benefits: You can apply online or fill out an application (VA Form 22-5490) and send it to the regional VA office of where you want to go to school. If you’ve already started your educational journey, have your employer or school fill out the VA Enrollment Certificate (VA Form 22-1999).
- Choose a Program: If you have qualified for both the Fry Scholarship and the DEA, you must choose which between the two. You cannot use both and once you make your decision, you cannot change your mind. The exception being if your deceased parent or spouse died in the line of duty before August 1, 2011. In which case, you are eligible for up to 81 months of full-time training. You just can’t use both programs at the same time.
