For Immediate Release
November 30, 2012

AFA Announces 2012 Michael Wilson Scholarship Recipients

The Air Force Association (AFA) today announced the 2012 recipients of its newest scholarship, the Michael Wilson Scholarship, a fund created last year that annually grants two Air Force ROTC cadets in the United States money toward college.

This significant scholarship was established through Brian Wilson, pitcher for Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants. Wilson established this scholarship to honor the commitment to service and legacy of his father, Michael Wilson. The gift is the largest scholarship given by an individual to be administered by the Air Force Association in its 66-year history.

The 2012 recipients of the Michael Wilson Scholarship are Cadet William “Nathan” Schimmel, of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and Cadet Daniel L. Myers, of The Ohio State University. The pair were presented their award at AFA’s Global Warfare Symposium in Los Angeles, California, on November 16, 2012.

“We are grateful to Brian Wilson for funding these scholarships and for his support of the Air Force and the Air Force Association," said Jerry White, AFA’s Vice Chairman of the Board for Aerospace Education. “In addition, we are grateful for his father’s service and his dedication to duty.”

“This year’s recipients of this award were recognized for exemplifying great leadership, talent and skill, which are qualities reflecting that of the scholarship’s namesake,” said Jerry White, Vice Chairman of the Board for Aerospace Education. “With that said, we are truly appreciative for the commitment to service of Michael Wilson and grateful to Brian for his support of the Air Force and the Air Force Association.”

Cadet Schimmel has earned “Superior Performer” designation in his detachment– an honor reserved for only the top 20% of 450 cadets at his encampment. Additionally, he carries a 3.61 GPA while pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with double majors in economics and finance, along with a minor in mathematics. He has been on the College of Business Administration’s Dean’s List every semester. He is involved as a member of the National Society of Pershing Rifles, Arnold Air Society, Phi Delta Theta fraternity, the UNL Honors Program and Young Life.

Cadet Myers, specializing in Historical Studies, has maintained a 3.91 GPA, which has earned him a spot on the Dean’s List for eight straight quarters. Upon entry into the Professional Officer course corps of cadets, he honed and showcased his leadership skills as the cadet wing’s first-ever Leadership Planning Officer, responsible for creating curriculum and coordinating a series of forums and guest speakers focused on leadership. Furthermore, he has earned accolades as 2011 Military Veterans Education Foundation Scholarship, the Major General Robert E. Mason Scholarship Award winner and the 2011 Battelle Essay Award winner.

AFA encourages the pursuit of education by offering numerous scholarships and grants to Air Force active duty, Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve members and their dependents; and awards various educator grants to promote science and math education at the elementary and secondary school level.

More information on the Michael Wilson Scholarship can be found at www.afa.org/MichaelWilson. Information on AFA’s other scholarships and grant opportunities can be found on our Awards, Scholarships and Grants site.

The Air Force Association is a non-profit, independent, professional military and aerospace education association. Our mission is to promote a dominant United States Air Force and a strong national defense, and to honor Airmen and our Air Force Heritage. To accomplish this, we:

• EDUCATE the public on the critical need for unmatched aerospace power and a technically superior workforce to ensure U.S. national security.
• ADVOCATE for aerospace power and STEM education.
• SUPPORT the Total Air Force family and promote aerospace education.

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