• DALLAS

The National AAFES Retired Employees Association (AREA) Scholarship Program named the latest winners in this program. 

The program stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities.

Established in 1985 through the philanthropic efforts of retirees and active associates, the program has provided significant financial assistance, exceeding $1.07 million, 
to more than 440 graduating seniors.

The Scholarship Review Board employs a comprehensive selection process that considers academic distinctions, extracurricular participation, unique talents, letters of recommendation and applicant essays. 

Through this thorough evaluation, National AREA ensures that scholarships are awarded to accomplished individuals, reflecting its commitment to empowering the next generation with financial support and recognition. 

WINNERS

Here are the 2026 winners of this competitive process. 

• Samantha Lee, daughter of Lt. Col.(R) Faith Lee, chief of inspections, Office of the Inspector General, AAFES Headquarters, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in health and society, on a pre-med track with aspirations toward orthopedics.

• Juli Sparks, daughter of Robert Sparks, corporate electronics mail coordinator at AAFES Headquarters, was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. She plans to attend the University of Florida to pursue a degree in biochemistry (pre-med track) with the goal of working in the ophthalmology arena.

• Landon Banks, son of Brandi Banks, warehouse worker at the Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Exchange, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Landon will pursue a degree in business administration–accounting. 

• Karthik Bhattar, son of SwamiBhatter, Services portfolio manager at AAFES Headquarters, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. He plans to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in computer science.

• Cooper Buck, daughter of Michelle Buck, application system program manager at AAFES Headquarters, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. She plans to attend Texas Tech University to pursue a degree in nutrition and eventually become a physician assistant. 

• Malia Kahloni Chaney Hamilton, daughter of Janet Hamilton, services business manager, Fort Polk, La., Exchange, has been awarded a $3,000 scholarship for her exceptional achievements. She is set to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering. 
• Carol Hercules, daughter of Prapaporn Hercules, a lead Subway foreman at the USAG Humphreys, South Korea, Exchange, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. She intends to pursue engineering studies at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.
• Logan LaRose, son of Todd LaRose, pricing analyst at AAFES Headquarters, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. LaRose will attend the University of North Texas to pursue a degree in finance.  

• McKinleigh Meeks, daughter of Morgan Meeks, vice president(VP) of Logistics at AAFES Headquarters, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Meeks plans to attend the University of Arkansas and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 

• Sophia Ramsey, daughter of Derrick Ramsey, systems technology manager atAAFES Headquarters, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. She plans to attend Texas Tech University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing with a desire to specialize in pediatrics.
• Jada Wilson, daughter of Jamaal Wilson, customer relations manager at AAFES Headquarters, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. Wilson will attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in journalism.
   
• TristenGeddie, son of LaSonga Thomas, Human Resources (HR) programs support manager at AAFES Headquarters, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Geddie plans to attend Auburn University and pursue a degree in pre-business–accounting.
• Malakai Musashi Morel, son of JB Langley-Eustis Langley, Va., Main Store Manager Kikana Morel, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. Morel will continue his studies at the Virginia Military Institute, where he plans to study computer science–cybersecurity.
•  Paola Otero-Acevedo, a customer experience associate at the Malmstrom AFB, Mont., Exchange and daughter of Beatriz Acevedo-Rodriguez, Malmstrom AFB Military Clothing store manager, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. She will attend Montana State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in business–accounting.

Source: AAFES

Edited by Larry Lapka