News
Contact: Emily Telford
etelford@cfmt.org
615-321-4939
December 16, 2009
The Community Foundation of Middle Announces Walter Reece Montgomery Scholarship for Northwest Tennessee
Sons Establish Scholarship Fund to Honor Father’s Love of Flying
Nashville, Tenn. – Roger and Ben Montgomery, sons of the late Walter “Walt” Reece Montgomery of Carroll County, Tenn., have established a new scholarship fund within The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee to honor the memory of their father and to benefit students in rural areas of northwest Tennessee.
Walt Montgomery, born in Carroll County, spent his childhood working on the cotton fields of West Tennessee with his father, who was a sharecropper. One day while Walt was plowing the field, a barnstormer landed near the Montgomery’s home. When Walt took a closer look, he was amazed to see a young pilot emerge from the plane. The pilot asked the question that changed Walt Montgomery’s life forever. “Hey kid, you want a ride?”
From this brief encounter Walt’s love of flying was born. For ten years Walt dreamed of becoming a pilot. When he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941 he got his chance. In December, 1943, Walt “got his wings” and was shipped to Italy to join the 15th Air Force, joining the B-17 Flying Fortress over Italy, Germany and Austria. He was only 20 years old.
After 56 missions, several Commendations for Valor, an Air Medal and a Distinguished Flying Cross, Walt returned home a decorated World War II Veteran. He enrolled at the University of Tennessee on the GI Bill, gave flying lessons while he attended school, and graduated in 1948. He was the first member of his family to graduate college.
To honor Walt’s legacy, his sons Ben and Roger have established a Scholarship Fund in his name within The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, a charitable organization that manages more than 60 scholarship funds established by a range of donors and offering opportunities to high school and college students, and beyond.
“Dad loved West Tennessee, and he loved to fly,” said Ben Montgomery. “What better way to honor him than to establish an endowed scholarship in his name that will help West Tennessee youth attend college and pursue a career in aviation?”
The Walter Reece (Walt) Montgomery Scholarship Fund will be awarded in spring 2010 and will benefit students in rural areas of northwest Tennessee who are interested in pursuing a career in a field related to aviation. Students from Carroll, Benton, Gibson, Henderson, Henry and Weakley counties are encouraged to apply and will be given preference.
Please call The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee at 615-321-4939 to learn more about scholarship opportunities and applications, or visit www.cfmt.org.
About The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee
The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee oversees more than 720 charitable funds. In the past 18 years, The Community Foundation has distributed $440 million to its nonprofit partners. It is located at 3833 Cleghorn Avenue, #400, Nashville, Tennessee 37215. For more information, call 615-321-4939 or visit www.cfmt.org.
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