UMGC Global Media Center

Being a man taking care of a wounded veteran woman often takes some explaining, said Michael Vyas, one of the four men who were awarded Pillars of Strength scholarships for the first time this year.

Scott Lynch, one of ten members (and one of the first four males) to receive the Pillars of Strength scholarship, said: “I was overwhelmed with joy and the feeling that somebody’s on your side and there’s a group of people that hear you, see you, recognize you and are rooting for you.”

David Williams struggled with the culture shock after moving from rural north Florida to suburban Maryland when he also became his sister’s caregiver.

Maryland resident has been her father’s primary caregiver since high school. After excelling at her job at a music venue, she is using her Pillars of Strength Scholarship to earn a bachelor’s degree and advance her career.

Paula Collins and husband have been through a lot of struggles together. Paula cried when she learned that she had received the Pillars of Strength scholarship, saying, "I've never worked for something so hard and then actually got it.”