The Brad Older Memorial Military Scholarship

The Brad Older Memorial Military Scholarship is a merit scholarship available to military members currently serving, those who have previously served and dependents.

Bradley Dean Older, 37, was born April 14, 1982, in Battle Creek, Michigan. Brad earned the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 13. He was a 2000 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School, where he was a member of the Bearcat Swim Team. Brad proudly served our country as a member of the U.S. Coast Guard for 16 years. His years of service included sailing on the Barque Eagle, where he helped train Coast Guard Cadets from the Coast Guard Academy. When he passed, was enrolled at Western Michigan University completing his junior year, majoring in Sustainable Brewing, with a minor in Chemistry.

He was employed at WMU through the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs as a student veteran mentoring incoming freshman veterans. Brad was the vice president of Student Veterans of America at WMU. He was a member of GSA Geological Society of America. He was part of a team that developed a curriculum for WMU called "Pathways to Science Teaching" and he mentored elementary students about water quality.

Brad was shy growing up, but became an outgoing, easy-to-meet young man. He loved the outdoors, kayaking with friends, camping and sitting around campfires. Brad will always be remembered for being available to help a friend, raising a beer, his smile and his tank tops.

Apply for the Brad Older Memorial Military Scholarship

Eligibility Criteria

• GPA 3.3 (high school or college)
• Member of the WMU Student Veterans of America Chapter
• Open to currently serving, previously served, and military dependents
• Completion of essay