Elena Guiterrez '26 awarded Ranger scholarship

The Rangers Scholarship Fund (RSF) was founded in October 2008 at a reunion of 1st and 2nd Ranger Battalion Veterans commemorating the 25th anniversary of Operation Urgent Fury (OUF), combat operations in Grenada. As often happens when a group of Veteran Rangers gather, the discussion turned to the profound impact their Ranger service has had on their lives and careers, during their military service and in civilian life. From that discussion, the Rangers Scholarship Fund was formed to support the Ranger community by providing financial support in the form of merit scholarships and educational enrichment opportunities to family members of current and veteran Rangers of the 75th Ranger Regiment, including the Regimental Headquarters Units and the three Ranger Battalions. The RSF received IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit recognition in December of 2009. Merit scholarships are awarded annually to eligible family members who are pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, or vocational certification programs from accredited colleges, universities, or vocational/technical institutions. The RSF extends their support for Ranger family members by nominating exceptional RSF awardees for scholarships, fellowships, and vocational assistance provided by our partners. The fund has awarded $140,100 to 114 Ranger family member scholars so far in 2023. RSF scholars have received more than $130,000 in additional scholarships from our partners funds so far in 2023. The next application window opens on January Thursday, January 4, 2024 and closes on Thursday February 1, 2024. The best way to determine your eligibility for the RSF merit scholarship and request an application is by going to rangersscholarshipfund.org. Scroll down to the Process page to find the eligibility requirements and a Click to Apply link. Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Cadet Elena Gutierrez is the 2023-2024 Rangers Scholarship Fund Merit Scholar. Elena Guiterrez is a third year VMI cadet from Providence Forge, Virginia majoring in International Studies. She graduated from Maggie L. Walker Governor's School for Government and International Studies in 2021. She plans to receive a commission in the Air Force upon graduation. Her father is a veteran Ranger who served in the 1st Ranger Battalion. Rangers Lead the Way!