UWF in the Community

UWF Military and Veterans Resource Center receives donation from Gulf Power for service to military members

The University of West Florida Military and Veterans Resource Center recently received a $30,300 donation from Gulf Power Company for its support of wounded military members and their families. The check presentation ceremony was held on Dec. 8 at Gulf Power’s corporate office.

“These funds are truly a game changer for us,” said Marc Churchwell, director of operations at the MVRC. “We now have the ability to do some things we haven’t been able to in the past.”

Churchwell is excited for the opportunity to provide resources such as book scholarships, additional tuition scholarships and emergency assistance, which could make the difference between a veteran having to drop out or continue with classes. “We are very grateful to be chosen as a recipient of this generous donation from Gulf Power,” he said.

The proceeds were raised during Gulf Power’s third annual Clay Shoot for America’s Heroes, held Nov. 5 at the Santa Rosa Shooting Center. In total, the clay shoot raised more than $90,000 to support organizations that aid veterans and their families. This year, they chose to benefit the MVRC, Building Homes for Heroes and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

“These organizations were selected because of the vital support they provide to our military veterans and their families,” said Marcus Mitchell, communications specialist at Gulf Power. “We hope that this will help these groups extend their efforts even further.”

The clay shoot, organized by Gulf Power employees, is held annually in support of active and retired military personnel and their families in northwest Florida.

The MVRC is committed to serving the educational and training needs of prospective and currently enrolled service members, veterans, their dependents, their survivors and others eligible to receive educational benefits under the various Department of Veteran Affairs programs. For more information about the MVRC, visit uwf.edu/militaryveterans.