SIOUX CITY, Iowa -- Amanda Hoffman, the daughter of Tech Sgt. Edwin Hoffman of the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), earned a $500 scholarship named after Colonel V. Thomas Considine, former Wing Commander of the 185th ARW.

Hoffman, a recent graduate from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in Sioux City, Iowa, will attend the University of Iowa this fall and plans to major in Journalism and Mass Communication.

As part of the scholarship application, Hoffman was asked to write an essay highlighting what it means to be associated with the 185th ARW. She writes, "When people ask me what my dad does for a living, I tell them he works at the 185th. I know there is so much more to what he does, and that makes me so proud to be part of it."

The Considine scholarship was established in 2001 by family and friends in memory of Col. Considine, the former commander of the 185th Fighter Wing. The scholarship assists graduating high school seniors pursuing post-secondary degrees.

To be considered for the scholarship, students must be enlisted in the 185th ARW or be a child or legal dependent of a currently active or retired member of the 185th ARW. Candidates for the scholarship must submit a packet including two letters of recommendation, high school transcripts and an essay highlighting what it means to be associated with the Air National Guard and the 185th ARW.

The committee in charge of selecting the recipient of the scholarship includes one member of the Considine scholarship, a representative from the 185th ARW, an education specialist, a civic leader, and a member of the Siouxland Community Foundation.

To learn more about the Colonel V. Thomas Considine Scholarship, contact the Siouxland Community Foundation at (712) 293-3303 or visit their website at www.siouxlandcommunityfoundation.org.