BAGHDAD - West Virginia's Martinsburg Institute recently donated $5,000 to the 150th Armored Reconnaissance Squadron, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, "Calvary Pride" family readiness group to support the squadron's homecoming awards banquet next year.
The Institute, located in Martinsburg, has an active enrollment of 87 West Virginia National Guardsmen and school officials wanted to support the students-Soldiers working towards degrees while serving their country.
"We had a great experience providing education for military personnel and through those relationships we acquired an even greater respect and admiration for what service members are doing for us and the country and we just wanted to express it," said Bill Cochrane, the institute's military education manager.
Cochrane presented the family readiness group with a check to cover expenses for welcoming home celebrations, phone cards, sports equipment for the Soldiers and events for the Soldiers' families during the deployment.
"We were proud to provide financial assistance to support the celebration of West Virginia National Guardsmen returning home safely from deployment," said Cochrane.
"The family readiness group, Soldiers, and their families are extremely grateful and very appreciative for the generous and thoughtful donation," said Sheila Rakes, of Beckley, W. Va., the Calvary Pride support coordinator. "The money has really provided solid ground for all of the goals that we want to achieve."
The institute takes into account the specific needs of its deployed students.
"We are very flexible and focused on military needs," said Cochrane, who retired from the Marine Corps. "We are aware that Internet and computer access can be problematic for many military students.
"Martinsburg's model allows students to better overcome these typical problems by progressing without Internet access for significant periods of time," he said.
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