Lt. John J. Griffin, Jr. / USS Emmons Memorial Scholarship
Two $2500 scholarships are awarded each year and possible $500 honorable mention awards as outlined in the application. The 2024 application deadline is May 31, 2024.
Mission Statement:
The Scholarship Program was established to help preserve, maintain and promote the legacy of the 60 courageous men who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of their ship and shipmates on April 6, 1945 during the battle of Okinawa. Their fighting spirit and that of the surviving USS Emmons crew members led by Lt. John J. Griffin was in keeping with the finest traditions of the United States Navy and must be preserved for the benefit of future generations of Americans.
Applying for the Scholarship:
Applications for the scholarships are available annually to:
1) Direct, lineal descendants of one who served aboard the USS Emmons, and
2) Direct, lineal descendants of a sibling of any childless crew member who lost his life as a result of the April 6, 1945 attack at Okinawa.
The deadline is May 31, 2024.
2023 Recipients:
Emma Gillanders and Tiffany Brooks were awarded the 2023 Lt. John J. Griffin, Jr./USS Emmons Memorial Scholarships. Each received a $2500 scholarship to use toward their educational expenses for the 2023-24 academic year.
Emma is the great-granddaughter of shipmate Walter D. Blair and began her freshman year at the University of Tampa in Tampa, Florida. She is majoring in Business Marketing and has her sights on a career in fashion merchandising. Emma lives in Parkland, Florida.
Tiffany is the granddaughter of Dennis E. Yecke, brother of shipmate Donald L. Yecke, who gave his life aboard the Emmons at Okinawa. Tiffany is working on her Master of Arts in Spiritual Formation at the Portland Seminary at George Fox University, Portland, Oregon. She lives in Norman, Oklahoma.