Hero Appreciation

     On January 2011 at the James Hahn Administration building, Los Angeles, CA. C/CPT Rosa Barrientos Garfield High School Army JROTC had the distinct honor of receiving a $5000.00 scholarship from the Hero Appreciation Scholarship Network. The Hero Appreciation Network was founded with a vision to honor the many men and women service people from our military, law enforcement, and firefighting ranks who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, safety, and security.

     Through the Fallen Hero Legacy Scholarship Program, they are making a difference in the lives of “underprivileged” and “at risk” youth who are eager to make better lives for themselves. By providing scholarships to colleges and trade schools, they are giving young people the opportunity to escape poverty and the lure of gang membership by instilling in them real hope for the future.

     The scholarship was presented on behalf of Specialist Justin Verdeja a fallen hero who perished in Iraq two years ago. Justin graduated from Garfield High School in June 2004. Justin was a member of the Garfield varsity football team, the JROTC and excelled in academics. C/CPT Barrientos received her $5.000.00 scholarship along with nine other students from other law enforcement and firefighting ranks representing each agency respectively. 

     As part of the ceremony, we had the privilege to have in our presence and take part in the ceremony Mrs. Gina Gonzalez, Justin’s mother, who was honored to know that a scholarship had been set in her son’s behalf. C/CPT Barrientos assured Mrs. Gonzalez that she was honored to receive the scholarship in her son’s behalf and she would make sure she does her part by maintaining her grades and continuing on to Stanford University and major in Business Administration.