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America’s up-and-coming heroes are being granted a head start.
Six soldiers-in-training have received major scholarships to colleges of their choosing from multiple branches of the U.S. military.
The surprise scholarships were presented during the New York Jets' annual Salute to Service game at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Nov. 6.
Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels, U.S. Army Reserve chief and commanding general, announced the awards on the football field at the Monday night game, complete with big checks.
The U.S. Navy presented Jack Ryan Ventimiglia with $200,000 to attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute — and Lillie Jane Tyrrell with $200,000 for her studies at Yale University.
Jack Ryan Ventimiglia and Lillie Jane Tyrrell were each awarded $200,000 courtesy of the U.S. Navy. (Maj. Xeriqua Garfinkel)
The Air Force granted Roman Concha and Caroline Rozmus $91,600 each for colleges that are yet to be decided.
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The Air Force scholarships are awarded to all selected cadets through the In-College Scholarship Program (ICSP).
It funds college tuition for any public or private institution with an Air Force ROTC detachment.
Members of the Armed Forces march off the field after the enlistment ceremony at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. (Jen Golotko/Fox News Digital)
The U.S. Army Minuteman Scholarship was awarded to Daren Dash of Mastic, New York, and Jessica Renderos Flores of Brentwood, New York.
They each received $307,092.
This scholarship program covers full tuition and fees between two and four years, or $10,000 per year toward room and board, at any college or university served by an Army ROTC program.
Recipients will also be granted an annual book allowance of $1,200 and a monthly stipend of $420 during their college attendance.
In an interview with Fox News Digital at the game, Dash shared how he’s furthering his family’s military legacy, as his father is an Army veteran and his brother is in the Air Force.
Daren Dash is presented with a $307,092 Army Reserve Minuteman Scholarship to attend St. John's University. (Maj. Xeriqua Garfinkel)
"Not only am I serving for my family, but also for the country," he said. "It feels great to be able to do that."
He added, "Not only do I know that I have the country’s back, but the country also has my back."
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Flores, a first-year student focusing on criminal justice at St. John’s University, told Fox News Digital that she feels "super excited" and "thankful" for the opportunity.
"Getting a full ride to school is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," she said. "It’s a huge honor to be able to serve our country."
Jessica Renderos Flores (left) of Brentwood, New York, poses with her parents and her scholarship check at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 6, 2023. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
Lt. Gen. Daniels also spoke with Fox News Digital, explaining that the Minuteman Scholarship will entitle recipients to graduate with a "guaranteed Reserve commission."
She said, "As officers, they will be commissioned as a lieutenant."
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Daniels, the first female commander of an Army component, called these scholarships "amazing" for morale, as a fully paid college experience grants some "peace of mind" for what comes later.
The general noted that she is able to "see the future" of the Army Reserve through the eyes of these recipients, with boundless potential ahead.
Lt. Gen. Jody Daniels (far left) and CSM Andrew Lombardo (far right) pose with Daren Dash (center) and his parents. (Maj. Xeriqua Garfinkel)
"The best piece of advice I have for folks is to not look at your next position, but the one after," she said. "And have people help you look at what those opportunities could be."
She also said, "Sometimes people may tell you something that you had no idea was possible."
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Daniels shared the story of how she was persuaded by previous bosses to complete her PhD and become a general officer.
"Because he thought I could do it, it built confidence in me," she said.
A MetLife safety services worker salutes the American flag as the national anthem is played on Monday evening, Nov. 6, 2023. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
"The really neat thing about the Army Reserve is that you can have a civilian career while you have your military career at the same time — and so it’s really nice to be able to grow across two different career paths simultaneously."
She added, "It’s kind of an interesting way to forge your future."
The NFL’s annual Salute to Service event featured several vibrant installations to show support for U.S. military veterans ahead of Veterans Day.
Each branch of the military, as well as local first responders, were present at the New York Jets vs. Los Angeles Chargers game, which kicked off with a marching band and fireworks.
The American flag was brought out onto the field by Gold Star, Blue Star and veteran families, as well as by future members of the Armed Forces.
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Daniels also led an enlistment ceremony on the field, swearing in new military members with the traditional oath.
Army Reserve Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Lombardo gave a "big thanks" to the NFL for its "continued support of our military and veterans" in a statement to Fox News Digital.
A family enjoys close-up seats at the New York Jets game on Nov. 6, 2023. (Angelica Stabile/Fox News Digital)
Lombardo shared "a special thank you to the families, communities and employers who support our military service members."
He emphasized that Veterans Day is meant to honor those who have "answered the call to service," as 2023 marks 50 years of the all-volunteer force.
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"Congratulations to the newest members who took their enlistment oath," said Lombardo.
"And congratulations to the fortunate college-bound students who received a full scholarship to their university from the military along with a guaranteed commission to one of the military services."
Jen Golotko of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.
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