COL (Ret) John G. Lackey Service Scholarship Application
This scholarship is both a merit and needs-based scholarship of $15,000 awarded to eligible high school seniors, undergraduates, graduates, and post-graduates who have demonstrated a service orientation, a commitment to public service after graduation, and character under pressure. Applicants must be a child, grandchild, or spouse of a VTF member with demonstrable financial need and who should be committed to serving the U.S. through military or federal service. Complete applications are due by June 12th, 2026 at 11:59PM ET.
Privacy Statement
All information within this form will be password protected and visible only to limited VTF Board Members. Data will be purged once all scholarships for 2026-2027 academic year are awarded.
Applicant Information
The following information will be used to verify your identy and gather administrative data used for contact with applicants.
Applicant's Name
*
First Name
Middle Name
Last Name
Applicant Email. What is your email address? Please use an email address that is different from your sponsor if you have one.
*
Please double check that this email is correct
Applicant Address
*
Street Address
Street Address Line 2
City
State / Province
Postal / Zip Code
Applicant Phone Number
*
Please enter a valid phone number.
Format: (000) 000-0000.
Applicant Birthdate
*
-
Month
-
Day
Year
Date
What is the name of the Service Member, Veteran, or currently-assigned DoD Civilian who is sponsoring you for this Scholarship?
*
First Name
Last Name
Which category best describes your sponsor?
*
Please Select
Currently serving Active Duty Service Member (includes Activated Guard and Reserves)
Former Unit Member (Service Member)
Currently serving DoD Civilian assigned
Which of the following best describes when your sponsor served in our select SOF community?
*
Please Select
Currently serving
In the last 5 years
5-10 years ago
10-20 years ago
over 20 years ago
What is your relationship with the Unit Member who is your sponsor for this application?
*
Please Select
Spouse
Child
Grandchild
What is the phone number of your sponsor?
*
Format: (000) 000-0000.
What is the email address of your sponsor?
*
Requirements
Applicants must complete all four of the short answer (500 words or less) questions below and provide all required documents to be considered for this scholarship. Scholarship Committee personnel will not accept incomplete or late packets and if something is incorrect or missing, the application will not be considered. All submitted files must be .pdf format.
Describe a moment when you chose to serve someone at personal cost
*
0/500
What path of service are you pursuing? What led you to choose this pursuit? What is your timeline? What steps have you already taken in this direction? What is your contingency plan if your primary path fails?
*
0/500
Describe a moral or leadership failure you experienced and what did you learn?
*
0/500
Why is it your goal to pursue a life of service instead of perhaps a higher-paying private path.
*
0/500
Upload a .pdf copy of your current transcript (through December 2025). Your GPA must be a 2.0 or higher and your name must be clearly visible on the document. Name this file: Last name_Service_Transcript
*
Browse Files
Drag and drop files here
Choose a file
Cancel
of
Upload a one-page .pdf file statement of need. Statement must include ALL of the following: 1) current student debt, 2) expected tuition and student loans for the 2026-2027 academic year 3) any exceptional life circumstances such as medical debt, first-generation status, caregiver obligations, or loss of income due to external factors. Name this file: Last name_Service_Need
*
Browse Files
Drag and drop files here
Choose a file
Cancel
of
Upload a one-page .pdf file letter of recommendation from a supervisor, military officer (not related to applicant), a public service mentor, or a community leader addressing the following: “Describe a time this student chose service over personal advantage”. Name this file: Last Name_Service_LOR
*
Browse Files
Drag and drop files here
Choose a file
Cancel
of
Review and certify your application
Double-check your packet and ensure you have submitted all of the application elements to the standards laid forth in the application instructions.
*
I've answered all parts of all four short-answer questions.
My GPA is above a 2.0, my transcript is legible, is no older than December 2025, and has my name clearly visible.
I've submitted a one-page statement of need that meets the requirements outlined above
I've submitted a letter of recommendation that describes a time where I chose service over personal advantage
I certify I am either the spouse, child, or grandchild of a VTF member
I understand that late, incomplete, or incorrect packets will not be considered
I understand a virtual interview is possible if two or more applicants have a tie score after blind rating
By signing this form, you certify that you understand the eligibility requirements and you are eligible to receive a VTF Scholarship and you are authorizing members of the VTF Scholarship committee to contact you and/or your sponsor to gather additional information required to confirm eligibility.
What's Next??
After you hit submit, you will receive an email from Jotform confirming your submission (check your spam folder if you don't receive it immediately, however, sometimes it may take up to 24 hours). If you have any questions or you do not receive an email from Jotform, please contact us at scholarship@vigilant-torch.org.
Submit
Should be Empty: