(June 23, 2005 – Washington, DC ) -- The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of the first national college scholarship program exclusively for veterans who have served honorably in Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

The scholarship program was inspired by the personal experiences of Ambassador George Argyros and his wife, Julia, in Spain where Mr. Argyros served as U.S. Ambassador during the first term of the Bush Administration. On a visit to the Rota Naval Air Station, Ambassador and Mrs. Argyros met with wounded soldiers who shared their combat experiences, their unyielding patriotism, and an eagerness to return to their unit – in spite of traumatic and serious injuries.

“You just can’t help but be profoundly moved by devotion like that,” Ambassador Argyros said. “My wife Julia and I knew we had to do something personally to honor their devotion to the United States of America.”

Ambassador Argyros was inducted into the Horatio Alger Association in 1993, and he currently serves as Treasurer and Chairman Emeritus. The Horatio Alger Association provides scholarship assistance to deserving young people who have demonstrated integrity and determination in overcoming adversity, academic potential, and the personal aspiration to make a unique contribution to society.

“We are proud to honor the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who have faithfully served our country in the Middle East,” said Dennis R. Washington, President and CEO of the Horatio Alger Association. “Helping veterans to attain a college education only seems fitting in light of the sacrifices they have made.”

In initiating this scholarship program, Ambassador and Mrs. Argyros hope to inspire other philanthropic efforts to further support returning troops. “We owe our security and our continued freedom to these heroic men and women,” Ambassador Argyros said. “To be given an opportunity to pay them back for what they have done is a privilege.”

In addition to Ambassador Argyros, the Association’s notable membership includes individuals such as Astronaut Buzz Aldrin, former Secretary of State Colin Powell, former Ambassador and current Secretary of Veterans Affairs R. James Nicholson, Senator Chuck Hagel, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, former Secretary of State Henry Kissenger, newsman Lou Dobbs, entertainer Oprah Winfrey, actors Tom Selleck and James Earl Jones, poet Maya Angelou, and former Senator Bob Dole.

“It is an honor to be in the company of my good friend Ambassador Argyros and the distinguished members of the Horatio Alger Association as they announce this exciting scholarship program for our newest war heroes,” said Senator Dole. “I know first-hand how important it is to return from combat to find both appreciation and opportunity as you make the transition back to civilian life and plan for your next great life achievement.”

The Honorable Jim Nicholson, a member of the Horatio Alger Board of Directors, former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, and current Veterans Affairs Secretary, offered his personal praise saying, “As a longtime member of the Association, I am extremely pleased that we are able to assist the promising young men and women who have served so bravely in these important conflicts.”

The scholarship fund will start with $10 million – with the initial $5 million coming from Ambassador and Mrs. Argyros. “The members of the Horatio Alger Association are very excited about this scholarship program and are ready to stand behind it,” said Joseph E. Neubauer, Senior Vice President of the Horatio Alger Association.

Scholarship recipients will be awarded $5,000 to support their undergraduate education. The Horatio Alger Association plans to award the scholarship for four years. Applicants must demonstrate critical financial need, proof of service in Afghanistan or Iraq, as well as an honorable discharge from military service. Interested candidates may apply online at www.horatioalger.org.

The Horatio Alger Association is a non-profit educational association which, in recent years, has awarded more than $35 million dollars in need-based college scholarships. Members of the Association mentor young people and sponsor nearly $5 million in need-based college scholarships annually to high school seniors who have proven their ability to overcome childhood adversities and humble beginnings. For additional information about the Horatio Alger Association’s members, programs, and scholarships, please visit www.horatioalger.org.

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