Scottsdale, AZ (October 5, 2021) – Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial, Inc. (“Tbird2″) announced it has awarded an Aviation Scholarship to Madelyn Frarer, a Cochise College (“CC”) student pursuing her Professional Pilot Technology Associate of General Studies degree. Tbird2 is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the history of aviation in Scottsdale, Arizona, honoring all military veterans, supporting Dogs4Vets, a service organization dedicated to enabling disabled veterans to live a more productive life through the use of services animals, and creating unique educational opportunities for Arizona students studying all aspects of aviation.
Ms. Frarer earned her private pilot license in March 2021 and currently has 170 flight hours. At Cochise College, she is working on her high-performance/ complex aircraft endorsement. Next, Madelyn will study for her instrument license and after that, she plans on earning her commercial license. Ms. Frarer’s parents and uncle also attended Cochise College and her father and uncle are both pilots in the aviation industry. Madelyn’s goal is to pursue a career at a regional airline and eventually transfer to a major commercial airline.
Belinda Burnett, Director of Aviation Programs, CC, commented, “The aviation industry is rapidly growing and expanding while experiencing the challenge of attracting quality individuals who are passionate and enthusiastic about their career. Madelyn Frarer is a talented and skilled young aviator who daily embraces challenges with grit, determination and humility. Her future in this industry is only limited by her vision; opportunities such as this scholarship help students keep their eyes and focus on their goals and dreams.”
Steve Ziomek, Chairman and President of Tbird2 , said, “Coming from an aviation family that all attended Cochise College, it is exciting for Madelyn (aka “Maddie”) to follow the tradition and pursue an aviation career. We are honored to provide her with a Tbird2 scholarship.”
Rudy R. Miller, Chairman of Tbird2’s Advisory Board & Scholarship Committee, stated, “Maddie was very engaging in my interview. I would like to congratulate her for earning this prestigious award and being our tenth scholarship recipient.”
Miller continued, “Steve Ziomek and the board of directors supported my development of an aviation scholarship program for veterans and non-veterans in concert with Arizona universities and colleges which launched in April 2018. In November 2019, we awarded our first Tbird2 scholarship. We will award our next recipient in November/December 2021. I want to thank all the donors, educational institutions, the City of Scottsdale, and the Scottsdale Airport which have made this program successful!”