Scottsdale, AZ (April 10th 2025) – Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial, Inc. (“Tbird2″) announced a 2024/2025 Aviation Scholarships have been awarded to Ellie Neal and Caroline Alwin earning an Bachelor’s Degree in Aeronautical Science at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (“ERAU”). These two women exemplify everything the scholarship is about and their future contributions to the industry will be endless. Tbird2 is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of aviation in Scottsdale, Arizona, honoring all military veterans, creating unique educational opportunities for Arizona students studying all aspects of aviation, and supporting Dogs4Vets.
Ellie Neal received TBird2 Aviation scholarship in early 2024 during her senior year. While attending school, Ellie played soccer on ERAU’s women’s soccer program and participated in the Athletes in Aviation Club. After graduation, it is Ellie’s intention to become a flight instructor while she pursues a career as a commercial pilot.
Caroline Alwin is also pursuing an Aeronautical Science degree, scheduled to graduate in 2025. While at ERAU, Caroline made it on the Dean’s List and Honor Roll. She excelled in the classroom and the cockpit as well. It is her goal to continue flight training and ultimately become an airline pilot. This scholarship will help cover the costs of the training.
The Thunderbird Field II Board of Directors are extremely proud of Ellie and Caroline for their dedication to advancing their education in the Aviation field. They both have demonstrated the drive to succeed in their educational pursuits which will carry over seamlessly into the professional world.
About Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial, Inc.
Thunderbird Field II Veterans Memorial, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in 2014 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. During World War II, an airfield named Thunderbird Field II was built for the sole purpose of training U.S. Army Air Corps pilots in 1942. Thunderbird Field II (now Scottsdale Airport) graduated over 5,500 men and women pilots, many of whom saw military action in Europe and the Pacific. Tbird2 has a permanent memorial at the entrance of the Scottsdale Airport, located at 15000 N. Airport Drive, Scottsdale, AZ, which includes a hanging Boeing-Stearman PT-17 and a historical display inside the facilities honoring the service of men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces as well as POW-MIAs.
The Aviation Scholarship Program provides scholarships to veteran and non-veteran Arizona resident students who meet specific criteria and are attending Arizona State University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Cochise College, Pima Community College, or Yavapai College. For more information, please visit www.tbird2.org.