Scholarships
We began our scholarship program in 2013 in a very modest way. We managed to scrape-together enough for two $500 scholarships. It was touch-and-go that the scholarship program would survive, but because we made it a priority, and we got creative with funding and funding sources, we have grown the program to the point where in 2018 we awarded five $1,000 scholarships. We recognize that education is the strongest and most impactful tool for any Marine. We are committed to helping our area young people continue their secondary education any way we can.
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Our scholarship program has grown from the two modest scholarships funded and awarded by the detachment, to multiple scholarships awarded in the memory of fallen Marines and funded by the detachment and by donations. The number of scholarships varies each year, based upon available funds, but fortunately has only grown.
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Here's information about our scholarships and the program:
Lance Corporal Dale W. Means Scholarship Program
It is our honor to award this scholarship in the name of Lance Corporal Dale Means. Lance Corporal Means served in the United States Marine Corps from 2011-2012. He made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan during November 2012 when he was in a vehicle struck by an improvised explosive device.
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Applicant Criteria:
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The applicant is currently serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, or the United States Navy as a Corpsman or Chaplain attached to a United States Marine Corps (FMF) unit, or, has served in this capacity and has received an honorable discharge, a general discharge under honorable conditions, or retired under honorable conditions.
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OR
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Any individual having a member of their immediate family (parent, step-parent, foster-parent, grandparent, spouse or 1st generation aunt or uncle) currently serving in the United States Marine Corps, or the United States Navy as a Corpsman or Chaplain attached to a United States Marine Corps (FMF) unit, or who served in this capacity and received an honorable discharge, a general discharge under honorable conditions, or retired under honorable conditions.
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AND
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The applicant is a resident of the State of Minnesota.
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Applications are closed for this year. We will be announcing the recipients during May/June.
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Applications for the school year 2022-2023 will be available here in January 2022, with a deadline submission date of 1 May 2022. Mark your calendars and please come back when next year's scholarship application period is open.
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In the meantime, if you have any questions, please use this link to contact our scholarship coordinator:
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To describe Dale in words can be quite difficult. Dale was a person that had a kind heart, was always smiling, no matter the situation, and who could be trusted by all. Throughout his short life, Dale lived life to its greatest potential.
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Growing-up, Dale was always an active kid. Biking through the neighborhood or riding dirt bike were just some of his hobbies. As he got older he took a fond interest in motor vehicles, especially trucks and four-wheelers. His pastimes were hanging-out with friends and driving anything with a motor.
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Dale attended Farmington schools until 7th grade, and completed schooling in New Prague. He was always a laid-back person who gained the trust of many. A few years after graduation he married his high school sweetheart, becoming not only a loyal friend but also a dedicated husband.
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Prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps Dale attended Dakota Technical College for a General Mechanic degree. After completing the program Dale felt he wanted to do more in life and began researching the various branches of the military, deciding at 21 years old to join the United States Marine Corps.
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Dale left for boot camp in January 2011. After boot camp and Marine Combat Training he attended training for his primary specialty of Motor Transportation. Dale was voted the most “gung-ho” Marine by his classmates and received a meritorious promotion.
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Throughout the rest of his service time Dale not only gained the respect of his peers, but also his superiors. During pre-deployment training Dale received a Meritorious Mast for being a positive leader and a model Marine. While in Afghanistan Dale was a gunner on convoy security which he stated he enjoyed.
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During November 2012 the vehicle in which Dale was riding struck an improvised explosive device. Lance Corporal Means made the ultimate sacrifice. Although his career in the Marine Corps was short lived, he excelled beyond his potential. His dedication to his fellow Marines, wife, family and friends is what makes him not only a respectable man, but an honorable Marine.