Sept 04 2021
The Intelligencer
WHEELING — As the last surviving World War II Medal of Honor recipient from West Virginia, Hershel “Woody” Williams’ devotion to his state and his country has been strong for decades. Within that devotion to West Virginia is a scholarship in his name for families of eligible Marine Corps Survivors and families of Marine Corps League members.
The Hershel “Woody” Williams Scholarship Foundation is seeking applicants for the latest round of scholarships. According to scholarship foundation chairman John Nanny, himself a Marine veteran, the foundation has awarded 142 scholarships totaling $124,000 to date. Both Nanny and Williams are staunch proponents of higher education.
Scholarships awarded go toward educational goals at universities, colleges, trade schools or specialty schools where there is a tuition or fee cost. The scholarship foundation is funded through contributions from Department of West Virginia Marine Corps League detachments and through private donations.
“One hundred percent of the foundation funds go to the recipients,” Nanny said. “All other expenses are out of pocket or donated.”
Nanny lauded two people who have donated time and money to the scholarship foundation: Randy K. Myers, a former corrections officer who has supported the foundation through the years, and Wheeling resident Mark Sharpsky, who has contributed all of the printing requirements for the scholarship.
Nanny also spotlighted some former recipients, including 1st Lt. Travis Brown, an active Marine now at Camp Pendleton in California, as well as four of the children of Moundsville residents David and Rhonda Polinski. One of the Polinskis’ daughters has gone on to specialize in PTSD counseling with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Those interested in applying for the scholarship can contact Nanny at 304-233-5289, 304-281-2950 or at nanny1007@comcast.net, or contact the Commandant or Adjutant of the Marine Corps League detachment of the member sponsoring the applicant.
