Craig Huffman Memorial Scholarship

My name is Adan Veleta Hernandez, and I've always had a deep respect for aircraft and the people who keep them in the air. Growing up, I was fascinated by how planes could fly—how something that massive could lift off the ground with such precision. I didn't grow up around aviation, which interested me even more. I was the kind of kid who would stop and watch jets fly overhead, wondering what it takes to make something like that possible. That curiosity has stayed with me and eventually became a clear goal: I want to become an aircraft technician. My passion for aviation grew stronger after I joined the New Mexico Air National Guard. Being in the military exposed me to aviation and showed me just how complex and vital aircraft maintenance is. I also quickly realized that leadership plays a huge role in this environment. Strong leadership is essential, whether preparing for a mission, maintaining standards, or helping others succeed. I've had the opportunity to mentor new airmen, especially in physical training. I take pride in assisting others to meet their goals, and I've learned that leading by example speaks louder than anything else. Leadership, to me, isn't about titles or ranks. It's about consistency, discipline, and integrity. It's waking up at 5 a.m. every day because I said I would. It's ensuring others are ready for their fitness tests because I know how important it is to their success. It's holding myself accountable in school, even when I'm tired from work, because I have long-term goals that matter. I believe in doing the right thing—even when it's hard—because that's what real leaders do. I try to stay focused, organized, and driven in my military and academic life. I see every task, no matter how small, as a chance to get better. I don't take shortcuts because I know that in aviation, every detail matters. Whether it's torquing a bolt or running diagnostics, the most minor oversight can have the most significant consequences. That's why I want to be someone others can count on—someone who takes pride in doing the job right every time. I aim to work as an aircraft technician in the military and civilian sectors and continue growing in this field. I'm passionate about aviation, but I'm also passionate about becoming a leader who uplifts others, works hard, and stays grounded in purpose. That's who I am, and that's who I strive to be every day.

I grew up in Albuquerque, NM and have plane spotted from the moment I could identify aircraft. My mother, a 20 year and current FAA flight safety manager, has always had an office near Kirtland Air Base which allowed me the unique opportunity to grow up near many aviators. In 2017 I commissioned into the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer. Since then I've flown near 1000 hours in the E-2D Hawkeye and due to USNTPS I've gathered a number of hours in 18 different aircraft. During my fleet tour in The World Famous VAW-113 Black Eagles I was given the opportunity to lead the avionics division of 27 sailors in the maintenance of 5 E-2D aircraft on our 2021-22 South Pacific Cruise aboard the USS Carl Vinson. As you may know avionics can be not only wildly complex, but in the military require significant cryptographic interfacing. Many troubles were developed while on deployment as we were flying, at the time, the newest and most advanced E-2D aircraft and software. Fortunately, I was able to lead not only my avionics technicians and electricians but also the ships cryptographic vault in the proper troubleshooting and problem solving, to bring the entire carrier strike group's link 16 back to fully function during our many South China Sea transits. As a United States Navy Test Pilot School graduate, I've had the opportunity to plan for, fly, test, and report on some of the oldest naval aircraft and some of the most advanced technologies in today's Naval fleet. I currently lead the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 30 E-2D Hawkeye Test Team. I currently lead a diverse team of civilian contractors, engineers, and Naval aviators in the conduct of flight test. Some interesting conflicts develop while testing due to the nature of working between Naval Aviaton and the contracted civilian companies. Results are not always as desired nor as required and telling someone their product is not performing as needed "that their baby is ugly" is hard news to break. Fortunately the data speaks for itself. Using test team experience, reports, and excellent data analysis is the best way to broach the subject and get the contractors to make the changes needed to a product. I'm currently enrolled in Eastern University's online Data Science Master's program and maintaining a 3.5 GPA. This program is a perfect fit to help me continue conducting testing and also gain continuing knowledge that will further the Naval aviation testing enterprise. I hope this scholarship will help fund my completetion of the course as I have given my military benefits to my two daughters for their soon to come college educations. My daughters' college educations are extremely important to me and furthering my education will help with my Navy career. As my career progresses I hope to continually give my G.I. Bill funds to my daughters to continue their educations. Thank you for your consideration. -LT Scott "Human Shrek" LeFevre

My name is Eddy Ceron, and I am a high school student with a profound passion for aviation and aerospace engineering. From a young age, the sight of planes taking off and soaring through the skies captivated my imagination. My fascination with aviation deepened as I learned about the principles of flight, the engineering behind aircraft, and the innovative technologies that make air travel possible. One pivotal moment in my journey was visiting an aviation museum with my family, where I had the opportunity to explore various aircraft and engage with interactive exhibits. This experience ignited my desire to pursue a career in aviation and contribute to the advancements in aerospace engineering. Throughout my academic journey, I have consistently excelled in subjects related to STEM, particularly mathematics and physics. I have also participated in extracurricular activities such as the aviation club and robotics team, where I honed my problem-solving skills and collaborated with peers on innovative projects. These experiences have reinforced my determination to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering and become a leader in the field. Leadership, to me, means inspiring and guiding others toward a common goal. As the captain of my school’s robotics team, I have had the privilege of leading my teammates through challenging competitions and fostering an environment of collaboration and mutual support. My leadership style is centered around empathy, active listening, and empowering others to reach their full potential. I believe that a true leader not only sets a vision but also uplifts and motivates their team to achieve it together. Receiving the Craig Huffman Memorial Scholarship would be an incredible honor and a significant step toward realizing my dreams. This scholarship would provide the financial support needed to pursue my studies in aerospace engineering and participate in internships and research opportunities that align with my passion for aviation. It would also allow me to continue engaging in community outreach programs, where I can mentor and inspire future generations of aviators. In addition to my academic achievements and leadership experiences, I have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and outreach. I have volunteered with local organizations that promote STEM education, organizing workshops and tutoring sessions for underprivileged students. These experiences have not only allowed me to give back to my community but have also reinforced my belief in the transformative power of education. By encouraging and supporting young learners, I aim to inspire the next generation of innovators and leaders in aviation. This scholarship would enable me to continue these efforts, further amplifying Craig Huffman's legacy of mentorship and service. In conclusion, my dedication to aviation, academic excellence, and leadership qualities make me a strong candidate for this scholarship. I am committed to carrying forward Craig Huffman’s legacy by contributing to the field of aviation and helping others pursue their dreams. Thank you for considering my application.