Growing up as the child of military parents gave me a foundation that shaped my character, my values, and my understanding of the world. My biological father served five years in the United States Navy, and my stepfather served twenty years in the Navy as well. Their time in service was not just something I heard about in stories—it was something I witnessed every day in the way they carried themselves, treated others, and approached life. Being raised in a household influenced by military discipline and culture taught me lessons that continue to guide me today. One of the greatest gifts I received from both of my father figures was discipline. In our home, discipline was never about punishment—it was about responsibility, structure, respect, and pride in how you conduct yourself. They taught me that if you say you are going to do something, you follow through, even when it is hard. They showed me that effort matters, that showing up matters, and that consistency shapes your future more than talent alone ever will. Their example taught me how to push through challenges, how to stay focused on my goals, and how to hold myself to a higher standard. Another major influence they had on me was in helping me understand culture, diversity, and humanity. The military is made up of people from every background, every race, and every belief system. Watching my father and stepfather treat everyone with respect—no matter where they came from—gave me a powerful perspective on community, unity, and empathy. They showed me that strength is not found in separation but in connection. They modeled kindness, fairness, and humility. Because of them, I learned early in life that all people deserve dignity, and that being kind is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of strength. My experience being raised in a military-influenced home was phenomenal. I was exposed to different cultures, conversations about the world, and a bigger perspective on life than I may have had otherwise. I learned how to listen, how to work with others, and how to find my place in a team. Most importantly, I learned how to lead—quietly, respectfully, and by example. These experiences led me to make one of the most important decisions of my life: joining the United States Army. I did not join because I was expected to. I joined because I wanted to continue the legacy of service that shaped me. I wanted to stand for something greater than myself, to build strength in discipline, and to contribute to the country that helped raise me. The values I learned growing up prepared me for the challenges and responsibilities of military life, and the Army allowed me to apply what I had learned in a meaningful way. The military shaped my past, influences my present, and continues to guide my future. Being the child of service members did not just teach me about discipline and kindness—it taught me about purpose. Because of my father and stepfather, I learned how to serve, how to lead, and how to live with respect for others. Those lessons will stay with me for a lifetime.

My name is De’jon Yearling, and I proudly served in the United States Army. During my service and afterward, I was diagnosed with depression and PTSD. For a long time, I struggled to understand what was happening to me. I carried memories, emotions, and experiences that felt too heavy to share. PTSD is not something that you simply “get over.” It is something you learn to live with, manage, and understand. It is something that affects not only the mind, but the heart and the spirit. One of the biggest lessons I have learned through my journey is that healing is not a straight line. Some days are easier than others, and some days require more strength than I think I have. But I have also learned that strength does not always look like standing tall. Sometimes strength is simply not giving up, even when the pain feels overwhelming. PTSD taught me to respect my emotions, to speak up when I need help, and to understand that vulnerability is not weakness. My faith has played an essential role in my healing. There were times when I felt isolated and misunderstood, but God gave me endurance, peace, and the reminder that I am not alone. Faith gave me a place to release what I was holding inside. Prayer, worship, and spiritual community created a safe space for me to rebuild myself. I learned that even in the darkest moments, there is still light — and that light can come through connection, compassion, and belief. Because of my own journey, I feel a deep responsibility to support other veterans who are struggling with PTSD. Many veterans feel like they have to be strong at all times. They feel pressured to hide their pain. I want to help create a space where veterans feel safe to speak, safe to cry, safe to pray, and safe to heal. My goal is to bring veterans together through spiritual fellowship, prayer groups, and church community support. I want to show them that they are not alone, that there are others who understand what they feel, and that healing is possible — not overnight, but step by step. I hope to organize gatherings and support groups where veterans can come to talk, decompress, and connect. I want to introduce veterans to spiritual practices that have helped me — not in a way that forces belief, but in a way that invites peace, understanding, and shared strength. I want to help veterans rediscover purpose, identity, and hope. I want them to see their value not only as former soldiers, but as human beings worthy of love, compassion, and wholeness. What I have learned through PTSD is that life is fragile, but also resilient. Pain can break you down, but healing can build you back stronger, more compassionate, and more aware of others’ struggles. I believe God brought me through my darkest moments so that I could help someone else get through theirs. Thank you for considering my application.

Sustainability should be a priority in every field, but in welding, it is especially important because the work we do directly affects the environment, air quality, and human health. My name is De’jon Yearling, and I am pursuing a career in welding while also working toward becoming a welding instructor. I believe my profession gives me the opportunity to not only build and repair essential structures, but also to reduce environmental impact and improve the lives of the communities around us. Air pollution is a major issue that affects millions of people, especially in urban and industrial areas. Welding, metal fabrication, and manufacturing can produce fumes and emissions that contribute to poor air quality. Growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, I have seen communities affected by pollution from industrial sites and shipyard operations. I have seen people struggle with asthma, respiratory conditions, and health issues caused by the air they breathe every day. Because of this, sustainability is not just a concept to me — it is personal. I want to help reduce pollution so that the environment and the people in my community can thrive. As I continue to learn and grow in the welding field, I want to use my skills to support environmentally responsible practices. Sustainable welding begins with choosing cleaner materials, understanding proper ventilation, using low-emission equipment, and minimizing waste. I plan to stay updated on new welding technologies that reduce fumes, use energy more efficiently, and rely on greener processes. I also want to promote the recycling and repurposing of metals, because metal waste contributes significantly to landfill buildup and environmental contamination. By extending the life of materials and reducing waste, we can greatly lower our environmental footprint. In the future, as a welding instructor, I want to train students to understand that skill and responsibility go hand-in-hand. It is not enough to simply know how to weld — it is just as important to understand why we weld responsibly. I want to teach students how to protect themselves, their coworkers, and their environment. I want to show them that their work has real impact: every weld, every material they choose, every safety system they use matters. Welders have the power to either contribute to environmental harm or be part of the solution. My long-term goal is to help create welding programs that emphasize environmentally friendly practices and cleaner workspaces. I want to help develop welding workshops that use modern ventilation systems, energy-efficient equipment, and low-emission techniques. By educating future welders with a sustainability mindset, I can help create a generation of professionals who care not only about the quality of their craft, but about the world around them. Reducing air pollution is not just about saving the environment — it is about saving lives. Cleaner air means healthier people, stronger communities, and a better future. Through welding, education, and leadership, I want to be part of that change. This scholarship would support my training and help me continue my mission of learning, teaching, and making a positive impact through sustainable welding practices. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My name is De’jon Yearling, and I am currently completing my Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. My interest in business began early, but it became a serious part of my identity once I realized how business knowledge could create opportunities, open doors, and shape the future I want. Over the past few years, I have read over fifty books on business, leadership, mindset, branding, and self-development. These books taught me that success is not built on luck, but on discipline, consistency, and the willingness to learn and grow at every stage. Throughout my educational journey, I have also taken what I’ve learned and put it into action. I have started two clothing brands, which taught me more than any classroom alone could have. Through these businesses, I learned how to build a brand identity, manage finances, handle inventory, market a product, and communicate with customers. I learned what it means to fail, regroup, redesign, and improve. I learned how important it is to stay committed even when the results are not immediate. These experiences gave me not only entrepreneurial skill, but also confidence, patience, and clarity about the type of life I want to build. After earning my associate degree, I plan to pursue my Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Journalism. Marketing will help me understand how to reach audiences, communicate value, and create brands that matter. Journalism will strengthen my communication skills and support my goal of becoming a published author. Writing has always given me a space to express myself, reflect on my experiences, and inspire others. I plan to publish poetry, books, and personal reflections that speak to growth, identity, discipline, and overcoming challenges. Looking toward the future, my long-term goal is to become the owner of at least five successful businesses that provide opportunity, employment, and inspiration to others. I aim to build companies that operate with integrity, creativity, and real community impact. My financial goal is to build my net income to $20 million over the next twenty years. I know that is a bold goal, but I also know that strong goals demand strong discipline. I am willing to work for it daily — learning, improving, planning, and never stopping my growth. Everything I have experienced so far has shown me that consistency can turn big goals into realistic outcomes. This scholarship would support me by allowing me to continue my education and stay focused on my studies without the constant pressure of financial barriers. It would help me keep building on the work I have already started and continue progressing toward the goals I have set for my future. I am dedicated, self-motivated, and fully committed to the path I am building. I am not just planning a career; I am building a life that will allow me to support myself, inspire others, create opportunities, and give back to the community that helped shape me. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students who are striving to create a better future.

My name is De’jon Yearling, and I am currently attending the University of Saint Mary in Kansas, where I am maintaining a 3.5 GPA. I am pursuing my education while also receiving SNAP benefits, and at this time I have no steady income or employment. Even with these challenges, I am determined to continue moving forward in my education and my long-term goals. I believe in building a future where I can not only support myself, but also serve and uplift others through my work. My career objective is to first become a welding instructor, and eventually earn a master’s degree in marketing. Welding has been a major turning point in my life. It taught me discipline, patience, and the importance of taking pride in what I create. Learning welding showed me that skills can change a person’s direction in life and give them confidence and stability. I want to become a teacher in the welding field because I know how powerful it can be when someone learns a trade and realizes they are capable of building something meaningful. I want to help others experience that same growth. Teaching is more than just giving instructions. It is about mentorship, guidance, and belief. I want to become the kind of instructor who not only teaches the skill, but also teaches confidence, responsibility, and the belief that students can go further than they thought. I want to create an environment where students feel seen and supported, just as I once did. I want to especially mentor young people and adults who may feel lost or unsure of their path, because I understand what it feels like to need direction and encouragement during difficult times. After I gain experience teaching welding, I plan to continue my education and pursue a master’s degree in marketing. With that knowledge, I want to help trade programs grow and reach more students. I want to build programs, workshops, and outreach so more people learn about trade opportunities and understand that trades can lead to strong careers, financial stability, and personal pride. I want to use marketing to expand access, open doors, and bring more people into a field that changed my own life. Financially, this scholarship would directly support my ability to remain in school and continue progressing toward these goals. Because I am on SNAP benefits and have no job or outside financial support, every cost related to school is a challenge. This scholarship would help relieve that burden so that I can remain focused, continue pushing myself academically, and stay on the path that will allow me to give back to others in the future. I am committed, hardworking, and motivated to not only improve my own life, but to help lift others along with me. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting students like me who are working to build better futures.

My name is De’jon Yearling, and I am pursuing a career in welding. I am from Norfolk, Virginia, and I proudly served in the United States Army for eight years. My time in the military shaped my character, teaching me discipline, patience, teamwork, and the importance of seeing a mission through to the end. When I transitioned out of the service, I knew I wanted to continue a path that allowed me to work with my hands, solve problems directly, and build something meaningful. Welding became that path for me. What truly inspired me to pursue welding was my experience enrolling at Tidewater Tech and the encouragement I received from Mr. Jay, one of the instructors there. When I arrived at Tidewater Tech, I didn’t just feel like another student. I felt seen, respected, and supported. Mr. Jay took the time to talk with me, understand my goals, and help me see the potential I had in this field. His patience, guidance, and genuine belief in his students stood out to me. He showed me that welding is not just about joining metal; it’s about skill, precision, and pride. The way he carried himself and the confidence he had in what welding can do for someone’s life inspired me to commit myself fully to learning this trade. Welding gives me a sense of purpose similar to what I had in the Army. Every weld requires focus, steady hands, and commitment to doing the job right. There are no shortcuts in welding, just like there are no shortcuts in discipline. I enjoy the challenge of improving my technique and learning new processes such as SMAW, GMAW, and GTAW. My goal is to master my craft so that I can build a stable and successful career, but also so that I can give back to the community that raised me. I want to use welding to make a positive impact in Norfolk. One of my personal goals is to build grills in local parks so families, neighbors, and friends can come together for community cookouts. Growing up, many of the best memories I had came from people gathering outside, talking, laughing, and eating together. I want to help create that environment again—spaces where people can connect and feel like they belong. I also plan to donate money and resources to youth programs and training opportunities so that young people in my community have access to trades and career paths that provide stability and purpose. Receiving this scholarship would help me continue my education and earn the certifications I need without the stress of financial hardship. It would give me the opportunity to focus fully on sharpening my skills and becoming the best welder I can be. I am dedicated to working hard, staying disciplined, and pushing myself to grow every day. Welding is not just a job for me—it is a long-term career, a way to rebuild my life, and a way to give back to others. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply and for the chance to share my story. Thank you for your consideration. — De’jon Yearling

My name is De’jon Yearling, and I am currently pursuing a career in welding. I served eight years in the United States Army, where I learned discipline, responsibility, and the importance of dedicating myself to a mission from start to finish. Now that I am no longer in the military, I am focused on building a strong future through skilled trades. This scholarship will assist me by helping cover the costs of my training and certifications so that I can stay focused on becoming a highly skilled and qualified welder without the stress of financial burdens slowing down my progress. I plan to use welding not only as a career, but as a way to give back to my community. Norfolk is a place with strong history, culture, and pride, but like many communities, it benefits when people invest back into it. Once I am established in my career, I want to use my welding skills to build grills in local parks to bring families and neighbors together for community cookouts. I believe that something as simple as having a place to gather, eat, and talk can strengthen relationships and create positive memories. I also plan to donate financially to youth programs and trade training opportunities to help others discover paths that can change their lives, just as welding is changing mine. My motivation to pursue welding comes from wanting a trade that builds something real and long-lasting. Welding requires patience, precision, and consistency—not rushing, not cutting corners, and not doing anything halfway. These are the exact values I learned in the Army. I enjoy the challenge of learning new techniques, mastering different welding processes, and improving my skills through repetition and practice. Welding gives me a sense of purpose, pride, and growth that feels meaningful and steady. It is a craft that rewards effort, discipline, and respect for the work. What makes me stand out from other candidates is my perseverance and my commitment to growth. I have faced setbacks in my life, but I have never let them stop me. I have learned to rebuild myself, stay focused, and move forward no matter what. My time in the Army taught me how to lead, how to follow, how to stay calm under pressure, and how to work as part of a team. My dedication to welding is not temporary—I am fully committed to building this into a long-term career and using it to positively impact others. I am not just trying to learn a trade; I am working to build a stable foundation for my life, my future family, and my community. This scholarship would not only support my welding education—it would support someone who is determined to grow, give back, and use his skills to lift others up. Thank you for your time and consideration. — De’jon Yearling

My name is De’jon Yearling, and I am from Norfolk, Virginia. I proudly served in the United States Army for eight years, where I learned discipline, responsibility, and the value of working for something greater than myself. After completing my service, I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to use my hands, solve real problems, and build things that last. That path led me to pursue a career in welding. Welding is a trade that requires patience, precision, and skill. The military prepared me for those qualities by teaching me how to stay focused, committed, and detail-oriented, even under pressure. Welding gives me the same sense of purpose I felt while serving: the knowledge that my work contributes to something solid and meaningful. Welders are responsible for the structures, ships, pipelines, and equipment that shape the world around us. In Norfolk—where the shipyards, ports, and industries are part of daily life—skilled welders are essential to the community. I am committed to mastering my trade through continued learning. I plan to earn multiple welding certifications, study different welding processes, and keep improving through hands-on experience. My goal is not only to become a welder, but to become a skilled and respected welder, someone who takes pride in every weld and in being dependable, precise, and professional. As I grow in my career, I also want to give back to the community that raised me. One of my goals is to use my welding skills to build grills in local parks so families and neighbors can come together for community cookouts. Norfolk is a city with strong roots and strong people, and I want to help strengthen that unity. I also hope to donate money to local youth programs and trade training opportunities to help others gain skills that can change their futures. I know what it feels like to search for direction, and I want to help others find theirs. Receiving the Richard (Dunk) Matthews II Scholarship would help support my training and allow me to stay focused on developing my welding abilities without the heavy financial burden. This scholarship would not only support my education, but it would also be an investment in the community I plan to give back to. Welding is the next chapter of my life, and I approach it with the same dedication and commitment that carried me through the Army. I am grateful for the opportunity to be considered for this scholarship, and I will honor it by working hard, continuing to grow, and giving back to others along the way. Thank you for your time and consideration. — De’jon Yearling

Modern society, with its glittering skyscrapers, instant connectivity, and complex infrastructure, rests on a foundation often taken for granted: the skilled trades. From the seamless flow of water in our homes to the reliable power that fuels our digital lives, the work of plumbers, HVAC technicians, electricians, and countless other tradespeople is not merely a convenience—it is the indispensable backbone of contemporary life. Without the expertise, dedication, and grit of these professionals, the systems that define our standard of living would rapidly collapse. The primary importance of the trades lies in ensuring public health and safety. Consider the role of the plumber. The modern sanitation systems they install and maintain are arguably one of humanity's greatest achievements, preventing the spread of deadly diseases and allowing densely populated urban centers to thrive. Similarly, electricians ensure that power delivery is not only reliable but also safe, protecting homes and businesses from fire hazards and electrocution. HVAC technicians are crucial for maintaining climate control, which is essential for hospitals, data centers, and the comfort and productivity of the general population. In essence, the trades are the first line of defense against chaos and disease, quietly keeping the gears of civilization turning. Beyond immediate safety, the trades are critical drivers of the modern economy and infrastructure. Every construction project, from a simple home renovation to a massive commercial complex, depends on the sequential expertise of skilled workers. When an electrician wires a new manufacturing plant, or an HVAC technician installs high-efficiency climate control in an office tower, they are directly enabling commerce, industry, and technological advancement. Their specialized knowledge translates complex blueprints into tangible, functioning realities. The efficiency and quality of their work dictate the lifespan and operational cost of virtually every building and piece of stationary equipment we rely on. Furthermore, the trades are at the forefront of energy efficiency and sustainability. As society grapples with climate change, the demand for skilled workers who can install and maintain green technologies is skyrocketing. Plumbers are needed for greywater recycling and low-flow fixture installation. Electricians are essential for integrating solar panels, installing electric vehicle charging stations, and setting up smart home energy management systems. HVAC professionals are key to retrofitting buildings with high-efficiency heat pumps and geothermal systems. These tradespeople are not just repairing the past; they are actively building the sustainable future, making our homes and cities more resilient and environmentally responsible. In an era increasingly dominated by white-collar and digital work, the trades also offer a vital pathway to economic stability and skilled labor. They represent meaningful, hands-on careers that cannot be outsourced or automated with ease. The growing skills gap—the shortage of qualified tradespeople due to retiring generations and a societal emphasis on four-year degrees—only underscores their increasing value. These careers provide competitive wages, opportunities for entrepreneurship, and a deep sense of accomplishment derived from tangible creation. The trades are a necessary economic counterbalance, ensuring a diverse and robust workforce. In conclusion, the skilled trades are far more than just blue-collar professions; they are fundamental engineering roles performed by highly trained specialists. They protect our health, power our economy, ensure our safety, and lead the charge in creating a sustainable built environment. Modern society cannot function without the meticulous work of the plumber, the precision of the electrician, or the climate mastery of the HVAC technician. They are the unseen heroes whose persistent efforts provide the comfort, security, and stability that allow all other aspects of our complex world to flourish.

Welding is an opportunity that I have seen through an online add. In the world today, job security is getting scarce. Trades will always be something to fall back on. I am passionate about trades, and I already plan on becoming a personal chef part time one day. If I am able to finish my welding school debt free, I will have no burden of paying student loans and the opportunity to save and invest. I want to use welding to help me buy my first house. I want to mortgage a house and not rent one, and with welding I can do this before I turn the age 30. My goal is to buy a house before I turn 30. I am 26 today, so I have plenty of time, but of course without the right job, good pay, and security in my job, I will not be able to be confident in achieving this goal. I see myself welding on naval boats and traveling the world. I want to use this profession to travel the world just like the army gave me the option to. Welding is a special trade that I can use to create stability in my family. It is not only a great job, but one I can pass on to my kids. I could build generational job security because of this field. Welding is dangerous, but I believe only the strong can endure strenuous tasks. I am strong and I would like to use wielding to show my worth. I believe everybody needs a vehicle to help them reach their goals, and I believe welding is one of those vehicles that can help me reach the goal of buying a house before the age of 30. I will be making history, and I can pass on to my kids this profession, so when he or she turns 18 they can start immediately and have the opportunity to get a house at the age of 21. With welding I will be able break down the chains of depression, brokenness, and poverty in my family because of a trade I found at tide water tech from Mr. Jay. The tide water tech people gave me hope and helped me with things beyond welding. I bought in because of how good the people were. My purpose is to serve the people, and I would love to do that in welding and with utilizing this trade. I thank you for your time and your patience. Please be blessed.

Welding is an opportunity that I have seen through an online add. In the world today, job security is getting scarce. Trades will always be something to fall back on. I am passionate about trades, and I already plan on becoming a personal chef part time one day. If I am able to finish my welding school debt free, I will have no burden of paying student loans and the opportunity to save and invest. I want to use welding to help me buy my first house. I want to mortgage a house and not rent one, and with welding I can do this before I turn the age 30. My goal is to buy a house before I turn 30. I am 26 today, so I have plenty of time, but of course without the right job, good pay, and security in my job, I will not be able to be confident in achieving this goal. I see myself welding on naval boats and traveling the world. I want to use this profession to travel the world just like the army gave me the option to. Welding is a special trade that I can use to create stability in my family. It is not only a great job, but one I can pass on to my kids. I could build generational job security because of this field. Welding is dangerous, but I believe only the strong can endure strenuous tasks. I am strong and I would like to use wielding to show my worth. I believe everybody needs a vehicle to help them reach their goals, and I believe welding is one of those vehicles that can help me reach the goal of buying a house before the age of 30. I will be making history, and I can pass on to my kids this profession, so when he or she turns 18 they can start immediately and have the opportunity to get a house at the age of 21. With welding I will be able break down the chains of depression, brokenness, and poverty in my family because of a trade I found at tide water tech from Mr. Jay. The tide water tech people gave me hope and helped me with things beyond welding. I bought in because of how good the people were. My purpose is to serve the people, and I would love to do that in welding and with utilizing this trade. I thank you for your time and your patience. Please be blessed.

Welding is an opportunity that I have seen through an online add. In the world today, job security is getting scarce. Trades will always be something to fall back on. I am passionate about trades, and I already plan on becoming a personal chef part time one day. If I am able to finish my welding school debt free, I will have no burden of paying student loans and the opportunity to save and invest. I want to use welding to help me buy my first house. I want to mortgage a house and not rent one, and with welding I can do this before I turn the age 30. My goal is to buy a house before I turn 30. I am 26 today, so I have plenty of time, but of course without the right job, good pay, and security in my job, I will not be able to be confident in achieving this goal. I see myself welding on naval boats and traveling the world. I want to use this profession to travel the world just like the army gave me the option to. Welding is a special trade that I can use to create stability in my family. It is not only a great job, but one I can pass on to my kids. I could build generational job security because of this field. Welding is dangerous, but I believe only the strong can endure strenuous tasks. I am strong and I would like to use wielding to show my worth. I believe everybody needs a vehicle to help them reach their goals, and I believe welding is one of those vehicles that can help me reach the goal of buying a house before the age of 30. I will be making history, and I can pass on to my kids this profession, so when he or she turns 18 they can start immediately and have the opportunity to get a house at the age of 21. With welding I will be able break down the chains of depression, brokenness, and poverty in my family because of a trade I found at tide water tech from Mr. Jay. The tide water tech people gave me hope and helped me with things beyond welding. I bought in because of how good the people were. My purpose is to serve the people, and I would love to do that in welding and with utilizing this trade. I thank you for your time and your patience. please be blessed.

I chose to enroll in the program because I was interested in learning a new trade. The opportunity for welding jumped out of the pages of opportunity, and I was delighted to accept it. The people at Tide Water Tech are so nice, and they have helped me with so much, that I couldn’t refuse a program like this. I love helping people, and I hope I can use this program to still be of service to people even after being a veteran. This trade is new for me, but I will give this all I got. I’m excited to see what a trade like this can do for my family because I come from a family of chefs. I will pursue that career path as well, but right now welding is the best option for me moving forward in society. It’s hard to find good work in these times and welding provides a career where I can work for the next 40 years, and also retire with good income. I can also choose to do welding as a small business with the skills I learn. Welding is a great field because it provides work all around the world. Today, we need job security and I believe trades are the way to go moving forward. I chose welding because I would love to use it to walk in my purpose of helping and caring for people. I appreciate you for your scholarship opportunity and I pray blessings all over you.