Elmendorf lieutenant gives back to UAA ROTC

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross
  • 3rd Wing Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  First Lt. Christina Geller, 3rd Comptroller Squadron Financial Management Flight commander, has generously offered a $750 scholarship to the University of Alaska Anchorage's ROTC program.

Lieutenant Geller will present her first check for the scholarship April 23, at the ROTC's leadership lab, however, the winner of the scholarship won't be announced in the August-September time frame.

The lieutenant said she wanted to give back to the school that helped kick-off her career. The lieutenant is originally from Anchorage, Alaska and started UAA's ROTC in May of 2004. She graduated in 2006 and was assigned here.

Lieutenant Geller said she plans on continuing the scholarship for 10 years.

Growing up the lieutenant said nobody from her family had attended college. So the odds were stacked against her, but she was able to attend college by receiving numerous scholarships.

"Not having money to go to college should not be a reason," said Lieutenant Geller. "By providing a scholarship it enables somebody to potentially to go to college and earn a degree and do something they are passionate about."

Lieutenant Geller said that attending the ROTC program did great things for her. It allowed her to gain the self confidence and the leadership skills she needed to pursue a career in the Air Force.

Lieutenant Geller's selfless act hasn't gone unnoticed.

"This scholarship is great," said Lt. Col. Doug Smith, Air Force UAA ROTC detachment commander. "It serves two purposes. First, it will help offset college expenses for a hard working and deserving underclass cadet who is pursuing a commission in the Air Force at the Air Force ROTC detachment at UAA. This will, in-turn, allow our program at the university to retain high quality candidates as future Air Force officers. Second, it helps fortify the efforts to maintain an active and involved AFROTC Det 001 alumni association."

Lieutenant Geller said she hopes the financial help will help others consider taking on the ROTC program and that they'll be up for the challenge.