ATF FOUNDATION Annual LeBleu, McKeehan, Williams & Willis Memorial Scholarship
Now Closed
Background: On February 28, 1993, Special Agents Conway C. LeBleu, Todd W. McKeehan, Robert J. Williams and Steven D. Willis were part of a large, specially trained and well-disciplined force of ATF special agents from the Dallas, Houston and New Orleans Field Divisions assigned to execute federal warrants at the Branch Davidian Compound. When the agents arrived, the fanatical, heavily armed cult members were waiting to ambush the agents as they disembarked from their vehicles. LeBleu, McKeehan, Williams and Willis were killed. Twenty ATF agents were wounded from gunshots or shrapnel, and eight suffered other injuries.
[Source: https://www.atf.gov/our-history/fallen-agents]
In keeping with the pledge to never forget our fallen brothers and sisters and with the stated objectives of the ATF Association Foundation, the Foundation’s Board of Directors are pleased to announce the establishment of the LeBleu, McKeehan, Williams & Willis Scholarship recognizing the ultimate sacrifices made by ATF Special Agents Conway C. LeBleu, Todd W. McKeehan, Robert J. Williams and Steven D. Willis at the Branch Davidian Compound located near Waco, Texas, on February 28, 1993.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE LEBLEU, MCKEEHAN, WILLIAMS & WILLIS SCHOLARSHIP:
Eligibility: The applicant must be the child, grandchild or great-grandchild of a member of the ATF Association and be a current high school senior or undergraduate student currently enrolled in college or technical school for the upcoming school year. Previous awardees are not eligible for re-applications.
Application: A written composition will be required to be submitted by the applicant. The basis of the composition will be provided upon opening of the application period.
Deadline for applying: Applications will be made available May 1 - May 31 each calendar year. Applications submitted after May 31 will not be accepted.
Award Process: Applications will be reviewed by an ATFA WACO Scholarship Review Committee. The awardee(s) will be selected based on the quality of the responses provided to the questions posed. Awardees will be notified of their selection and scholarship presentations made in-person.
The John Bost III Memorial Scholarship Application
Now Closed
John graduated from the University of North Carolina – Charlotte in 2000 with a degree in Criminal Justice. He put his new degree to immediate use as a police officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) from 2000 to 2006. Subsequently he became a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 2006. In 2015, Special Agent Bost was assigned as the sole ATF Special Agent in Maui, Hawaii, where he was embedded with the Maui Police Department (MPD). Tragically, in 2020, Special Agent Bost lost his life while serving on duty at the MPD Kihei District Office.
To preserve Special Agent Bost’s legacy and honor his commitment to public safety, the Bost Family has established the John Bost III Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund will provide a $1,500 scholarship to children of current sworn law enforcement officers from the CMPD, MPD, and ATF or children of officers/agents who have died before retirement due to hostile action, accident, or illness.
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE JOHN BOOST III MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP:
Application: A written composition prepared by the applicant and supporting information will be required to be submitted within the listed deadline. The applicant must be currently a high school senior or enrolled in a full-time in a college/university/technical school program the year that the scholarship is awarded. Applications have been distributed to the ATF Field Divisions and ATF Association members can access the application below.
Award Process: Three awards will be made available yearly: One to a Charlotte-Mecklenburg PD applicant, one to a Maui PD applicant, and one to an ATF applicant. Applications will be reviewed by a scholarship evaluation panel. The awardee(s) will be selected based on the quality of responses provided to the essay question.
Since 2018, Scholarships have been awarded to ATF family members, totaling $52,250
ABOUT THE ATF ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION:
[http://www.atfafoundation.org]
What is the ATF Association Foundation?
The ATF Association Foundation is a tax-exempt IRS 501 (c) (3), charitable organization. As a public charity, it can accept donations from individuals and/or corporations.
Who established the ATF Association Foundation?
The foundation was established by the ATF Association (ATFA), a non-profit corporation organized under the laws of Iowa, consisting of former and current employees of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in 2012. [www.atfassociation.org].
Why does the ATF Association Foundation exist?
The Foundation was established to provide aid and financial assistance to ATFA members in need, as well as survivors of members in times of stress, financial difficulty or impoverishment. The Foundation also aids dependents of deceased law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the enforcement of federal, state or local laws. In addition, scholarships may be offered to members and the children and grandchildren of members based on financial need, academic achievement and leadership qualities, however, none of the criteria is weighed more than another by the Foundation’s board members in determining grants.
How can YOU help the ATF Association Foundation?
Contributions and donations are the keys to its mission and continued success. Funds are needed to respond to a need which may arise suddenly without warning and to sustain the Foundation’s scholarship program. To donate, check may be made payable to: ATFA Foundation, c/o AJ Lugo, 2450 Lakeside Parkway, Suite 150-198, Flower Mound, TX 75022 or by going to: https://www.atfafoundation.org/
