Having served as a Marine, CSU student Crystal Griffeth now knows what it means to be a “hero” and a “hero behind the hero.”
“During my time as a Marine, I deployed twice, giving up eleven months total of not being in my oldest daughter’s life. I missed even more time during the work-ups our squadron had to complete prior to each deployment,” said Griffeth. “Now as the wife of a Marine, I see the other side.”
The other side features sacrifices, too, she explained and as a recent Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship winner, she is ready to set another example for her family by seeking a college degree.
“I am thankful I chose the path I did by serving my country first and then pursuing college because it has given me the correct mentality to accomplish my new mission,” said Griffeth who is determined to earn a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health with CSU. Although she has left the Marines, Crystal Griffeth’s husband, Lance Corp. Christian Griffeth, remains a proud member.
The university’s Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship honors the spouses and children of active-duty public safety personnel (firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMTs and dispatchers) and National Guard and military men and women.
“My goals are to complete this degree, find and obtain a career in my field and then resume my education with Columbia Southern University for my master’s degree. As a veteran, I understand that hard work, determination and dedication are the keys to staying on track to complete my goals,” added Griffeth. “You must do your best, because anything less is unacceptable.”
To learn more about the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship, click here.
Thank you so much for this great opportunity! It has helped a million times over and was a great start to this year!