Emily Meshke
Emily Meshke wrote to us in April 2016 updating us on her success having graduated from Oregon State University and immediately landing her dream job as an Experimental Biology Aide at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife conducting research and monitoring marine life.
“None of these things would have been possible without an amazing scholarship like yours,” she wrote in her letter. “Because of your support I was able to get a degree that perfectly fit with my interests and goals.”
Emily was awarded a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship in 2012, 2013 and 2014, with that support giving her the opportunity to receive an amazing education and help her set course on the career she’s always wanted.
“None of these things would have been possible without an amazing scholarship like yours,” she wrote in her letter. “Because of your support I was able to get a degree that perfectly fit with my interests and goals.”
Emily was awarded a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship in 2012, 2013 and 2014, with that support giving her the opportunity to receive an amazing education and help her set course on the career she’s always wanted.
Emily is the daughter of MKC Steve Meshke (Ret.) who served in the Coast Guard for 20 years. MKC Meshke graduated from Cape May in 1983 going on to serve and complete tours around the world.
While stationed at Motor Lifeboat Station Tillamook Bay in Oregon as MK3 he received a Coast Guard Commendation Medal for rescuing two people from the water at Nehalem River Bay. Later in his career he was stationed onboard the Coast Guard Cutter Morgenthau where he became Chief Machinery Technician and completed a four month tour to the Persian Gulf. Afterwards becoming the Main Propulsion Chief and Command Enlisted Advisor aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Steadfast completing multiple drug interdictions and security patrols of the West Coast following 9/11.
The Coast Guard Foundation has touched thousands of Coast Guard families through its scholarship program, honoring and thanking the selfless service of those like MKC Meshke and the sacrifice his family has made too.
“For me growing up in a Coast Guard family meant that my dad was gone for long periods of time,” said Emily. “I was only 9 years old when he retired, so a lot of those memories are from when I was really young - but I remember the excitement of him coming home.”
Last year the Coast Guard Foundation provided more than $400,000 in scholarships to ease the financial burden of college for Coast Guard families, and this year we look to invest in a record number of Coast Guard families through our scholarship program.
“College is a truly hectic and stressful time, and worrying about the financial aspects of it doesn’t help lower the stress load,” she said. “But every scholarship dollar helps and receiving the scholarship from the Coast Guard Foundation was a huge help during my time at Oregon State University - thank you!”