ANAVICUS (Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans in Canada United States) is a distinguished unit of ANAVETS, a prominent Canadian veterans organization with a rich history dating back to 1840. The U.S. charter of ANAVICUS was officially presented during The American Legion’s national convention in St. Louis in 1953, marking the inception of this esteemed organization. ANAVICUS is comprised of approximately 1,200 members, all of whom are esteemed American Legion past national commanders and other distinguished Legionnaires. Membership in ANAVICUS is exclusively by invitation, and new members are inducted twice a year, during the national convention and the Washington Conference.
In 1982, ANAVICUS’s executive committee made a significant decision to establish and fund a memorial dedicated to Past National Commander Harry W. Colmery, the visionary author of the original GI Bill. This memorial is a testament to the lasting legacy of a distinguished individual who had a profound impact on the lives of veterans.
Moreover, ANAVICUS continues to honor and support the educational pursuits of deserving students by presenting nine scholarships each year, each bearing the memory of a distinguished ANAVICUS member.
Available Scholarships through ANAVICUS:
1. Frank R. Kossa Memorial ANAVICUS Scholarship
- Awarded to a cadet of the Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
- Presented to an outstanding cadet of the third year based on academic performance and leadership potential.
- Recipient selection is conducted by the college.
2. Father Edward J. Carney Scholarship
- A $1,500 scholarship provided to a sophomore or junior student at Merrimack College, North Andover, Mass.
- Based on financial need, a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and proven leadership potential.
- The college makes the selection of the recipient.
3. Reverend Frank L. Harrington Scholarship
- A $1,500 scholarship given to an outstanding sophomore or junior student at Carroll College in Helena, Mont.
- Recipients are selected based on financial need, a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and demonstrated leadership potential.
- The college selects the recipient.
4. General Lewis B. Hershey Scholarship
- A $1,500 scholarship awarded to a sophomore or junior student at Trine University in Angola, Ind.
- Selection is based on financial need, a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and demonstrated leadership potential.
- The college selects the recipient.
5. James F. O’Neil Scholarship
- A $1,500 scholarship presented to an outstanding sophomore or junior student at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, N.H.
- Awarded based on a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and proven leadership potential.
- The college selects the recipient.
6. General Frank R. Schwengel Scholarship
- A $1,500 scholarship awarded to a sophomore or junior student at Iona College in New Rochelle, N.Y.
- Recipients are chosen based on demonstrated financial need, a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA, and proven leadership potential.
- The college selects the recipient.
7. E. Roy Stone Jr. ROTC Scholarship
- A $1,500 scholarship provided to a deserving full-time student at Furman University in Greenville, S.C.
- Offered to students with demonstrated financial need.
- The college selects the recipient.
8. Richard M. Pedro Memorial Scholarship
- A $1,500 scholarship awarded to a student in the ROTC program based on financial need and a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Selection of the student is conducted by the college.
9. Judge Daniel F. Foley Scholarship
- A $1,500 scholarship made exclusively available to students who are direct descendants of a member or deceased member of the Army, Navy, & Air Force Veterans in Canada (ANAVETS).
- The bursary recipient is selected by the ANAVETS board of directors in September/October.
- ANAVETS will contact the university or college directly to verify the student’s attendance and send the scholarship directly to the student’s account.
10. Rev. Jerome D. Fortenberry Scholarship
- This $1,500 scholarship is exclusively available to living and current ANAVICUS members’ direct descendants (child, grandchild, great-grandchild).
- ANAVICUS will award one scholarship per calendar year.
- The scholarship application is available in September and is due in April.
Please note that the eligibility criteria and application timelines for each scholarship may vary, so it’s essential to review the specific requirements for the scholarship you are interested in.
Pursue your educational aspirations and explore the opportunities presented by ANAVICUS scholarships. The legacy of these esteemed veterans lives on through their support of students like you.