Military Science Cadet Emily Rainey, a junior, was recently awarded the Colonel and Mrs. Robert L. Strayer Scholarship by the Philadelphia chapter of The Military Order of the World Wars. The Colonel Strayer Scholarship is presented each year to an Army ROTC Cadet for their excellence in academics, leadership and community service.

A psychology major, with a minor in Arabic, Cadet Rainey ranks as one of the top five Cadets in The University of Scranton Military Science program. Last summer Cadet Rainey took part in a training exchange program with the United States Military Academy where she stood out above her peers and earned the RECONDO Badge for her high level of physical fitness and advanced tactical skills. Additionally, Cadet Rainey attended the United States Army Airborne School last summer, successfully completing the course and earning her jump wings. 

She has also been a member of the program’s Ranger Challenge Team, leading the squad in the Brigade level competitions against schools such as The Penn State University, Lehigh University, Fordam University and a host of others each of the last two years. This past Christmas, Emily organized a “Giving Tree” for the Military Science Department, which collected more than $900 worth of gifts and toys for needy children in the Scranton area. Cadet Rainey will attend the Leadership Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Wash., this summer and upon graduation will report to Fort Bragg, N.C., for Cadet Troop Leader Training (CTLT).  At CTLT Cadet Rainey will have the opportunity to observe, train with and receive mentorship from junior military officers of a Military Police Company.

The Colonel and Mrs. Robert L. Strayer Scholarship is presented in honor of Colonel Strayer who served as a Battalion Commander in World War II with the 101^st Airborne Division.  Colonel Strayer jumped behind enemy lines on D-Day and fought in numerous campaigns across Europe to include the Battle of the Bugle.