Fall 2023 Behan Law Group Military Veteran Scholarship Winner

Each semester, The Behan Law Group offers an award of $1,000 to support the higher education of military veterans, current service members, and their children. Our scholarship also requires the applicant to submit an essay discussing how their experience affected their academic and career goals and they plan to use their education to positively impact their community.

Cory Hunter Brown

Our team at Behan Law Group is honored to offer Cory Hunter Brown the Military Veteran Scholarship as he enters his freshman year of college. Cory will be attending the College of Engineering at The University of Arizona. With a long family history of military membership, Cory’s essay details his patriotism and the lessons he’s learned from his Veteran family members.

Read Cory’s Essay:

The idea of service to others and duty to country has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My first awareness came when Dad would rise from his seat and stand for our national anthem, proudly honoring the flag with a crisp salute. As a kid, I always looked forward to our trips to Sea World San Diego, where many of the show openings would request attending United States military veterans join to stand and be recognized by the audience. Through my childhood, I’ve continued to learn more about my father’s devotion and service over the years.

I can reflect on many impressions that were early lessons, like meticulously caring for and flying our flag on Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day; and my participation in Wreaths Across America, where I learned how to properly honor those that have served our country. My most heartfelt memories are the distinct notes from the bugle and the stillness before the 21-gun salute at both my grandmother and grandfather’s funerals at Willamette National and Riverside National cemeteries, respectively.

There are generations of proud service woven through my family. Both my father and uncle are United States Army veterans; they served during the Vietnam War and the years following. Their mother served in the U.S. Marine Corp during World War II. She shared many stories with me on how her military service changed her life; she was a high school senior when Pearl Harbor was attacked, As I gain more perspective on world history, I’ve come to understand that she truly was part of ‘The Greatest Generation’. And during the Korean conflict, my mother’s father proudly enlisted in the United States Army. My grandfather had great pride in becoming a U.S. citizen at nine years old, and his ability to defend the freedoms we have in our country. He believed his military service was an honor, especially as an immigrant.

They were great storytellers and historians. Their pictures, words, expressions and heartfelt values have shaped my integrity and character. I have commitment to finish what I start and to see things through; I rely on my persistence to put my personal best into my efforts, and learn as much as I can from what doesn’t go as I planned or hoped. I know why resilience matters; I feel I grow and am a better person for the lessons gained simply by moving past my comfort zone.

Now as I get older and see the world from a broader perspective, I’m gaining a greater sense of citizenship, accomplishment, and belonging. I have pride in my volunteer participation, because I see how communities grow stronger when we partner and work together. I’ve learned from first-hand experience that I ‘get back what I put in’ to my efforts. It’s not something I believe I could have learned from reading a book.

During my high school years, I provided nearly 200 hours of community service through three service organizations that serve diverse communities through philanthropy: National League of Young Men; California Scholarship Federation, and National Honor Society. I plan to continue this work while pursuing my college education at The University of Arizona. Community service not only provides me the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, but to be a part of something bigger that impacts the local community. When I team with others to complete tasks, it allows me to share the leadership skills I’ve gained. By listening and learning from others who have valuable life experiences and perspectives, I gain a better understanding of potential short-term and long-term goals that will likely benefit those served.

I plan to be a changemaker Engineer with a focus on empathy for others. As a neurodivergent individual, I know firsthand how labels can create a negative perception, and can set people back. We all have many unique gifts, and being more aware of those around us is very important to me. Caring and connection go a long way. So when I extend a helping hand to assist others, I lift myself up, too.

The lessons I’ve learned about commitment, persistence and resilience will serve me well. I hope to assist those within the neurodivergent community with training and employment skills, so they discover their own personal strengths and ‘super hero’ powers. I’ll advocate employment training for time management and organizational skills; public speaking; problem-solving and interviewing tips.

My career goal is to become a rollercoaster design engineer. I hope to make the world a better place by providing joy to enthusiastic riders, and those who love to watch these marvelous machines! Everyone needs to smile, to be curious, to have fun, to keep a child-like wonder. As I build my career as a storyteller using themed rides, I also want to serve up memorable moments that allow us shared experiences: to feel alive and laugh together; to escape with a scream; or to make special memories that take your breath away. When people are given the chance to express their thoughts and emotions with others sharing the same experience, it brings us together in a way that balances out the chaos and divisiveness that at times seems to feed our world. There’s something special about losing yourself in the ultimate thrill of the next great roller coaster ride.

My personal goal is to continue growing as an effective critical thinker, listener and narrator. Whether teaming with others through a community philanthropic project, or working on a design assignment, these skills will help me become a better community member and problem solver – and that goes hand-in-hand with engineering. Engineers can be technically skilled, but we need people skills, too. Engineers must be good listeners and collaborators to identify problems. We have to hear about challenges that are human and not just technical. So, as I learn to propose and test solutions, I hope to become more comfortable and confident in problem-solving issues that affect my local community.