CGTLE Foundation Scholars Program

The Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation proudly administers two annual scholarship programs:

• The CGTLEA Scholarship, a one-time grant available to eligible dependents of Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Association (CGTLEA) members in good standing. Scholarship amounts vary depending on availability of funding. For this year's scholarship cycle, successful applicants can expect awards ranging between $250 to $1,000. Click here to join CGTLEA.

• The Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Scholarship, a four-year grant available to eligible dependents of active duty, reserve, retired or separated Coast Guard members authorized to wear the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Insignia, as described below.

  Note: The application process below is the same for both scholarships. Applicants who meet the criteria for both scholarship programs will automatically be considered for both awards.

(Scholarship applications may be submitted between Feb. 1st and May 1st each year)

NATE BRUCKENTHAL Scholarship Details

• $20,000 scholarship (disbursed over four years)

• Periodic professional support and development from the CG TLE Foundation

• Invitations to special events

• Opportunity for internship with the Foundation, if desired

DSF personnel, like Nate Bruckenthal, work tirelessly toward the mission, often at the expense of their families and their own educational opportunities. The Foundation is very excited to support this community of patriots through the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Scholarship. Recipients of this scholarship will be named Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation Scholars.

The scholarship is named after Nate Bruckenthal for multiple reasons. Nate made the ultimate sacrifice for this country; he was was a committed tactical law enforcement team member, and patriot. In close coordination with Mr. Ric Bruckenthal and the Foundation's Board of Directors, we have modeled this program to honor Nate Bruckenthal for what he represented and what he continues to represent today, a man of great integrity and character. 

This scholarship is not a gift, but rather a contract between the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation and each selected Scholar. This scholarship exists because of the sacrifices made by those who came before and is only possible because of the generosity of donors who care deeply about this community. A Tactical Law Enforcement parent may have established initial eligibility, but it will be up to the individual recipient to maintain this honor every day. 

Each recipient will be expected to uphold the values of Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty at all times. If you are willing to shoulder the weight of this responsibility, we invite you to continue with this application and look forward to learning about you!

recipients:

Madison Stauffer is the 2021 Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Scholarship recipient. She is attending the University of Florida (class of 2025) and majoring in Political Science. Madison is the daughter of Dale and Danielle Stauffer. She graduated from Coral Glades High School in Coral Springs, Florida, where she was the Class President and captain for the varsity cross country and track and field teams, among several other honors.

Madison’s father, Dale Stauffer, has more than 20 years active duty service, including over 10 years in the Deployable Specialized Forces community with multiple assignments at Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) South in Miami, Florida.

Alexandra Thompson is the 2020 Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Scholarship recipient. She is attending Virginia Tech (class of 2024) and is majoring in Psychology. Alexandra is the daughter of Brian and Michele Thompson. She graduated from Hickory High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, where she competed on the varsity indoor and outdoor track teams, as well as the cross country team.

Her father retired after 24 years of active duty Coast Guard service including assignments at Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET) 8G, Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) South, International Training Division, Maritime Safety and Security Team (MSST) Galveston, and Maritime Security Response Team (MSRT).

Dylan Schaffnit and Ashley Vasquez are the 2019 Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Scholarship recipients.

Ashley Vasquez, a member of the class of 2023, is majoring in Special Education at Appalachian State University. Ashley is the daughter of Alvaro and Cynthia Vasquez. She graduated from Croatan High School in Newport, North Carolina, where she was president of the DECA club and Captain of the junior varsity cheer leading squad.

Ashley's father, Alvaro, is a retired Coast Guardsman who spent most of his career in the Deployable Specialized Forces community and deployed overseas with Nate Bruckenthal while assigned to Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) South. Following his active duty career, her father continued his service as a civilian employee at Special Missions Training Center.

Dylan Schaffnit, a member of the Northeast Maritime Institute Class of 2021, is majoring in Nautical Sciences.

Dylan is the son of Jeffrey and Cynthia Schaffnit.

He graduated from Camden County High School in Camden, North Carolina, where he competed in varsity football, served as the battalion commander of the school’s Coast Guard Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and volunteered his time with several community charity organizations.

His father, Senior Chief Petty Officer (ret.) Jeff Schaffnit, served at MSRT in Chesapeake, Va.

Lantz Morris is the 2018 Nate Bruckenthal Scholarship recipient. A member of the University of South Florida Class of 2022, he is majoring in Marine Biology. Lantz is the son of Georg and Brooke Morris.

Lantz graduated from William T. Dwyer High School in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where he competed on the varsity football and track teams. He also volunteered his time with the Homeless Coalition, Little Smiles Children's Charity of South Fla., and the Food Bank of West Palm Beach.

His father, Chief Warrant Officer Georg Morris, retired in 2018 after serving at units such as Tactical Law Enforcement Team South (where he served with Nate Bruckenthal), Pacific Tactical Law Enforcement Team, and Coast Guard Headquarters Office of Specialized Capabilities.

Savannah Vasquez is the inaugural 2016 Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Scholarship recipient. She attends East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., where she majors in Industrial Distribution and Logistics. Savannah is the daughter of Alvaro and Cynthia Vasquez.

In high school, she received academic honors all four years, was a starter on the varsity soccer and golf teams all four years, and ran on the indoor track team her junior and senior years. 

Savannah's father, Alvaro, is a retired Coast Guardsman who spent most of his career in the Deployable Specialized Forces community and deployed overseas with Nate Bruckenthal while at Tactical Law Enforcement Team South. 

CGTLEA Scholars - In addition to the annual, four-year Bruckenthal Memorial Scholarship, the Foundation awards one-year CGTLEA Scholarships to dependents of CGTLEA members when funding permits. 

Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation
Scholars Program

Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Scholarship

Standing Rules and Regulations

SECTION I – Purpose.

The Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation Scholars Program and the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Scholarship is established to financially assist dependent sons/daughters of Tactical Law Enforcement community members of the United States Coast Guard on active duty, reserve, retired or honorably discharged.

SECTION II – Funds.

1. All funds expended for grants will be taken from the income earned by the assets in the Bruckenthal Scholarship Program accounts.

2. Grants will be given in the amount of $20,000 ($2,500 per semester for up to eight semesters). The grants must be fully funded prior to being awarded. The number of awards will be at the discretion of the Executive Board. Funds are to be used toward expenses at an accredited institution of higher learning beyond high school.

3. Any expenditure, other than grants, must be authorized by the Executive Board. No expenditure shall be made other than in furtherance of the purposes stated in the Standing Rules and Regulations and the administration thereof.

SECTION III – Governing Board.

A Scholarship Committee comprised of not fewer than three and not more than six members shall be appointed by the Executive Board prior to 1 September of each year. The committee shall formulate the application; prepare instructions to the applicants, select the recipients of the grants and provide to the Executive Board the names of the recipients prior to 15 June.

SECTION IV – Amendment of the Standing Rules and Regulations.

Amendments of the Standing Rules and Regulations shall only be made by two-thirds vote of the Executive Board.

SECTION V – Eligibility and Application Requirements.

1. An applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements:

a. Be the dependent son/daughter of a Tactical Law Enforcement member (i.e. a member permanently authorized to wear the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Insignia) of the United States Coast Guard on active duty, reserve, retired or honorably discharged.

b. Be a senior in high school with an average of “C” or better during the most recent two semesters or be currently enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning with an average of “C” or better for the year immediately prior to application.

c. If enrolled in an institution of higher learning, be enrolled in a full time course of instruction based on school or program criteria.

d. Applicants must show proof of full time enrollment in order to receive subsequent payments during their second, third and fourth years.

e. The financial status of the applicant or applicant’s parents shall not be a factor in eligibility or in awarding grants.

2. Application Requirements:

a. Applications shall be submitted electronically to the Scholarship Committee, not later than 1 May each year.

b. Applicant must submit proof that one of their parents is a member of the United States Coast Guard on active duty, reserve, retired or honorably discharged who is permanently authorized to wear the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Insignia. A document establishing eligibility of the parent is required: for example a DD-214, letter from the unit, etc.

c. Applicants shall submit with their application essays chosen by the Scholarship Committee articulating desires for pursuing higher education. Applicants are also encouraged to submit documentation in support of any personal accomplishments, extracurricular activities, or community service performed during the past two years.

d. Applicants who have not completed one or more years at an institution of higher learning shall furnish a certified copy of his/her scholastic record beginning with the tenth grade. Applicants who have completed one or more years at an institution of higher learning shall furnish a certified copy of his/her academic record beyond high school. Unofficial transcripts should be emailed to support@cgtlea.org. Official transcripts will be required if selected.

e. Applicants shall furnish a copy of their letter of acceptance at an institution of higher learning.

SECTION VI – Presentation of Grants

Grants and follow up payments will be made during the month of August. Whenever possible, grants will be presented by a chapter of the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Association in the vicinity of the grant recipient. The chapter should schedule appropriate ceremonies and a presentation should be made by the chapter president or an Association member in the area.

CGTLEA Scholarship

Standing Rules and Regulations

As funds permit, the Board may award one-time CGTLEA Scholarship grants in conjunction with the annual Bruckenthal Scholarship application, selection, and presentation cycle.

Eligibility Requirements - An applicant for the CGTLEA Scholarship award must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. Be the dependent child of a member in good standing of the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Association or who was a member in good standing at the time of their death.

2. Be a senior in high school with an average of “C” or better - or be currently enrolled in an accredited institution of higher learning with an average of “C” or better.

3. Be enrolled in a full-time course of instruction.

4. The financial status of the applicants’ parents shall not be a factor in determining the applicants to be awarded grants.

5. The receipt of a grant does not exclude an applicant from receiving grants in subsequent years.

Effective 13 Jan 2021

For more information, contact support@cgtlea.org.