Gold Star Scholarship Fund
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We at The Cost of Courage Foundation are dedicated to honoring the memory of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for their country and the
Gold Star Families they left behind.
The Cost of Courage Foundation was founded in honor of Sgt. Donald Fitzmaurice who was KIA during the Doolittle Raid in 1942. For this reason, Gold Star Families and service members killed in the line of duty hold a special place in our hearts and we have the utmost respect and gratitude for their unfathomable loss. The sacrifice of those Killed in Action is timeless and the impact of their loss is felt for generations to come. Those they leave behind are often charged with carrying on their legacy when they no longer have a voice. In many cases, this legacy lives on through the children and families of those killed in action who must now live not only for themselves, but for their loved one.
When we started The Cost of Courage Foundation Scholarship Fund, one of our goals was to expand the program to include Gold Star Children, Spouses, and Siblings. In 2019, we met that goal and are honored to extend the program to Gold Star Children, Spouses, and Siblings through our annual Gold Star Family Scholarships.
We are proud to announce that, in addition to Gold Star children, spouses, and siblings of military service members who died while serving in the United States Military. These scholarships are also available to children of First Responders killed in the line of duty.
Gold Star Families they left behind.
The Cost of Courage Foundation was founded in honor of Sgt. Donald Fitzmaurice who was KIA during the Doolittle Raid in 1942. For this reason, Gold Star Families and service members killed in the line of duty hold a special place in our hearts and we have the utmost respect and gratitude for their unfathomable loss. The sacrifice of those Killed in Action is timeless and the impact of their loss is felt for generations to come. Those they leave behind are often charged with carrying on their legacy when they no longer have a voice. In many cases, this legacy lives on through the children and families of those killed in action who must now live not only for themselves, but for their loved one.
When we started The Cost of Courage Foundation Scholarship Fund, one of our goals was to expand the program to include Gold Star Children, Spouses, and Siblings. In 2019, we met that goal and are honored to extend the program to Gold Star Children, Spouses, and Siblings through our annual Gold Star Family Scholarships.
We are proud to announce that, in addition to Gold Star children, spouses, and siblings of military service members who died while serving in the United States Military. These scholarships are also available to children of First Responders killed in the line of duty.
Sgt Donald Fitzmaurice Memorial Scholarship
Sgt. Donald E. Fitzmaurice was Killed in Action on April 18, 1942 during the Doolittle Raid. He was only 23 years old. For his service and sacrifice, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross among other accolades.
For more on Sgt. Fitzmaurice's story, please visit our Memorial Tribute Page.
LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship
LCpl Travis Layfield was killed in an ambush on the morning of April 6, 2004 along with 9 of his Marine brothers and 1 Navy Corpsman.
He was only 19 years old. It was a tragic day that went down in history as one of the worst three hour battles in Marine Corps history - now referred to as
"The Battle of Ramadi".
For more on LCpl Travis Layfield's story, please visit our Gold Star Memorial Tribute Page
He was only 19 years old. It was a tragic day that went down in history as one of the worst three hour battles in Marine Corps history - now referred to as
"The Battle of Ramadi".
For more on LCpl Travis Layfield's story, please visit our Gold Star Memorial Tribute Page
Scholarship Details
The following details apply to both the LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship and the Sgt. Donald Fitzmaurice Memorial Scholarship. There will be one (1) recipient for each scholarship opportunity. Submission of the general application below will allow applicants to be considered for both scholarship opportunities.
Who is Eligible?
Gold Star Child, Spouse, or Sibling of a military service member who died while serving in the U.S. Military
Children of First Responders Killed in the Line of Duty
* All ages are welcome to apply *
Scholarship Amount
$1,000
Scholarship Eligibility
This $1,000 scholarship can be put toward any level of education or an educational camp or learning experience that will provide academic enrichment.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this scholarship opportunity, please e-mail us!
How to Apply
Qualified candidates must complete the following application and submit it along with a 500 word response to the scholarship question. Both of these documents will be required to make the applicant eligible for consideration. Documents must be submitted to kelly@thecostofcouragefoundation.org by October 1, 2024. The scholarships will be awarded in November 2024. Participation in a scholarship banquet, either virtually or in person, on Saturday, November 2, 2024 will be required.
Scholarship Application
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2023 LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Jim Levulis
In November 2023, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award the LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Jim Levulis of Albany, New York.
Jim’s brother Captain John Levulis was killed on May 7, 2015. Losing his brother was a painful loss for Jim as he looked up to John and wanted to emulate him in every way. Succesful in his own right, Jim pursued a career in journalism, rising to the level of associate news director and lead news anchor for WAMC Northeast Public Radio, a subsidiary of NPR. While this career was incredibly fulfilling, Jim desired to pursue a career that would have a greater impact on his community. Jim is currently working toward a certificate in forest management at Paul Smith’s College in New York’s Adirondack Park. His dream is to work in land and forest conservation in the region.
We are proud of Jim’s accomplishments and are honored to support him on his educational journey. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added Captain John Levulis to our Memorial Tribute Page.
In November 2023, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award the LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Jim Levulis of Albany, New York.
Jim’s brother Captain John Levulis was killed on May 7, 2015. Losing his brother was a painful loss for Jim as he looked up to John and wanted to emulate him in every way. Succesful in his own right, Jim pursued a career in journalism, rising to the level of associate news director and lead news anchor for WAMC Northeast Public Radio, a subsidiary of NPR. While this career was incredibly fulfilling, Jim desired to pursue a career that would have a greater impact on his community. Jim is currently working toward a certificate in forest management at Paul Smith’s College in New York’s Adirondack Park. His dream is to work in land and forest conservation in the region.
We are proud of Jim’s accomplishments and are honored to support him on his educational journey. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added Captain John Levulis to our Memorial Tribute Page.
2023 The Cost of Courage Foundation Gold Star Family Scholarship
Ja'Niayah Ellis
In November 2023, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award The Cost of Courage Foundation Gold Star Scholarship to Ja’Niayah Ellis of Valdosta, Georgia.
Ja’Niayah’s father SSG James Ellis was KIA in an IED explosion on October 2, 2006. Since she was an infant at the time, Ja’Niayah never had a chance to know her father. Raised by her single mother, Ulrica Ellis, to be a strong, intelligent, determined, young woman, Ja’Niayah remained focused on her education and extra curriculars, including her service as Captain of the cheerleading team at Valdosta High School, where she graduated with Honors. Following in her father’s footsteps, Ja’Niayah intends to use her education to serve others.
Her goal is to become a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse specializing in childhood blood disorders and cancer. As a child, Ja'Niayah was diagnosed with Hemophilia, so her personal connection and experience as a patient serves as her primary motivation for ensuring that children will not have to struggle the way she did. Ja'Niayah's goal is to make her father proud and to accomplish all she sets out to achieve.
We are proud of Ja’Niayah’s perserverance and know she will succeed at all she puts her mind to. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added SSG James Ellis to our Memorial Tribute Page.
In November 2023, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award The Cost of Courage Foundation Gold Star Scholarship to Ja’Niayah Ellis of Valdosta, Georgia.
Ja’Niayah’s father SSG James Ellis was KIA in an IED explosion on October 2, 2006. Since she was an infant at the time, Ja’Niayah never had a chance to know her father. Raised by her single mother, Ulrica Ellis, to be a strong, intelligent, determined, young woman, Ja’Niayah remained focused on her education and extra curriculars, including her service as Captain of the cheerleading team at Valdosta High School, where she graduated with Honors. Following in her father’s footsteps, Ja’Niayah intends to use her education to serve others.
Her goal is to become a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurse specializing in childhood blood disorders and cancer. As a child, Ja'Niayah was diagnosed with Hemophilia, so her personal connection and experience as a patient serves as her primary motivation for ensuring that children will not have to struggle the way she did. Ja'Niayah's goal is to make her father proud and to accomplish all she sets out to achieve.
We are proud of Ja’Niayah’s perserverance and know she will succeed at all she puts her mind to. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added SSG James Ellis to our Memorial Tribute Page.
2023 Sgt Donald Fitzmaurice Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Lindsey Stock
In November 2023, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award the Sgt. Donald Fitzmaurice Memorial Scholarship to Lindsey Stock of Hughes Springs, Texas.
Lindsey’s high school sweetheart and husband SSGT John Stock was KIA in a suicide bomb explosion in Iraq on September 6, 2007. Losing her husband taught Lindsey that we need to find balance between duty and self-enrichment. After obtaining a degree in psychology, Lindsey decided to pursue her true passion of wildlife biology and care for the environment. With this educational opportunity, she desires to have a career that benefits the planet and those around her. She also hopes to set a positive example for her son who lives with her in their rural community.
We are proud of Lindsey’s accomplishments and forward progress through adversity and have no doubt she will succeed in her efforts. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added SSGT John Stock to our Memorial Tribute Page.
In November 2023, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award the Sgt. Donald Fitzmaurice Memorial Scholarship to Lindsey Stock of Hughes Springs, Texas.
Lindsey’s high school sweetheart and husband SSGT John Stock was KIA in a suicide bomb explosion in Iraq on September 6, 2007. Losing her husband taught Lindsey that we need to find balance between duty and self-enrichment. After obtaining a degree in psychology, Lindsey decided to pursue her true passion of wildlife biology and care for the environment. With this educational opportunity, she desires to have a career that benefits the planet and those around her. She also hopes to set a positive example for her son who lives with her in their rural community.
We are proud of Lindsey’s accomplishments and forward progress through adversity and have no doubt she will succeed in her efforts. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added SSGT John Stock to our Memorial Tribute Page.
2022 LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Trishia Watson
In November 2022, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award the LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Trishia Watson.
Trishia’s brother SFC Michael Cathcart was KIA in Kundoz Province, Afghanistan on November 14, 2014. His loss inspired his sister, Trishia, to continue his legacy of service by pursuing her goal of becoming an addiction counselor. Trishia currently works as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) case manager, but, is pursuing her Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) at Our Lady of the Lake University. Obtaining this degree will allow Trishia to expand her practice to assist a wider away of clients. She hopes to utilize her own experience with complicated grief to better support her patients in need.
We are proud of Trishia’s accomplishments and forward progress through adversity and have no doubt she will succeed in her efforts. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added SFC Michael Cathcart to our Memorial Tribute Page.
In November 2022, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award the LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Trishia Watson.
Trishia’s brother SFC Michael Cathcart was KIA in Kundoz Province, Afghanistan on November 14, 2014. His loss inspired his sister, Trishia, to continue his legacy of service by pursuing her goal of becoming an addiction counselor. Trishia currently works as a Substance Use Disorder (SUD) case manager, but, is pursuing her Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) at Our Lady of the Lake University. Obtaining this degree will allow Trishia to expand her practice to assist a wider away of clients. She hopes to utilize her own experience with complicated grief to better support her patients in need.
We are proud of Trishia’s accomplishments and forward progress through adversity and have no doubt she will succeed in her efforts. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added SFC Michael Cathcart to our Memorial Tribute Page.
2021 LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Guadalupe Javier Diaz
In November 2021, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award the LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Guadalupe Javier Diaz.
Lupe’s brother PFC Conrado Javier Diaz, Jr. was KIA in Kandahar, Afghanistan on December 19, 2010 in an IED attack. His loss impacted his entire family and inspired his sister, Lupe, to continue his legacy by serving as a community worker for homeless Veterans. This experience inspired her to pursue her Masters Degree in Public Health at Colombia Southern University with the goal of becoming an epidemiologist. Conrado’s goal had been to pursue a career in law enforcement and social justice to support the immigrant community he grew up in, so Lupe’s plan going forward is to use her education to serve these disadvantaged populations in Monterey County. As a single mom, her hope is to create a better life for her child and realize financial independence her hard working parents and family of 8 struggled to experience.
We are proud of Lupe’s accomplishments and determination through adversity and have no doubt she will succeed in her efforts. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added PFC Conrado Javier Diaz, Jr. to our Memorial Tribute Page.
In November 2021, The Cost of Courage Foundation was honored to award the LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Guadalupe Javier Diaz.
Lupe’s brother PFC Conrado Javier Diaz, Jr. was KIA in Kandahar, Afghanistan on December 19, 2010 in an IED attack. His loss impacted his entire family and inspired his sister, Lupe, to continue his legacy by serving as a community worker for homeless Veterans. This experience inspired her to pursue her Masters Degree in Public Health at Colombia Southern University with the goal of becoming an epidemiologist. Conrado’s goal had been to pursue a career in law enforcement and social justice to support the immigrant community he grew up in, so Lupe’s plan going forward is to use her education to serve these disadvantaged populations in Monterey County. As a single mom, her hope is to create a better life for her child and realize financial independence her hard working parents and family of 8 struggled to experience.
We are proud of Lupe’s accomplishments and determination through adversity and have no doubt she will succeed in her efforts. So that his sacrifices are not forgotten, we have added PFC Conrado Javier Diaz, Jr. to our Memorial Tribute Page.
2020 LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Rubi Galarza
In November 2020, we were honored to award the LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Rubi Galarza.
Rubi is a student at the University of California - Davis School of Medicine. Her brother, Specialist Vilmar Galarza-Hernandez was Killed in Action on 26 May 2012 in Afghanistan. Since then, Rubi overcame adversity after becoming her family's primary caregiver while also dealing with her own grief. She graduated from the University of California Berkeley for her undergraduate studies and, upon graduation from medical school, she plans to serve as a physician for underserved populations such as the migrant communities in Salinas, where she grew up.
As a Gold Star Sibling, Rubi is honoring her brother's legacy through her dedication and service to those in need. The Cost of Courage Foundation is proud to award this year's LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Rubi. It is an honor to support Rubi's educational goals and we have no doubt that she will be an incredible physician, especially in the midst of the current global pandemic. Thank you for all you do, Rubi! Congratulations!
For more on Specialist Vilmar Galarza-Hernandez's story, please visit our Gold Star Memorial Tribute Page.
In November 2020, we were honored to award the LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Rubi Galarza.
Rubi is a student at the University of California - Davis School of Medicine. Her brother, Specialist Vilmar Galarza-Hernandez was Killed in Action on 26 May 2012 in Afghanistan. Since then, Rubi overcame adversity after becoming her family's primary caregiver while also dealing with her own grief. She graduated from the University of California Berkeley for her undergraduate studies and, upon graduation from medical school, she plans to serve as a physician for underserved populations such as the migrant communities in Salinas, where she grew up.
As a Gold Star Sibling, Rubi is honoring her brother's legacy through her dedication and service to those in need. The Cost of Courage Foundation is proud to award this year's LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to Rubi. It is an honor to support Rubi's educational goals and we have no doubt that she will be an incredible physician, especially in the midst of the current global pandemic. Thank you for all you do, Rubi! Congratulations!
For more on Specialist Vilmar Galarza-Hernandez's story, please visit our Gold Star Memorial Tribute Page.
2019 LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Dylan Layfield
In November 2019, we were honored to award the first ever LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to LCpl Layfield's son Dylan Layfield.
Dylan is an honor roll student at his high school and was recently invited to be a part of the National Honor Society eventually becoming Parliamentarian of the school’s chapter of NHS. He also serves on Student Council as a class representative where he is involved in planning special events, organizing fundraisers and spreading awareness for important issues and topics affecting the community such as poverty and hunger. While living in Atwater, Dylan volunteered at his church’s food bank and would spend weekends packing bags filled with food for those in need. Though he has since moved to Washington, he continues to serve his time at soup kitchens cooking meals and feeding the hungry. In case that wasn’t enough, he also helps run his community’s annual blood drive.
Dylan was accepted at Yakima Valley College in Yakima, Washington. He wishes to join the local fire department where he can serve, protect and bring joy to those in his community. Dylan acknowledges that he could have allowed his father’s death to hinder him, but he instead uses his dad’s memory as motivation to serve others. He honors Travis’s legacy by being an upstanding citizen who puts the good of others before himself.
We have no doubt that Dylan will make everyone proud and were honored to be able to award this scholarship to such a deserving child.
In November 2019, we were honored to award the first ever LCpl Travis Layfield Memorial Scholarship to LCpl Layfield's son Dylan Layfield.
Dylan is an honor roll student at his high school and was recently invited to be a part of the National Honor Society eventually becoming Parliamentarian of the school’s chapter of NHS. He also serves on Student Council as a class representative where he is involved in planning special events, organizing fundraisers and spreading awareness for important issues and topics affecting the community such as poverty and hunger. While living in Atwater, Dylan volunteered at his church’s food bank and would spend weekends packing bags filled with food for those in need. Though he has since moved to Washington, he continues to serve his time at soup kitchens cooking meals and feeding the hungry. In case that wasn’t enough, he also helps run his community’s annual blood drive.
Dylan was accepted at Yakima Valley College in Yakima, Washington. He wishes to join the local fire department where he can serve, protect and bring joy to those in his community. Dylan acknowledges that he could have allowed his father’s death to hinder him, but he instead uses his dad’s memory as motivation to serve others. He honors Travis’s legacy by being an upstanding citizen who puts the good of others before himself.
We have no doubt that Dylan will make everyone proud and were honored to be able to award this scholarship to such a deserving child.
TCOCF Scholarship Banquet - November 2019
Since Dylan lives out of state, his grandmother Dianne Layfield and his uncle Tyler Layfield accepted his plaque on his behalf.
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Scholarship Application Process
Gold Star Children, Spouses, or Siblings or Child of a First Responder Killed in the Line of Duty may apply on behalf of themselves or may be nominated by a loved one. Gold Star Family Scholarships will be awarded in November 2024.
Contact Us
If you have any questions regarding Gold Star Family Scholarship Program, please contact us via e-mail or by phone at (408) 614-2116.