Article Display

Lifeguard wins ROTC scholarship

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  A Shaw lifeguard recently won a Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship worth more than $120,000. 

Eighteen-year-old Garrett Williamson, the son of Susan Dunn and the stepson of Tech. Sgt. Leroy Dunn, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron test measurement diagnostic equipment supervisor, went online in January and filled out an application for the scholarship. He then drove to Columbia and took a physical fitness test consisting of running, sit-ups and push-ups. 

"After that, I waited for awhile hoping to get a call back, and eventually I did on March 8," Mr. Williamson said. "I got a full ride, which was a four-year scholarship to any ROTC school. After graduation, I will be a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps." 

Mr. Williamson chose the Citadel in Charleston. 

"It is a beautiful campus," Sgt. Dunn said. "We went to the campus not too long ago and saw what it had to offer. I believe he will be happy with the opportunities that are available there." 

Out of the 120 people throughout South Carolina and part of North Carolina who applied for the scholarship, only 10 were chosen. 

Mr. Williamson said he believes his volunteer work in the community throughout his high school years helped his selection. 

In high school, Mr. Williamson was a member of the Future Business Leaders of America and represented his school at a national competition each year for the last three years. He was also a member of the First Priority Christian Organization. 

Mr. Williamson coached a children's wrestling team, was involved with many church functions and a lifeguard for one of Shaw's pools the last three summers. 

"I have always loved swimming," Mr. Williamson said. "I was never afraid of the water. Even as a little kid, I used to swim with the ducks in a nearby pond." 

Mr. Williamson's parents are still amazed by what their son has accomplished. 

"I am very proud of him," Sgt. Dunn said. "He has done it all on his own. I wish I could take some of the credit, but I can't. He is an amazing kid and he has always triumphed over adversity."