Jon and Carol Shields established the Andrew J. Shields Memorial Scholarship in memory of their son, Andrew Jon Shields. Andrew was an Airborne Combat Medic dedicated to the health, safety and welfare of his fellow warriors. On May 31st, 2008, while serving with the 173rd Special Troop Battalion (Airborne) in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, Andrew was killed in action. Applicants must be a graduating senior from a high school in Clark, Cowlitz, or Skamania counties who have been enrolled in any accredited Fire Cadet program in Southwest Washington during high school. Students who enlist in the U.S. military and provide proof of their deployment date may have their scholarship award deferred for up to four years. Applicants may submit one letter of recommendation from a Fire Cadet Instructor or Trainer who can speak to their character, leadership, talents, and academic record. Letters from immediate or extended family members will not be accepted. This letter is not required, but is strongly recommended. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington for more information.