“I want to thank everyone at the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Sport Clips for giving me the opportunity for a second chance at an education" - Veteran Nikolay Maltsev

The first time Maltsev attended college, he quickly realized he wasn’t prepared for this life change without real-world experience.

“I went to the Army recruiter and decided to get some hands-on training as a wheeled vehicle mechanic to get another view of the world. I spent time in South Korea, Fort Riley and Kuwait.”

While serving active duty in Kuwait, Maltsev began planning ahead for future educational opportunities and searching for financial aid. He stumbled upon the VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” and filled out an application.

Maltsev is thankful for the second opportunity to pursue a degree in economics at the State University of New York at Albany.

“My passion has been ignited to study economics … in my opinion it is the best way to learn how the world works theoretically and practically. I truly want to know and think like the great minds in this field.”

Even though he isn’t a VFW member yet, Maltsev intends to join in the future.

“I plan to contribute everything I can to the VFW’s mission of serving veterans, the military and their communities.” 

“The VFW’s investment in me will not be forgotten or wasted, which is why I work so hard to complete my college education,” Maltsev concluded. “I urge all student veterans to try harder and aim higher. I wish them success in everything they undertake.”