Macon, GA — The 1/5 Vietnam Veterans, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Central Georgia, Central Georgia Technical College, and the Bibb County School District, gathered today to announce a new scholarship in memory of Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, USMC (MOH).
Without hesitation, Marine Sgt. Rodney M. Davis fell atop a live grenade that had just been thrown into a trench in Vietnam. At the bottom of the trench with the grenade under him, he crawled away from his comrades to keep them from harm’s way. It exploded, killing him instantly, but his comrades were saved. The selfless hero from Macon, Georgia was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery above and beyond the call of duty. Marines, some of whom had been saved that day by Davis’ selfless act of bravery, championed the cause to establish a scholarship fund in 2012 to honor the Macon hero. https://cfcga.org/scholarship/sgt-rodney-m-davis-usmc-moh-memorial-scholarship-fund/
The original Sgt. Rodney M. Davis, USMC (MOH) Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by the 1/5 Vietnam Veterans in 2012 at the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. Over the last decade, the scholarship has awarded more than $55,000 in college scholarships to local JROTC cadets from the Bibb County School District.
Today, the 1/5 Vietnam Veterans announced the creation of a second scholarship fund in memory of Sgt. Davis. This scholarship will benefit local students pursing technical education at Central Georgia Technical College. In the words of John Hollis, husband of Sgt. Davis’s niece, “Sgt. Davis’s courage, commitment and sacrifice communicates that we are all capable of greatness.”
About the 1/5 Vietnam Veterans Unit Chapter of the 1st Marine Division Association
The mission of the combat veterans of the 1st Battalion of the 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division (1/5/1), who served during the Vietnam War is: to support the 1st Marine Division Association and its Scholarship Programs, to preserve incidents and memories of the Marines and Sailors who served with 1/5/1 during the Vietnam War, to foster, encourage, and perpetuate the memory and the spirit and comradeship in arms of the 1/5/1 Vietnam Veterans, to promote and enhance patriotism and love of country, to promote and safeguard the principles of justice, and to perpetuate the spirit and traditions of the United States Marine Corps.
About Bibb County School District
The Bibb County School District is an urban school district located in Macon, GA, a Central Georgia city located about 90 miles south of Atlanta. The District is home to 39 schools and programs and more than 21,000 students. In spring 2021, Bibb County seniors accomplished a graduation rate of 80.67 percent, reflecting an increase of more than 25 percentage points in the last decade. Additionally, four elementary schools in Bibb County have been named “Leader In Me” Lighthouse Schools, and an additional elementary school has received STEM certification from the Georgia Department of Education. Bibb County schools also have ranked among the highest-achieving Title I schools in the state, with two elementary schools receiving national distinction for their achievements. The District includes fine arts and academic magnet schools for all grade levels, as well as a college and career academy with career pathway programs in culinary arts, banking, teaching, nursing, cosmetology, graphic design and more.
About Central Georgia Technical College
Central Georgia Technical College is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and serves the needs of 11 counties in Georgia. The College is a two-year public commuter college serving a diverse student body by offering traditional on-site and distance education academic programs and services, adult education, continuing education, and customized business and industry services. The College seeks to meet its mission by providing educational, extra-curricular, co-curricular, and workforce development programs, and services that support the economic development and well-being of the citizens within its established service delivery area. To support its workforce mission, Central Georgia Technical College employs knowledgeable, competent faculty, up-to-date facilities, and industry-specific equipment to ensure that students, faculty, and staff are surrounded by an environment conducive to learning.
About Community Foundation of Central Georgia
Founded in 1993, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia provides donors a simple, powerful and highly personal approach to giving. As a public charity and a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation of Central Georgia works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and not-for-profit organizations to carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging issues to enhance the quality of life for the people of central Georgia. For information, visit www.cfcga.org or call (478) 750-9338.