BVA Scholarship Winners

2025 Scholarship Winner - Chase Hamilton

This year the BVA was blessed with a wide array of applicants for our annual scholarship.  When we hear the drum beat of negativity in the press about the current generation, the actual breadth of applications received squelch such and if you had the opportunity to see the vast talent we saw, you would understand that we cannot take that selection lightly. As you can also appreciate, it is always difficult to pick one winner, but this year there was one particular young man who really excelled in so many aspects of his life. To that, the BVA would like to congratulate Chase Hamilton of Carroll, Ohio.

Chase recently graduated Bloom-Carroll High School with a 4.0 gpa, which is an achievement in and of itself. On top of that, he has contributed nearly 600 hours of documented service work that benefits his school, community, the Scouts, his Church and Civil Air Patrol. Because of his grades and contribution, he was accepted and will be attending the the United States Air Force Academy shortly.

As you are aware, all applicants had to write an essay and this is his.

"On October 23, 1983, a catastrophic act of terrorism unfolded in Beirut, Lebanon, when two truck bombs detonated at the U.S. Marine and French military barracks, killing 241 American service members and 58 French paratroopers. This coordinated attack, targeting members of the Multi-national Force (MNF) peacekeeping mission, marked a pivotal moment in modern history, reshaping U.S. foreign policy, redefining military strategies, and leaving a profound legacy that continues to influence global, security dynamics.
The U.S. military presence in Beirut was part of the MNF, established in 1982 to stabilize the volatile region during Lebanon’s Civil War. American Marines were tasked with maintaining peace and supporting the fragile Lebanese government, a mission fraught with complexities in a region marred by sectarian violence and geopolitical tensions. Despite the noble intent, the mission faced escalating hostility, as various factions viewed the MNF as partisan actors favoring certain groups over others.
The attack began in the early hours of October 23, when a yellow, Mercedes truck loaded with explosives breached the perimeter of the Marine compound at Beirut International Airport. The driver, later identified as a suicide bomber affiliated with the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah, detonated the bomb, causing a massive explosion that leveled the four-story building. Minutes later, a similar attack targeted the French barracks. The bombings represented one of the deadliest days for the U.S. military since World War II and underscored the growing threat of state-sponsored terrorism.
The immediate impact of the attack was profound. The loss of 241 American lives, many of whom were young Marines, left a deep scar on the U.S. military and its civilian population. Families mourned the loss of their loved ones, and the nation grappled with the vulnerability of its forces abroad. The bombing also forced an urgent reassessment of U.S. military engagement in Lebanon. Within months, President Ronald Reagan ordered the withdrawal of U.S. forces, signaling a shift in strategy that prioritized the safety of American personnel over direct intervention in Lebanon’s civil war.
The historical impact of the Beirut barracks bombing extended beyond the immediate aftermath. It served as a grim awakening to the dangers posed by asymmetric warfare and terrorism. The attack demonstrated how non-state actors, with state sponsorship, could effectively challenge powerful nations using unconventional methods. This realization prompted changes in U.S. military doctrine, including enhanced force protection measures, intelligence gathering, and the development of counterterrorism strategies. The establishment of the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in 1987 was a direct response to the growing need for specialized units to address emerging threats.
Globally, the Beirut barracks bombing had far-reaching consequences. It emboldened terrorist organizations, signaling that high-profile attacks could achieve strategic objectives by influencing the policies of major powers. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, emerged as a prominent player in the Middle East, leveraging the attack to solidify its reputation as a formidable force. The bombing also highlighted the critical role of Iran in supporting proxy groups, shaping the dynamics of regional conflicts and fueling tensions between the U.S. and Iran that persist to this day.
The attack also influenced the evolution of peacekeeping missions and multinational operations. Nations participating in such missions became acutely aware of the risks associated with deploying forces in unstable regions. The MNF’s experience in Lebanon underscored the importance of clearly defined objectives, robust force protection measures, and comprehensive intelligence to mitigate risks. These lessons have informed subsequent peacekeeping efforts, from the Balkans to Afghanistan.
The modern-day implications of the Beirut barracks bombing are particularly evident in the ongoing conflict in Israel. Hezbollah, which rose to prominence after the 1983 attacks, continues to promote terrorism. The group’s use of asymmetric warfare, including rocket attacks and underground tunnels, reflects strategies honed over decades. The lessons of Beirut resonate as the Middle East continues to be unstable: underscoring the enduring challenge of combating terrorism. The attack’s legacy also informs international counterterrorism collaborations, as nations work to prevent similar tragedies in an era of heightened global tensions.
Today, the memory of the 1983 attack endures as a somber chapter in U.S. history, commemorated annually to honor the fallen. It stands as a testament to the resilience of those who serve and a reminder of the complexities of safeguarding peace in an increasingly interconnected and unpredictable world."
"Receiving the Beirut Veterans of America scholarship would provide support as I pursue my education and prepare for a future of service. It is my intent to major in political science and study civil-military relations. This knowledge will not only enable me to become an effective Space Force Officer but also contribute to building trust between the armed forces and the civilian population. Financial assistance from this scholarship will help me focus on academic excellence, leadership development, and physical readiness for my career in the Space Force.
Moreover, this scholarship would connect me to a legacy of resilience and service exemplified by the Beirut Veterans. Their sacrifice inspires me to honor their memory by dedicating my life to protecting our nation and advancing its values. By receiving this scholarship, I would carry forward their legacy, using it as a source of motivation to excel in my studies and to serve with honor and integrity."

Chase’s understanding of this tragic event is profoud, particularly when you take into consideration this happened over two decades before he born. But, as he progresses through his academics and his subsequent military career, we can be assured we have established another orator for our legacy. This year the scholarship was evolved to the amount of $1023.83.

Good luck to Chase and his family.

Semper Fi

Kevin Macomber
Editor, BVA
[email protected]

Jaden Hacking - 2023 Award

On Saturday, September 2nd, Jaden Hacking, one of the Beirut Veterans of America 2023 Scholarship recipients, was presented with an Award Certificate, a BVA Standard Challenge Coin, a BVA 35th Remembrance Coin, and a $1,000 check.
« First < Prev Next > Last »