A Legacy of Service and Learning: The General Ray S. Miller Scholarship Fund
The General Ray S. Miller Scholarship Fund isn’t just about financial aid; it’s a living tribute to the remarkable individuals who forged the foundation of the Minnesota Air National Guard. This fund began with the extraordinary generosity of Eva Hope Miller, who created an endowment to honor her late husband, Brigadier General Ray Miller. General Miller’s monumental flight to Washington D.C. in 1920 wasn’t merely a journey; it was the pivotal event that directly led to the establishment of our Minnesota Air National Guard. He truly laid the groundwork, then became its first commander, and remains a direct link to your heritage stretching back to World War I.
The scholarship’s reach was expanded through a substantial endowment from the family of Lt. Col. Richard Wiessner. This contribution ensures that the heroic efforts of both General Miller and Lt. Col. Wiessner—two incredible aviators—continue to inspire future generations. Lt. Col. Wiessner embodies the courage of World War II aviators, having flown an astounding eighty-two combat missions over Africa, Italy, and Germany in his Republic P-47 Thunderbolt. His commitment didn’t end with the war; he continued his distinguished military career with the Minnesota Air National Guard, including serving as the 109th Squadron commander.
Eva Miller understood that higher education empowers enlisted members. It equips them with the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to excel, not just in their military careers but in civilian life too. This scholarship was designed precisely to offer a valuable pathway for advancement, providing greater career flexibility and opening doors to new opportunities.
This year three $1,000 grants have been made available by the MN ANG Historical Foundations board of directors!
We’re particularly excited to announce that this year, the General Ray S. Miller Scholarship Fund committee will award three scholarships, each for $1,000! This funding reflects our foundation’s commitment to impacting the educational journeys of dedicated Minnesota Air National Guard members.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility for the Ray S. Miller Scholarship:
The Minnesota Air National Guard Historical Foundation is here to support those who serve our state and nation. To be considered for this year’s General Ray S. Miller Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Active Enlisted Status: You must be an active enlisted member of the Minnesota Air National Guard at the time you apply and when the academic semester for which you’re seeking funding begins.
- Pursuing Higher Education: You must be currently enrolled in, or have a clear plan to enroll in, an accredited college, university, or technical school to pursue your first academic degree.
- Previous Recipients Encouraged: If you’ve received this scholarship before, please reapply! We just ask that you’ve successfully completed all coursework in the semesters immediately following your last award.
Take the Next Step: Apply Today!
This scholarship is more than just financial help; it’s an investment in your future and a recognition of your unwavering dedication. We strongly encourage all eligible members of the Minnesota Air National Guard to apply for the General Ray S. Miller Scholarship Fund.
To apply download the MS Word document attached to this email, which is also available on the museum’s scholarship website. Fill out the form and email it to the address on the form. Prior to applying, ensure you meet the requirements and then fill out all of the required information. If selected, the funds will be sent directly to the student’s account office at your educational institution.
The 2026 deadline for applications will be June 30th.
For additional details about this opportunity, go to the scholarships page at, https://mnangmuseum.org Questions should be directed to mnangmuseum1@gmail.com. If you cannot download this document, simply send an email with the following information.
- Your First and Last Name, Wing, Unit, and Position. - Are you an active member of the Minnesota Air National Guard? - Will you be an active member of the Minnesota Air National Guard while enrolled in an accredited college, university, or technical school? - Your highest level of education. - The name of the educational institution you are (or will be) enrolled in? Student Accounts office contact person, mailing address, phone number, and email address. - Your student ID number. (this is as important as your name) - A list of any activities you would like to highlight (Wing activities, Additional Duties, Community volunteer work). - Finally, a personal essay about why you serve. This essay should not exceed 300 words.
