SOA 2026-2027 Scholarship Recipients
Hi, I’m Aidan Lindeman and I am studying Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Military Science at Colorado State University. I have a concentration in aerospace engineering and am in the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. In the future, I hope to work as an engineer in the defense industry while flying the UH-60 Blackhawk for the Colorado National Guard. I live with my wife and our two dogs, Charlie and Junie, and we are expecting our first child this August!
Aiko Owens is a dedicated student entering her second year at the University of North Carolina Wilmington’s (UNCW) Honors College in Fall 2026, where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology after already earning an Associate in Arts through dual enrollment. Inspired by her military family and her great-grandmother’s legacy of perseverance, Aiko focuses her studies on marine mammals and invertebrates, coral reef rehabilitation and sustainable solutions for oceanic biodiversity. She is highly active on campus, participating in the Plastic Ocean Project, P.A.W.S. club, UNCW SCUBA club, Earth and Ocean Sciences club, and Beach Volleyball club, and serving as a member of the Asian Student Association. Alongside her academic and extracurricular commitments, she works as a YMCA-certified lifeguard and continues her volunteer efforts within the community, all with the long-term goal of obtaining a Ph.D. to empower marginalized communities through environmental research.
My name is Andelyn Underwood, and I am currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at The University of Alabama in Huntsville as I prepare to enter my sophomore year. I have always been drawn to problem-solving and challenging myself to learn new things, which is what first led me toward engineering. I enjoy the process of figuring out how things work and finding practical solutions, and I hope to build a career where I can continue learning while making a meaningful impact through my work.
Growing up in a military family shaped many of the values that guide me today. My father’s service taught me the importance of discipline, perseverance, and commitment to something greater than yourself. Those values have influenced the way I approach both academics and everyday life. Watching the sacrifices and dedication that military families often make also gave me a strong appreciation for service, resilience, and community.
Outside of academics, I stay involved through athletics and volunteer work, both of which have helped me grow personally and professionally. Being part of a team has strengthened my ability to work with others, stay disciplined, and push through challenges even when things become difficult. Volunteering in my community has also been important to me because it has allowed me to give back and connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences.
Receiving this scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me, not only because it supports my education, but because it represents the values of hard work, service, and perseverance that have had such a strong influence on my life. I am grateful for this opportunity and look forward to continuing my education, growing as an engineer and leader, and using my future career to make a positive impact on those around me.
Ava Lindeman is a student at Virginia Commonwealth University pursuing studies in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising. She is passionate about creativity, entrepreneurship, and using fashion as a form of self-expression. Ava hopes to build her own fashion brand that blends artistic vision with originality, creating designs that allow people to express their individuality and confidence. Through her education and experiences, she aims to grow as a designer and entrepreneur while building a brand that leaves a meaningful impact in the fashion industry.
My name is Charli Preister, and I am from Columbus, Nebraska. I am currently entering my second year at Concordia University, Nebraska, where I am also a member of the women’s soccer team. I plan to pursue a degree in exercise science, along with minors in psychology and biology, with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric occupational therapist. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and teammates, as well as working out, going on walks, and being outdoors.
Hi my name is Cole Kleman and I am from Boone, North Carolina. I recently graduated from Watauga High school and am proud to say I will be attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville this coming fall. I will be majoring in kinesiology on a pre medical track. Growing up my dad served in the 160th SOAR which taught me the meaning of service and resilience. Being apart of military family has given me a call to help others as I plan to pursue a career in the medical field.
My name is Emmett Creed Olson. I am 21 years old from Brooklyn, New York currently attending Bard College. I will be graduating this May with my Bachelors degree in Biology and will be staying one more year to pursue a Masters in Teaching. My love for biology has been with me for my entire life and I cannot think of a better way to nurture that love than to teach it to the next generation. My attendance to the Bard Master’s program would not have been possible without the help of the SOA scholarship and my grandfather, Donald Doyle Creed who proudly served with the 281st Assault Helicopter Company. I cannot thank him enough for serving as one of the biggest role models in my life and for turning me into the man I am today. I am honored to receive this award as a result of my grandfather’s service. Thank you dearly to him and to the SOA committee for helping me carry on my journey and allowing me to continue my studies and apply what I learn to the generations to come.
I am Kate Morley, a rising Junior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, studying Earth and Marine Science. I am a ROTC member of the Tarheel Battalion, Go HEELS! And intend to commission into the Marine Corps as a 2nd LT and pursue a career in aviation. The goal is to either fly Helos and be a part of joint special operations or fly Jets and work with Marine troops, regardless, serving my country is the purpose. I am 20 years old and live in Alexandria, VA, with my admirable mother, Allison Morley, my stepdad, Lt. Col. (Ret.) Joseph Long and my stepbrother, Ranger Aidan Long, who have supported me through every endeavor I have faced. I am someone who strives for many talents, from Scuba diving, sailing, field hockey, triathlons, marathons, and more. If I am not outdoors, you will probably find me in the gym or the library. I am deeply honored by this opportunity and thank this organization for its support in our futures.
Hello! My name is Katie Lock. I am a cadet going into my third year at Virginia Tech and currently majoring in Architecture. Upon graduation in 2029 I plan to commission into the United States Army as an officer in the Corps of Engineers. Thank you so much to the donors of the Special Operations Association for this scholarship!
Katherine Green is a 2026 graduate from Vicenza High School. She is a military brat, having relocated 5 times throughout her life. She is a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient and a four-year varsity softball athlete. Katherine is an avid community volunteer and holds numerous
leadership positions within her school community. She will be attending Texas A&M University in the fall, majoring in Architecture.
Kaylie Klemm is a student athlete at the College of Richard Bland, pursuing an A.S. in Behavioral Sciences. She is also a leader of her volleyball team as the starting setter. With her leadership experience and education from Richard Bland, Kaylie hopes to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program and study criminology. With this, she plans to join the FBI as a forensic analyst.
My name is Lauren Angle and I will graduate from the International School of Brussels in 2026 and attend the University of Michigan this fall to study Public Health. I am a dedicated student-athlete, serving as captain of the soccer team, earning varsity letters in soccer, track and field, and basketball, and receiving multiple All-Conference and International Schools Sports Tournament honors. Beyond athletics, I was an active member of the Student Leadership Team and was committed to serving my community through volunteer work. As the proud daughter of a Special Forces soldier, I am deeply grateful to SOA for this scholarship and the opportunity it provides as I begin this next chapter of my education and service.
Hi, My name is Madison Hart and I am very honored to accept the generous Red Lead Award. I am the grandchild of a Special Operations member who has made it possible for me to pursue this award. I am a 2026 graduate from Highland High School and will be attending California Polytechnic State University: San Luis Obispo where I will be majoring in kinesiology with the hopes of pursuing a career in healthcare. I have just recently become a certified medical assistant which is my first step into the medical field. I hope to make a difference in people’s lives by aiding their physical and mental health. The work of SOA members’ inspires me and proves how dedication and resiliency makes an impact in the world.
Maggie Lindeman is currently a senior at McLean High School in Falls Church, Virginia, and is excited to pursue a career in the arts at Virginia Commonwealth University, studying graphic design. Maggie has always fostered a love for the arts throughout her life, and with determination, hard work, and support, she is more than ready to take on the challenges of following her dream.
Malena D’Angelo is a 2026 graduate of Grove City High School in Grove City, Ohio. She spent 7 years as a clarinetist in the band program, 3 in the Symphony Orchestra, and 2 as a guitarist in the Jazz Band. She served as a squad leader in the marching band and first chair in the symphonic band. She has achieved a spot in the Ohio State University Honor Band for 2 years. She devoted 5 years to 4-H and spent 2 years as an elementary school volunteer tutor. Her senior year, she was a part of the freshman mentor program. She took dual enrollment classes at a local community college, and will graduate with honors and 34 college credits. Malena plans to study physical therapy at Bowling Green State University
Nevaeh Klemm is a student at the College of William & Mary on the pre-PT track, pursuing a B.S. in Human Health and Physiology. She plans to attend to a Doctor of Physical Therapy program after she graduates. She currently works at a music school and teaches 20 students piano and guitar each week while also managing the business’s operations and staff. In her free time, she likes to run, lift weights, play with her 3 dogs, and crochet.
Polly Miller, 19, is a Business Administration student with a minor in Computational Finance at Carnegie Mellon University. Originally from Fayetteville, NC, Polly credits her upbringing with shaping her sense of discipline, resilience, and ambition. On campus, she is actively engaged in student life as an executive member of Women in Business Club and Kappa Alpha Theta, while also participating in several other clubs and organizations. Beyond academics and leadership, Polly enjoys traveling, trying new foods, staying active through walking and lifting weights, and embracing opportunities to experience new places and perspectives. She hopes to combine her passion for business, leadership, and innovation into a career that allows her to make a meaningful impact while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Hello, my name is Ryan Lock. I am from Virginia Tech. I am currently on track to commission as an Engineer in 2027 while completing my bachelor’s degree in Construction. I am truly grateful to the Special Operations Association for their generous support throughout the years as I have worked to grow as a student and leader. This scholarship has given me time back and allowed me to dedicate more attention to academics, training, as well as friends and family. That extra time that you have given me is the true value of this scholarship. Thank you for believing in me as I continue to pursue excellence in service.
My name is Sophie Lindsey. I am 18 years old. I recently graduated Willow Glen High School and am going to UC San Diego this fall for Mechanical Engineering. At Willow Glen, I was a varsity athlete and participated in several volunteer opportunities. In my free time, I love to complete projects and enjoy problem solving along the way. I am very grateful for SOA’s support.
Aloha, my name is Tatum Crockett, and I was born and raised in O’ahu, Hawai’i. I am currently a Sophomore at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, studying Neuroscience on a pre-medical path, and my goal is to become a pediatric Neurologist. My grandfather is Larry T. Manes, is a retired Special Forces Recon Commanding Officer who served five tours in Vietnam, and my father, Dylan Crockett, served in the United States Air National Guard as a Staff Sargent on Hickam Air Force Base in Hawai’i. I currently and will continue to volunteer for the University of Michigan Medicine, for the Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. I will be pursuing a clinical internship at my local hospital, where I will be able to participate in a clinical healthcare program focused on patient care exposure, interdisciplinary collaboration, and healthcare operations. I am deeply passionate about my home, culture, and where I come from. I am proud to say that I was able to make an impact on my community, previously interning with my Hawai’i State Legislature, House of Representatives, with Representative Trish La Chica of Hawaii’s District 37. I was able to track and analyze legislative bills related to public transportation access for students. I hope to improve Hawaii’s growing number of specialized healthcare providers while continuing to contribute to my community through my passions in leadership, selfless service, and patient care.