Nov 24, 2025
Air Force veteran Marie Reid has her eyes set on one goal: To help neutralize hackers and other digital threats through her work in cybersecurity.
During her time in the Air Force, Reid developed vital skills one would need when handling important information – skills that would translate effectively into the world of cybersecurity.
Between 1989 and 1998, Reid served with the 328th Bomb Wing at Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, Calif., and later worked with NATO Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft in Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base in Geilenkirchen, Germany.
Reid first heard of the scholarship opportunity through Pikes Peak State College in Colorado Springs, Colo., the same college at which she’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity.
“My goal is to build a career in cybersecurity,” Reid said. “Working to protect networks and information systems from evolving digital threats.”
Through her work in the Air Force, specifically with her work as a life support specialist, helped her hone her “meticulousness and understanding of following protocols precisely,” as well as managing skills needed when working with cybersecurity resources.
Reid found the application process for VFW’s “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” to be very easy.
“(The scholarship) felt much more veteran-focused and supportive than some other scholarships I’ve applied for.”
Reid has been a close follower of the VFW. She is most closely associated with Post 6851 in North Canaan, Connecticut.