'A Light in the Darkness'

Dec 11, 2025

Army veteran and VFW Post 3168 member Patrick Wadleigh made it his goal to extend a ready hand to soldiers, veterans and their families. Through his strong dedication to faith, Wadleigh hopes to uplift and bring peace to those in need.

Wadleigh began his military service as an Army reservist in June 1995. He was called to active duty in January 1996 and served until September 2004, serving as a member of the 716th Quartermaster Company, the 801st Main Support Battalion and 58th Transportation Battalion, among other units.

Wadleigh gained his VFW eligibility when he was stationed in Camp Nimble, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. He is currently a life member of Post 3168 in Richland, Missouri.

When applying for the VFW “Sport Clips Help-a-Hero Scholarship,” Wadleigh found the process to be very accessible.

“I heard about the scholarship through a Google search,” he said. “The process was much easier than other scholarships I applied for. And I look forward to going through it again.”

Wadleigh is currently pursuing a Master’s of Divinity at Saint Paul School of Theology in Leawood, Kansas, and is seeking to be ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church.

“I feel called to walk alongside service members and their families, offering spiritual support as they navigate the challenges and transitions of military life,” Wadleigh said. “As a veteran who has been clean and sober for 25 years, I am deeply committed to giving back to those who once stood by me during my own struggles. I hope to be a light in the darkness.”