Linda J. Smith-Cope at the Vietnam Memorial Wall on May 24, 2019

Rolling Thunder® Indiana Chapter One is giving back to the Covington Indiana Community through the Linda J. Smith-Cope Scholarship.

Linda Joette Smith-Cope was the sister of SFC Ronald E. Smith, who served in Vietnam and become missing and unaccounted for on November 28, 1970 while on a mission near the tri-border area of Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia. Linda was passionate and dedicated her entire life to finding out the details surrounding the mission, and the whereabouts of her beloved brother.

Unfortunately, Linda suddenly passed away in June 2019 due to medical complications. This scholarship is to honor Linda’s spirit, and not only to remember her brother Ronald E. Smith, but all those that have yet to come home to family and friends from all past wars.

A $1,000 scholarship is to be awarded to a Covington Community High School graduating senior seeking a higher education at an accredited College, University, or Trade School. The essay subject for 2023 was "The Geneva Conventions as they relate to Prisoners of War (POWs)".

The 2023 recipient of the Linda Smith-Cope scholarship is Micah Stonecipher. Micah will continue her education at Purdue University.

Micah receiving her award from the Rolling Thunder® Indiana Chapter One Scholarship Committee at the Covington High School graduation ceremony. Congratulations to Micah for a job well done.

Please monitor our website for the 2024 Requirementss.