Higher Education as the Path to Stronger Military Families and Communities
Our Family for Families First Foundation is committed to supporting military family members in the pursuit of higher education and establishing a tradition of community service. The Foundation has awarded more than $3 million in scholarships and grants to the children and spouses of military families since 2006 (more than 200 students) and initiated more than 40 targeted outreach programs in towns and cities surrounding military installations.
34 comments
Frank Melendez • over 14 years ago
Picerne has made "dreams come true" for many military sons and daughters in our military communities. His dedication to help our military families never falls short. This foundation is there for them now, while in school, and in their future. Thanks for everything you do! You are our #1 and clearly you always place Our families for families first. Muchas Gracias! - The Melendez :)
Kari Runnels • over 14 years ago
As the parent of a scholarship recipient, I must say what a blessing this foundation has been to our family. Brandi, my daughter, is the oldest of three. Not only was the financial burden of college taken off of the family, but Brandi was also adopted into a surrogate family. They have been there for her every step of the way. Brandi has graduated undergrad and moved onto graduate school and the foundation is still supporting her and cheering her on in her endeavors.
Not only has the foundation supported Brandi, but they have helped her grow into the mature young woman that she is and set an example of giving back. I will always remember when Brandi was asked to speak at a fund raising event and she was telling me that when she got out of college and went to work she would always donate to the Families for Families First Foundation. It is important to her to help the foundation provide for other young people so they can receive the support and love that she has received.
None of us look at the Foundation as a corporation but we see them as an important part of our family and family is forever. My husband has deployed numerous times since Brandi received her scholarship and not one deployment has passed that he has not received a care package from Families for Families First. While, the monetary award goes to the student the care, support, and love goes to everyone in the family.
While I know this is long post I would be remiss in not mentioning how much three important people mean to me. John Picerne for setting the example of what it means to care for military families and for teaching your children the value of giving back by giving to so many; you are a man of value. Melissa, your tireless effort to all of the scholarship recipients is amazing. And, Maria words cannot describe what an influence you have been to Brandi. Knowing that you tear up when she sends an email which is to family only, knowing that you take the time out of your schedule to respond to her updates and to keep her updated, knowing that you will be an important person in Brandi’s life always is such a treasure to me. A mother always wants her children to look up to people of true moral character and Brandi could not pick better to consider role models.
I know that I talked a lot about just my child in this post but I wanted everyone to see real life examples of what this foundation stands for. Let us never forget that “freedom comes with a price” and honor those who embody this concept, like Families for Families First, in their daily actions.
John Brisson • over 14 years ago
Picerne Miltary Housing takes pride in taking care of its Miltary Familys lets take the next step
Susan Edmonds • over 14 years ago
Our Family For Families First has been a source of not only financial support to my daughter and our family during the past five years, but their continued involvement and emotional support in all of our lives has been priceless to us. John,Maria and Melissa and all of those who work so hard at Our Family for Families First, you are all great Americans!!! Keep it up!!!!!
Doug Brown • over 14 years ago
Words cannot express the opportunities that The Family has afforded me. I was a member of the first class of recipients, and through many ups and downs, the first graduating class. As my quote says, without this scholarship and the people associated with this company, I would not even have the option to fail and succeed. Because of this scholarship, I was able to attain my degree in four years and have a full-time job offer the day I graduated. Mr Picerne and the ENTIRE staff have always gone above and beyond the call of duty to help those who have given so much for our country. Because of them, soldiers now have one less thing to worry about on the home-front. I am so proud of what they have accomplished in the last 5 years and I cannot wait to see what they continue to accomplish in the future. I am always more than happy to call myself a part of the "family" and to give back to them all that they have given me! Thank you to everyone involved with Mr. Picerne and the foundation!!!
Ariana Melendez • over 14 years ago
As a scholarship recipient, I've been voting daily, but I just finally had the chance to sit down and watch the video. At this point in the year, it can sometimes be difficult to get out of bed (in blustery Chicago) and to be motivated to get all of your work done, but the support that Our Families has given me has been a phenomenal motivator over the past four years. Financial aid was definitely a consideration as I made my college decision, and I am so thankful for this organization for giving me and my family one less thing to worry about.
I still remember how my mom told me I had received the scholarship... my father was deployed, and I had just come home from a late rehearsal for Alice in Wonderland. She opened the door with a giant piece of poster board. I was confused at first, and then so very excited! The excitement I have for being a part of this foundation has never, and will never cease. I was excited to be a scholarship recipient, excited for my sister to be a recipient, and in the future, I will be excited to give back to Our Family for Families First as they have given so much to me.
As I begin to wrap up my senior year of college, I can't help but reflect on all of the fantastic experiences that I've had. I spent last fall in Paris, have made amazing friends, been given the opportunity to research and to pursue my dreams, all because of the work that Our Family for Families First has done. I am eternally grateful for all of their support. This scholarship has allowed my family to make more memories with each other as we traveled to Boston for new student orientation, took in a Red Sox game, and met other phenomenal scholarship recipients. The staff is like family, and every time I've been around them or Mr. Picerne, I have felt so welcome, and so honored to be a part of this fantastic organization. Last year, when I struggled with whether or not to drop a class, I first called my mom, and then Melissa for advice. They are truly more than just facilitators, they are family, and I know that I will be proud to be a part of their family for years to come. Thank you for everything!
Jennifer Lockwood • over 14 years ago
Thank you Our Family, you have given so much to my daughter. Not only have you helped her follow her dream of a great education, but you have taught her about selflessness and giving back. I know we will be forever indebted to you and can only hope our willingness to give back in our community will show our gratitude.
jessica pedrosa • over 14 years ago
what a great company and family to be apart of !!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......jpedrosa
Cheryl Cotter • about 14 years ago
Congratulations!! Well done.