September 4, 2024
This fall, two students from NFFE families, Halle Braaflat and Minh Hocannson, will be attending college with scholarship awards from the Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund (FEEA). The scholarship program is available to NFFE members as part of their union membership.
Halle Braaflat (pictured) is attending Arizona State University where she will be on a pre-dental track. After earning her bachelor’s degree, Halle plans to go to dental school with the goal of opening her own dentistry in the future. Halle is on the ASU gymnastics team and spent past summers volunteering at her local VA clinic. Halle’s father, Jeff Braaflat is a Pharmacist at the Fargo VA Medical Center and a union steward with NFFE-IAM Local 225.
“Halle has always been a very determined person,” Jeff said. “When she sets her mind on something she works hard until she achieves it. She has always done very well in school despite volunteering, competing in school activities (she took 2nd place in the state for diving), and spending numerous hours at the gym practicing gymnastics. We can’t thank FEEA enough for awarding Halle with this scholarship.”
NFFE’s second winner, Minh Hocannson, will be studying biology at The University of Saint Katherine, with plans to pursue osteopathic medicine.
“In 5 years I will be in my third year of medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine,” Minh wrote for the scholarship application. “As a person with a strong affinity towards medicine and making a direct impact I want to do my best to able to help those around me as well as those who need it the most. I hope to have served my local community well.”
Since 1986, FEEA has offered scholarships to more than 10,000 individuals, including special scholarships to the children of federal civilian employees who died or were severely injured in the line of duty. Collectively, FEEA has provided over $14 million in scholarships to date, and champions the pursuit of higher education. Each year FEEA supports over 200 students with merit-based scholarships ranging between $1,000 and $5,000.
“Congratulations to this year’s scholarship winners,” said NFFE National President Randy Erwin. Our union’s partnership with FEEA allows us to offer scholarship opportunities like these, and to help NFFE members through hard times with financial support programs. I am excited to see Halle and Minh excel in their studies and make significant contributions both in their communities and beyond. NFFE wishes you luck in all your future endeavors!”