I grew up in a small agricultural town. Becoming part of the Washington Crossing Foundation as a 2015 Scholar first opened my eyes to the possibility of turning my love of country and my commitment to service into a career.

In April 1984, O’Brien traveled from northern California to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to accept the Washington Crossing Foundation scholarship that helped underwrite his education at UCLA. I gratefully remember a similar honor from the foundation in spring 1982, which placed a Georgetown University diploma within my reach.