<< Back to All News

Central Texas Wing opens The Zachary James Collie-Moreno Warbird Scholarship Program

San Marcos, TX ( July 25, 2024)- The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Central Texas Wing is now accepting applications for the Zachary James Collie-Moreno Warbird Scholarship Program. The Warbird Scholarship is a program that exists to provide scholarships to young individuals who demonstrate an interest in military aviation history and aircraft maintenance and are planning to get their Air Frame and Power Plant certification license.


About the Zachary James Collie-Moreno Warbird Scholarship
Zachary (Zach) Collie was 20 years old and a member of the Central Texas Wing. He had found a love for aviation and was working to earn his A&P and aspired to work on and fly warbirds. He loved everything warbird related and was just getting started on his journey in aviation and life. There is no doubt that with more time he would have become a well-known and respected member of the warbird community.

Tragically, Zachary Collie and fellow CAF Colonel Devyn Reiley, lost their lives in an aviation accident that occurred in Oshkosh on July 29, 2023.To honor Zach, the scholarship aims to support other students that may not have access to the resources to pursue a future in aviation.


Scholarship Applicant Checklist
The Zachary James Collie-Moreno Warbird Scholarship is available to all CAF Cadets living in central Texas that are passionate about Warbird aircraft and are actively pursuing their Airframe & Power Plant (A&P) certification. Applicant submissions are now being accepted for awards for 2024. Applicants must send the following information:


1. CAF Cadet Number
2. Dates the applicant plans to begin and complete the A&P training program.
3. Name of accredited A&P training program/school the applicant is planning to attend or is attending.
* If currently attending copy of applicant’s current transcript (classes completed and grades earned)
* If planning to attend copy of applicant’s acceptance letter from the school
4.Total amount requested, and list of other awards/scholarships received
5.Written references from three individuals that attest to the applicant’s interest in warbirds and aircraft maintenance. Email addresses and telephone numbers for all references.
* One reference must be from a CAF colonel
* One reference must be from a former teacher/instructor
* One reference must be from a personal acquaintance who has known the applicant at.
6. In the applicant’s own words, a 150–250-word explanation of their interest in warbird aviation and maintenance and why they should be selected for this award.


All information listed above must be sent in one submission to the Scholarship Committee at the Central Texas Wing Submissions should be emailed by clicking here. • Incomplete submissions will not be accepted. Questions about the application process may be sent to education@centraltexaswing.org.

If you are as moved by Zach’s story, please consider a donation to support this scholarship.

You can donate to the The Zachary James Collie-Moreno Warbird Scholarship Program Here.

Commemorative Air Force is a 501(c)(3) donations are tax deductible. EIN 74-1484491 | Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy | Members Login