Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Scholarship

My dad served in the military before I was born, and that was just the beginning of his life of service. After his military career, he became a police officer and later served as a detective. When I was 9, he was shot in the line of duty. He survived, went back to work, and eventually retired with over 25 years in law enforcement. That experience shaped my view of sacrifice, danger, and what it means to serve something bigger than yourself. But what’s inspired me even more is what came after. My dad, along with my mom, took over Bless The Badge—a nonprofit that supports law enforcement families and marriages. They didn’t just keep it going; they completely transformed it. They expanded its reach through national conferences, created new resources, and made it more impactful than ever. Their leadership showed me that entrepreneurship isn’t always about profit—it’s about purpose. Watching them take a nonprofit and reimagine it with such dedication and growth taught me that it’s not just about the work you do—it’s about the change you make. I’ve learned that entrepreneurship can create real, lasting impact, especially when it’s driven by service and a desire to help others. That lesson pushed me to start businesses of my own. I currently run three: 2Brothers Technology (tech support), Cole’s Lawncare (mowing and landscaping), and Gulfside Creative (photography and media). I’ve also launched a kids ministry under Bless The Badge, creating space for other law enforcement kids like me to be seen, heard, and supported. I know how it feels to grow up with silent pressure and constant worry. Helping others through that is something I care deeply about. My parents’ entrepreneurial journey—and my dad’s military service—have had a major impact on my educational path. I plan to pursue a degree in business and cybersecurity because I want to protect others like my dad did, just in a different way. I’m also exploring ministry, specifically youth ministry, because I know what it’s like to feel lost. I rededicated my life and was baptized in April. Now I want to help others navigate their own struggles. Growing up in a home shaped by both service and innovation has shown me the power of using your story to make a difference. My dad’s military service taught me discipline and purpose, and my parents’ work with Bless The Badge taught me how to turn hardship into impact. That’s the legacy I want to carry forward.