New McGrail Scholarship provides support to active duty, veteran students at Tulane SoPA
The Tulane School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) together with The Flag and General Officers’ Network (TFGON) announce the establishment of the Rear Admiral Charles R. “Chuck” McGrail Memorial Scholarship Fund in tribute to a leader whose career exemplified integrity, humility, and dedication to service.
The fund provides $45,000 of financial support over five years for active duty, reserve, National Guard, and honorably discharged veteran students from any U.S. uniformed service pursuing undergraduate or graduate studies through Tulane SoPA programs.
“Our programs at Tulane SoPA are attractive to active duty and veteran students because we tailor them to fit the lives of working adults and nontraditional students,” said Tulane SoPA Interim Dean Ilianna Kwaske. “This flexibility allows our students to advance their careers while serving their country from anywhere in the world.”
The McGrail Scholarship will combine with an existing 20% tuition discount match offered to eligible military students at Tulane SoPA making this one of the most accessible and supportive programs for service members transitioning to civilian life or pursuing advancement while still in uniform.
“The scholarship reflects what TFGON stands for: continued service, purposeful legacy, and commitment to the next generation of leaders,” said MajGen Paul W. Brier, USMC (Ret.). “It is more than financial aid. It is a reminder that service does not end at retirement—it lives on through the opportunities we create for others.”
TFGON is an apolitical organization comprised of 2,200 active duty and retired Admirals and Generals. It initially began as a place to maintain war veterans’ comradery and has grown to include a mission of service and support for fellow veterans.
The scholarship’s namesake, Rear Admiral McGrail, USN (Ret.), was a 1957 Naval Academy graduate, served with distinction in the U.S. Navy for over 33 years. He spent most of his early career as a fighter pilot flying from carriers deployed to the western Pacific during the Vietnam war. In his later career, he commanded helicopter and aircraft carriers and a carrier battle group and served in various staff positions of significant responsibility. After retirement, he remained deeply engaged in national security, civic service, and mentorship.
