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WILLIAMSTOWN -The family of an Army veteran from Williamstown who died earlier this year has set up a memorial scholarship fund to annually benefit a Williamstown High School graduate.
In a press release from the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation, the fund was set up through the foundation to honor Tyler Milam Westbrook, a highly decorated member of the U.S. Army and a Green Beret.
Westbrook was many things – a beloved son, husband, father, brother, grandson, son-in-law and uncle; Promise Scholar and 2002 honors graduate of Williamstown High School where he excelled at sports; an avid West Virginia University fan and magna cum laude graduate with a bachelor’s degree in 2006, according to the press release.
He graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate from the Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Course. He served in many difficult and challenging assignments over an eight-year period of duty which included tours in Iraq, the press release states.
Westbrook was 31 years old earlier this year when he ended his life, following a struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, the press release said.
Family members said he left behind a wife and a 3-year-old child.
On average, there are 22 veterans a day who die of suicide, according to Tyler’s brother Will, a U.S. Navy veteran.
“My brother was one,” he said. “We want to raise awareness. I really didn’t know until it hit home. There are vets who really need help,” he said.
Tyler excelled at everything he did from academics to his military service, said his brother Waylon Westbrook, a U.S. Air Force veteran.
“Tyler was the best in everything he did,” he said.
As family members continue to support causes aiding veterans in need, they wanted to give something to a student to help the person fulfill his or her potential in trying to achieve
“We wanted to give something to someone to help them with their own legacy,” Waylon Westbrook said. “We wanted to give them every opportunity and advantage to proceed in their lives and to motivate them.
“We want to see them do good,” he said.
The $1,000 scholarship will be awarded for the first time in May 2016 to the student who is in fourth position among the Williamstown High School graduates, as that was Tyler’s class rank at graduation, with the award continuing in that manner every year thereafter.
“In this way, Tyler’s legacy will be forever honored at the Williamstown High School-his high school in his hometown-a place that has meant so much to him and his family over many years,” the press release said.
Gifts can be mailed to support Tyler’s fund to PACF at P.O. Box 1762, Parkersburg WV 26102 or online at www.pacfwv.com by clicking the “Network for Good” icon.
Call 304-428-4438 for more information.