By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

In keeping with its mission to be there for future generations, the Vietnam Veterans of America Hays Chapter is launching a new college scholarship program.

The group will award two $500 scholarships to northwest Kansas students pursuing higher education at a university, community college or vocational college.

"Vietnam Veterans of America is a service-oriented organization, and so we thought this was probably one of the better ways to involve ourselves in the community," said President Wayne Purinton.

Graduating high school seniors or current college students in the group's 19-county membership area are eligible. The Hays group is the only Kansas chapter west of Salina and consists of 61 members.

Applicants are not required to have a tie to a Vietnam War veteran, but the program is not intended to help straight-A students, said John Pyle, who will be installed as the chapter president in April.

"We're aiming at those kids who probably reflect us," Pyle said. "We were not straight-A students."

Rather, the group is looking for individuals successfully balancing school and work. Applications are due April 15, and the winners will be announced May 7.

The Hays chapter organized fundraisers to support the scholarship program, and it's hoped the award will become annual, Pyle said.

The local chapter was formed seven years ago and continues looking for ways to expand its outreach. Besides scholarships, the group supports Dodge City's Kansas Soldiers Home.

The chapter also strives to make a difference in the lives of current soldiers, Purinton said.

"Our mission is never again shall one generation of veterans abandon another," he said.

For more information about the award, write to: Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 939, P.O. Box 1224, Hays, KS 67601.

Students in the following counties are eligible: Barton, Cheyenne, Ellis, Finney, Grant, Lane, Ness, Norton, Osborne, Pawnee, Phillips, Rawlins, Rooks, Rush, Russell, Sherman, Thomas, Trego and Wallace.