Elmendorf lieutenant gives back to college Published April 15, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Christopher Gross 3rd Wing Public Affairs ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFNS) -- The 3rd Comptroller Squadron Financial Management Flight commander, has offered a $750 scholarship to the University of Alaska Anchorage's ROTC program. First Lt. Christina Geller is scheduled to present her first check for the scholarship April 23 at the ROTC's leadership lab; however, the winner of the scholarship won't be announced until the August-September time frame. The lieutenant said she wanted to give back to the school that helped kick-off her career. The lieutenant is originally from Anchorage, Alaska, and started UAA's ROTC in May of 2004. She graduated in 2006 and was then assigned here. Lieutenant Geller said she plans on continuing the scholarship for 10 years. Growing up, the lieutenant said nobody from her family had attended college, so the odds were stacked against her. She was able to attend college by receiving numerous scholarships. "Not having money to go to college should not be a reason," Lieutenant Geller said. "By providing a scholarship it enables somebody to potentially to go to college and earn a degree and do something they are passionate about." Lieutenant Geller said that attending the ROTC program did great things for her. It allowed her to gain the self confidence and the leadership skills she needed to pursue a career in the Air Force. Lieutenant Geller's actions hasn't gone unnoticed. "This scholarship is great," said Lt. Col. Doug Smith, the UAA Air Force ROTC detachment commander. "It serves two purposes. First, it will help offset college expenses for a hard working and deserving underclass cadet who is pursuing a commission in the Air Force. This will, in-turn, allow our program at the university to retain high quality candidates as future Air Force officers. Second, it helps fortify the efforts to maintain an active and involved AFROTC Det. 001 alumni association." Lieutenant Geller said she hopes the financial help will help others consider taking on the ROTC program and that they'll be up for the challenge.