One of the best days of the year is when I’m among the Army ROTC Eagle Battalion cadets at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Determined. Respectful. Intelligent. Achievers. Gracious. These are just a few words that describe these men and women who are achieving excellence in their lives through the Army.
It gives me great pleasure to present the 2015 Crosby Army ROTC Scholarship each year to one of these fine soldiers. The 2015 Crosby Army ROTC Scholarship awards money to the recipient who has a financial need upon their commission to duty. You can read about the scholarship, and donate too, at www.firebird91.org.
Cadet Julia Frassetto is this year’s recipient. Julia is a fine young woman who has devoted herself to serving our country while furthering her education. Reading her bio will certainly tell what an achiever she is.
I have no doubt that my brother, Herby (Capt. Herbert C. Crosby) would be most proud of the first female to receive his scholarship.
Julia Frassetto was born on November 1st 1990 in Royal Oak, Michigan. It was here that she spent the first ten years of her life before moving to Daytona Beach, Florida. Julia always showed a love for sports and the outdoors. In high school, she played on both the varsity volleyball and track teams.
Upon graduating high school, Julia earned a scholarship to play volleyball for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. During this time she was selected as a member of the Student-Athletic Leadership Team (SALT) and volunteered for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Horizon Elementary Reading Program. Upon graduating in 2012 with a degree in Air Traffic Management, Julia wished to further her education, strengthen her leadership abilities and serve her country by joining the Embry-Riddle Army ROTC program. In the summer of 2013 she had the opportunity to attend the Leader’s Training Course (LTC) in Fort Knox, KY. That fall, Julia was accepted into the Masters of Business and Administration program and joined The Embry-Riddle Eagle Battalion.
Despite the rigors of Masters classes, Julia has managed a 4.0 GPA and has become an active participant in the Army ROTC program. She has had the honor of serving as Delta Company Commander for the fall semester and the Battalion Commander this semester. Julia credits much of her success to the unconditional love and support of her parents, Brian and Angela Frassetto. Julia will be commissioning over the summer at Ft. Knox, KY after completing the Cadet Leadership Course (CLC).
My friend and co-worker Tony Recascino attended the event with me. As soon as Tony heard the news of my brother’s remains being identified he came to me asking if I would like to start a scholarship in my brother’s name. Tony wanted to do something, to give money in memory of my brother. We joined together on a mission which took us to the Army ROTC Center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
My brother did not attend ERAU, however Herby did go through ROTC at Fort Sill. It was just a no-brainer for us to start this scholarship that helps young Army ROTC cadets reach their dreams. Herby would have been honored I’m sure. He most certainly would be in awe of the cadets who keep his mission alive. I know I am just thrilled we did this. Thank you Tony! Never Forget our POWs and MIAs.
Job well done Cadet Frassetto. May you always soar like the Eagle you are.
Firebird Nine One 