AFCEA Educational Foundation Supports New STEM Scholarship

To help support students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, Ray Cross, vice president for intelligence at AFCEA International, has helped reestablish the Brad A. Logan Memorial Award at Wallenpaupack Area High School by partnering with AFCEA’s Educational Foundation. 

The Brad A. Logan Memorial Award honors the life of Captain Brad Logan, a 1971 Wallenpaupack Area High School graduate. He was a well-rounded student who played varsity sports, sang in the choir, and was a member of the National Honor Society. 

Logan graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1975, and then he was assigned to the 81st Tactical Fighter Squadron, flying the F-4 Wild Weasel V. During an assignment in Germany, Logan’s plane lost power and crashed into the mountains. 

Logan’s military service, chemistry studies and enthusiasm to serve align with AFCEA’s core values of ethics, visionary leadership, commitment, quality and education, Cross emphasized. 

Cross said the award was first announced when he was a senior at Wallenpaupack Area High School. Years later, the scholarship went dormant and remained so for more than 10 years until Cross reestablished it in 2025.  

“It's important to honor the legacy of this young man,” Cross said. “I think that's one of the most important things we can do . . . It's important to bear witness to the accomplishments and the sacrifices of those before us.” 

Last year, Cross used GoFundMe to raise $500 to reinstate the scholarship, which was awarded to Alexis Blaszczyk, who is now studying electrical engineering in college. This year, the Brad A. Logan Memorial scholarship will be $2,000 with help from donors.  

Cross is actively raising funds for the 2026 award, and all additional funds raised will go toward an endowment to sustain the scholarship. 

The goal, Cross said, is to eventually expand the reach of this scholarship to more students and other high schools in northeast Pennsylvania. 

Cross said he wanted to reestablish the scholarship and partner with AFCEA’s Educational Foundation as a way of giving back to his alma mater and the surrounding area. He’s also passionate about funding STEM education, because investing in the sciences is investing in the next generation of U.S. leaders. 

“It started off [as a way] to remember his [Logan’s] sacrifice so that it’s not forgotten,” Cross explained. “But now I view it equally as helping provide students there with inspiration and opportunity.” 

Those interested in donating to the scholarship fund can make contributions using this website. Donations are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.