Knittel Scholarship Empowered Veteran to Retool His Career
Logan Hermes (’24) understands what stress can do to a system—whether it’s g-forces or finances.
“I was once a student forced to drop out because of money,” he recalls. “Given my experience as a technician, I recognize how stress makes systems fail. My scholarship lifted the stress of student loans, balancing bills between work and school and my overall financial burden far into the future.”
The 28-year-old former sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps is now a proud Embry-Riddle graduate thanks to the C. Jeffrey and Katherine Knittel Endowed Scholarship. The financial support allowed him to reclaim his dream of higher education and earn a Bachelor of Science in Project Management—with honors. Today, he’s applying his military-honed skills as a quality assurance inspector at Robinson Helicopter Company where precision and safety are paramount.
Hermes’ journey to graduation was anything but smooth. After high school, financial obstacles derailed his first attempt at college. “I joined the United States Marines with the hope that I could pursue a degree in project management,” he recalls. His military career as an airframes technician for AH-1Z and UH-1Y attack helicopters stationed him at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, where he maintained aircraft critical to operations. As a collateral duty quality assurance representative (CDQAR), Hermes ensured the readiness and safety of these high-stakes machines under demanding conditions, a role that sharpened his attention to detail and leadership skills.
But even with his military successes, the weight of unfinished academic goals loomed large. That’s when the Knittel Scholarship made all the difference. “This relief is very real—physically and mentally—and it is empowering to direct my full energy to getting the most out of my degree program,” Hermes reflects.
As he transitions into his civilian career, Hermes sees the broader significance of the support he received. “It’s because of scholarships like this that students like me can continue to pursue our goals. It’s more than financial help—it gives you hope and allows you to focus on what truly matters: your education and your future,” he says.
With the support of the Knittel Scholarship, Hermes achieved dreams that once seemed out of reach. He is now pursuing a master’s degree in project management and working at Robinson Helicopter Company, putting his skills and spirit of service to work ensuring the safety of cutting-edge helicopters used in critical sectors like pilot training, law enforcement surveillance and emergency medical service. His commitment to safety and precision mirrors the same dedication he brought to his military service—it’s in the air safeguarding lives in new ways.