Still Serving, Inc. | Damian Van Fields Scholarship

The Damian Van Fields Scholarship is a $1,000 annual award presented to a graduating senior from one of our adopted schools. This scholarship honors students who have demonstrated exceptional resilience, a strong commitment to academic achievement, and a dedication to helping others succeed throughout their high school journey.

ABOUT DAMIAN VAN FIELDS

Damian Van Fields was born on November 4, 1980, and died on June 17, 2019, at Duke University Hospital due to complication from a rare autoimmune disease called Systemic Scleroderma; a more serious type of scleroderma that can damage blood vessels and internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.

Damian was diagnosed with Systemic Scleroderma at 13 years old. While living with this debilitating disease for 26 years, Damian demonstrated exceptional resilience, commitment to academic achievement, and dedication to helping other people succeed.

After graduating from Pontiac Northern High, a Title I high school located in Pontiac, MI, Damian academically achieved the following:

A.A.S. in Electronic Engineering Technology
B.S. in Information Systems and Cyber Security
CompTIA Network+ Certification
CompTIA Security+ Certification
CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner Certification

Although Scleroderma prevented Damian from serving in the United States military like his father Raymond B. Fields, Sr., United States Navy Veteran, and older brothers Raymond B. Fields, United States Navy (Ret.), and Sergeant Major (Ret.) Mario P. Fields, United States Marine Corps, his unique skills and qualifications were used in direct support of Special Operation Forces, Marines, and Soldiers during Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.