Dulles, VA – The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund recently announced that Williamstown resident Joseph Capparelli Jr. has been awarded a college scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year. Joseph is currently a freshman at the Hartwick College.  This scholarship is given to the sons and daughters of military heroes who have been killed, classified as a Prisoner of War (POW), Missing in Action (MIA), or permanently disabled as the result of an operational mission or training accident.

“This scholarship is a tribute to those who have risked life or limb to defend our country,” proclaimed Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon.  “To help the sons and daughters of military heroes achieve a college education is, for us, an honor.  We believe it is the responsibility of every American to help care for those our military heroes have left behind.”

Jospeh’s father, Joseph Caparelli Sr., was an E-4 in the United States Army when he was classified 100 percent permanently disabled as a result of a service connected incident.  He was awarded a number of medals and commendations including the Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon.

“Growing up with a disabled dad has actually showed me how to do more things than a dad without disabilities,” explained Joseph. “I’ve learned how to work on cars, lawnmowers, and even helped build our home.”

Joseph’s attended Altmar-Parish Williamstown High School. He participated in football, track and field, weightlifting, and ski club in high school. He also achieved a High Honor Roll distinction.

The Freedom Alliance Scholarship Fund has awarded more than $4 million to the sons and daughters of military heroes.  To learn more about Freedom Alliance and the Scholarship Fund please visit www.FAScholarship.com or www.FreedomAlliance.org.

Pictured are Erica Watkins and her family, holding son Ayden, her fiancé Michael holding daughter Haylee Jade and son Billy.

(Camden, Williamstown, NY – Feb. 26, 2011) A benefit has been planned for Erica Watkins, Willamstown resident who had her legs amputated from the knees down and most of her hands amputated on Dec. 1.

The benefit will be held Sunday Feb. 27 at the Grape and Grog, Route 69 in Camden from 2 to 7 p.m. The $10 ticket price includes food and entertainment. Four bands, “Hand Picked,” “Off the Wall,” “Buck Shot” and “Amethyst” have already committed to playing the event.

Tickets can be purchased at the door.

There will also be many baskets raffled off.

Donations can be dropped off during the event.

A fund has been set up for Watkins at M&T Bank. Donations can be made at any M&T Bank to the Erica Watkins Fund.

Watkins, the mother of three small children, became ill in late October and was admitted to the hospital. During a drug-induced coma, she lost circulation to her hands and legs, which resulted in amputation. The benefit will help the Watkins family purchase items not covered under insurance.

Watkins was recently released from the hospital and plans to attend.

Pictured is Erica Watkins holding Ayden, her fianc