DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A Marine Corps veteran is taking Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students under his wing and setting them up for success with an awards program.

“This university means a lot to us,” said Brett Buske, who graduated from Embry-Riddle.

He knows all about what the students are doing and knows what his fellow students and the staff did for him.

“This university, and the professors, and the students really saw me through a very tough transition in my life,” Buske said.

Since he graduated, he’s in a better position in his life, and he can now pay it forward.

Buske and his wife started an award program called, “The Maintenance Science Tool Kit Award” in 2022. The $2,500 award goes toward buying the necessary aviation maintenance tool kit, just like the name says.

“Not only will we have them for classes, we’ll have them once we graduate and go out in the field,” said Hannah Clarke, who was a recipient of the award.

Buske knows that GI benefits and scholarships take time to kick-in, more time than some people have.

Recipients aren’t just chosen and handed the money. Buske likes to spend time with them.

“I think it’s important to spend some time with the veterans, and make sure they understand,” Buske said. “I like to talk about my journey, coming out of the Marine Corps, and how difficult that transition was, and how difficult it continued to be.”

That’s why he started the program — to help make the change a little easier.