The Crawford Heritage Foundation announces the establishment of a scholarship to honor the sacrifice of a local fallen serviceman. The Cpl. Timothy J. Lauer Scholarship will be presented annually to a graduating senior from Cochranton Junior Senior High School who has completed coursework at the Crawford County Area Vocational-Technical School.

Cpl. Lauer, was killed in Baghdad, Iraq on October 14, 2006 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was twenty-five years old. Lauer served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division out of Fort Hood, Texas. Commendations, awarded posthumously, included the Bronze Star and Purple Heart and a promotion to the rank of Corporal. He graduated from Cochranton Junior Senior High School in 2000 and was a resident of Saegertown, Pennsylvania.

"Through the scholarship, we are making sure that Tim will always be remembered. It honors his life, his courage, his sacrifice," said Cpl. Lauer’s widow, Valerie Lauer.

Christian Maher, executive director of the Crawford Heritage Foundation, notes that the scholarship is endowed to provide an award each and every year, forever. He also states that gifts of any amount will be accepted.