The Recycling Research Foundation (RRF), a nonprofit organization closely associated with the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), has announced Army veteran Joshua Daniel as the recipient of its 2018 National Veterans Stipend. Recognizing the need for financial aid as veterans seek to complete their degrees, the scholarship awards up to $8,000 to those who have served in the U.S. armed forces. The stipend covers $2,000 per year and is renewable for up to four years or the length of study.
"The Recycling Research Foundation is proud to present this year's National Veterans Stipend to Joshua Daniel," said Robin Wiener, president of ISRI. "Daniel has served his country admirably and the entire recycling industry thanks him for his service. This stipend is only a small token of the appreciation we have for all he has done for our country. The stipend was created with veterans like Joshua in mind. It will provide him with assistance in achieving his academic goals and fulfilling his dream of one day owning his own business."
Following high school, Daniel joined the Army at the age of 18. During his time in the service he was deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2013, he was honorably discharged from the Army and used his leadership and management experience to find a job in the rendering industry. Daniel currently serves as the Atlanta Division Manager for BHT Resources and have been with them for five years. Three years ago, Daniel started a new academic journey, and he graduated from West Georgia Technical College in December 2017, with an AAS in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. He is currently a junior at Kennesaw State University (KSU), pursuing a BAS in Supply Chain Logistics where he maintains a 4.0 GPA.
"I highly respect any person or organization that steps up to help our nation's veterans," said Daniel. "I want to personally thank the Board and the Recycling Research Foundation for selecting me for the 2018 RRF Veterans Stipend. It means a lot to my family and me that you care enough to help veterans like me achieve our goals. It is never easy returning home and reintegrating into civilian life, but because of people like you all and things like the RRF Veterans Stipend, it makes it not only possible but easier. God Bless you all!"
Daniel's academic goals are to graduate KSU with honors and go on to obtain a graduate degree. He ultimately would like to own a consulting firm that helps companies learn to operate greener and more efficiently. The father of two children also hopes to continue providing support in his community, including to his local chapter of Disabled American Veterans.
The Recycling Research Foundation's mission is to promote the art and science of scrap processing and recycling through research, sponsorships, technical assistance, and educational programs for the purpose of advancing the industry. Over the last 10 years, the Foundation has fulfilled this mission in two primary areas; the offering of scholarships to both undergraduate and graduate students, and the funding of research beneficial to the industry. Since 2002, the Foundation has awarded more than $1.3 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 students and has overseen much needed research into the science and technology involved with recycling. The National Veterans Stipend was created in 2013.
