Write an essay for the chance to win a grand.

That’s the story behind a program to award 25 scholarships of $1,000 to college and college-bound children of military members. The award program is sponsored by Homefront America, a non-profit organization based in San Juan Capistrano, Calif.

Overseas and stateside dependents are eligible, as well as the children of military retirees, disabled or fallen servicemembers, and activated or deployed Guard and reserve personnel, according to a Homefront America news release. Students must be 16 to 21 years old.

The deadline is May 30.

Applicants must write an essay of 500 words or less on one of four topics: “Why I love my country,” “Challenge(s) in my life and how I overcame it/them,” “Of all that my dad/mom have done for me, I am most thankful for …,” and “My No. 1 American hero.”

Originality, length, relationship to topic, grammar and spelling will matter most in judging, the release said.

Applications are available at: www.homefrontamerica.org

Post allowance steady for most in EuropePost allowance rates in most parts of Europe will hold fast for the next two weeks, according to the State Department’s Office of Allowances.

The office attributed a slight downturn in allowance rates in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Oberammergau, Germany, to exchange rate adjustments. Since reaching an all-time low against the euro on April 22, the dollar has rebounded by more than a nickel.

Rates in other European locations with a large U.S. presence were unchanged.

Post allowance, a cost-of-living allowance given to qualifying overseas American civilians, is a pay supplement intended to reimburse personnel for goods and services that are more expensive than in Washington, D.C.

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