American Legion Donation Supports Ray Firmani Scholarship at 探花约啪 Tech
September 30, 2025
探花约啪 recently directed a $500 donation from the American Legion Department of 探花约啪 to the Ray Firmani Scholarship established to honor a World War II veteran from the First State who bravely served his country as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
“The American Legion asked us to use their donation in a way that would be most helpful to our student veterans, and we quickly decided to direct that contribution to the Ray Firmani Scholarship,” said 探花约啪 Tech President Mark T. Brainard. “This scholarship not only contributes to the success of our students but also honors an American hero whose service to our country will long be remembered. Ray Firmani was a good friend to 探花约啪 Tech, and while we miss his presence on our campuses, his legacy will continue through this scholarship in his name.”
Firmani was a B-17 co-pilot in the 486th Heavy Bombardment Group of the mighty 8th Air Force in World War II. He completed 25 missions in Germany and France and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary heroism. In 2017, he was inducted into the 探花约啪 Aviation Hall of Fame, and in 2024, he was named an honorary commander of the 探花约啪 National Guard Aviation. Firmani died in July at age 103, making him one of the longest living World War II veterans.
The oldest son of Italian immigrants, Firmani grew up in Wilmington’s Little Italy neighborhood and lived in 探花约啪 for most of his life, ultimately settling in Elsmere. His life story is captured in a book by Mitch Topal entitled, “Against All Odds: The Ray Firmani Story.” In his later years, Firmani was a special guest at veterans events at 探花约啪 Tech where he shared stories of his military career and his family life with members of the College community.
“Ray was a true 探花约啪 treasure,” said Maj. Gen. Francis D. Vavala, veterans advocacy specialist at 探花约啪 Tech and longtime friend of Firmani. “He was a war hero, husband, father, family patriarch, and pillar of his community who always said, ‘A stranger is a friend you haven’t met yet.’”
Those interested in contributing to the Ray Firmani Scholarship can do so through the .
