Murray State University honors VFW Post 6291 with Veteran and Military Student Success Lounge
By Dr. Tina Bernot | Oct 6, 2026
MURRAY, Ky. — Murray State University is honoring the longstanding service and generosity of Herman Eddie Roberts, Jr. Post 6291 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Wisdom Tree Technologies (WTT) through the naming of the Herman Eddie Roberts, Jr. Post 6291 Veteran and Military Student Success Lounge in Blackburn Science Building room 444.
The Herman Eddie Roberts, Jr. Post 6291 Veteran and Military Student Success Lounge will be formally dedicated during a ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 3 p.m. in Blackburn Science Building room 444. The dedication ceremony will be open to the public.
The Murray State University Board of Regents approved the naming at its quarterly meeting on Aug. 28. The lounge will provide a welcoming space for veteran and military students and their families while supporting programs and services designed to help them succeed at Murray State University and beyond.
The naming is part of a joint philanthropic commitment from VFW Post 6291 and Wisdom Tree Technologies, a veteran-owned business, to establish permanent support for Murray State’s veteran and military students. On Sept. 3, representatives of the organizations joined Murray State representatives to sign fund guidelines establishing three permanent endowed funds through the Murray State University Foundation, Inc.
“Those who have served our nation have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to something larger than themselves, and we have a responsibility to support them as they pursue their educational goals,” said Murray State President Dr. Ron K. Patterson. “This partnership between VFW Post 6291, Wisdom Tree Technologies and Murray State University is a powerful example of what is possible when a university and its community come together to invest in students. We are grateful for their service, their generosity and their commitment to helping veteran and military students thrive.”
The Herman Eddie Roberts, Jr. Post 6291 Veteran and Military Student Fund for Excellence will provide enduring support for the Commander R.J. Owens Veterans Lunch, a monthly program serving veteran and military students and their families. The fund will also support furnishings for the Veteran and Military Student Success Lounge, educational seminars, guest lectures, leadership and professional development opportunities and other programming through the Office of Veteran and Military Student Success.
The Dr. Scott Allen Scholarship Endowment Fund for Military Families will create scholarship opportunities for spouses and dependents of veterans and military service members pursuing higher education.
The Sir Joshua Williams Scholarship Endowment Fund for Veteran and Military Students will provide scholarship assistance to veteran and military students, helping address educational expenses beyond those covered by the GI Bill.
“These funds represent much more than a financial investment—they represent a commitment to the people who have served our country and to the families who have supported them,” said Dr. Tina Bernot, Murray State University vice president for advancement and external relations. “VFW Post 6291 and Wisdom Tree Technologies are creating a lasting legacy at Murray State that will provide resources, scholarships and opportunities for veteran and military students for generations to come. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and extraordinary investment.”
The naming recognizes the nearly four decades of service provided by Herman Eddie Roberts, Jr. Post 6291 to veterans, military families and the broader western Kentucky community. Established in 1988, the Murray-based post is named in honor of Herman Eddie “Junior” Roberts, Jr., a Murray native and World War II airman who was killed in action over Germany in November 1944.
Throughout its history, Post 6291 has supported veterans and active-duty military personnel, assisted veterans in accessing benefits and resources, and participated in Veterans Day ceremonies, Memorial Day observances, community parades and civic events. Its community service has also included emergency assistance following the December 2021 tornadoes and providing a community warming center during severe winter weather in 2025.
The new endowed funds extend that tradition of service to the educational journeys of veteran and military students.
“Education is one of the most powerful ways we can honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans,” said RJ Owens, VFW Post 6291 Commander. “Through this partnership with Murray State University and Wisdom Tree Technologies, we have an opportunity to make sure veterans and military families have the support they need to pursue their goals and build their futures.”
"Our citizenry has a deeply moral and societal obligation to ensure our fighting men and women and their families receive the benefits our nation has promised them. Chief amongst these benefits is providing the opportunity to receive a quality education at every level, “said Dr. Scott Allen, president of Wisdom Tree Technologies. “WTT will continue to support this federal mandate through endowments, internships and professional mentoring for all members of our military and veteran community."
The lounge and endowed funds reflect Murray State University’s ongoing commitment to helping veteran and military students connect, access resources, pursue educational opportunities and build meaningful relationships as members of the Racer community.