Bill Reese Memorial Instrumental Scholarship
This scholarship originated in 1988 at the suggestion of Philip Gabbard in memory of Bill Reese for Instrumental music majors and non-majors. Bill Reese was a graduate of Abilene Christian University in 1967, drum major and trombone player for the Big Purple Band all four of his college years.  Marine 2nd Lt. William Robert Reese was killed in action in the Vietnam War on February 14, 1968.

The first scholarship award was given from the earnings of this endowment in 1992. This scholarship has become a prestigious award given to a student for their contribution to the Big Purple Band.  The students are chosen in the spring (announced at the Band Banquet in May) for the following school year.  The Director of Bands, Associate Director and staff make the selection based on leadership, academic achievement and servant characteristics.

I graduated with Bill but he was a year behind me at AHS.  Then we were at Abilene Christian University together.  I spent 42 years in the military and retired about 4 years ago.  My wife and I live in Boerne, Texas.  With the help of Rick Perry, Peter Hold and Clay Walker we started a foundation called the Military Warriors Support Foundation to help our Heroes.     www.militarywarriors.org  look this up and you can see what we do.  Watch the video.

Thank you,

Lt. General Leroy Sisco, USA (Ret.)