DENVER — The Marines are known for taking care of their own, and former Marine Bill Croyle is living proof of that.
"Everyday he thinks about the people around him and how he can help," said Chris McDonald, a board member for the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.
You could say Croyle is hardwired to help people. He is president for the Colorado chapter of the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, which makes college possible for kids of Colorado Marines.
"Our mission here in Colorado is first raise money for scholarships," said Croyle. "Second, is raise awareness of the foundation, what we have available for the children of Marines."
Children like Michael Roos, who received a scholarship that afforded him to go to college. His dad lost his leg serving in Vietnam.
"The scholarship meant that I was able to pursue my passion 100%, instead of more conservatively," said Roos.
The foundation has raised more than $1.2 million and helped 44 Colorado students with college scholarships. The money has given them a chance many in their families never had.
"Half of the students we have on scholarships are the first in their family to attend college," said Croyle.
It's all thanks to Croyle's 17 years of service with the foundation. And just like the Marine he is, he has stayed humble every step of the way.
"He's the kind of guy who absolutely hates getting an Everyday Hero award because he first and foremost wants to turn around and thank everybody else who contributed," said McDonald.
"At the end of the day as Marines, that's what we do," said Croyle. "We run toward the gun. We run toward the noise. We run toward the smoke. We run toward where we can help, and we're helping our kids."
Molly Hendrickson anchors Denver7 in the mornings from 4:30-7 a.m. She also features a different 7Everyday Hero each week on Denver7. Follow Molly on Facebook here and Twitter here. To nominate a hero in your life, click here.
