Alumnus John B. Stavovy, Jr. has successfully combined stellar careers as a National Guardsman and president of Mesa Wood Ltd., his custom home building company. Recently he added another dimension to his success as he initiated WLU’s first scholarship for veterans.

“I am pleased to be a part of this new scholarship that supports veterans as they earn a college degree. As a retired member of the National Guard, I know first hand the time and commitment involved in serving our country and am happy to share with my fellow veterans in this way,” he said.

Mesa Wood Ltd. is located in Washington, Pa. and oversees the entire homebuilding process with its customers, providing personal, start-to-finish service as it builds homes to customer specifications. With more than 35 years of building experience, Stavovy is both knowledgeable and accomplished. Past president of the Washington County Home Builder’s Association, he also is a member of the Builder 20 Club, a national organization dedicated to improving builders’ businesses and homes.

Brig. Gen. Stavovy (PA Retired) began his National Guard career in 1970 as an enlisted aircraft mechanic. He was commissioned a second lieutenant through Pennsylvania’s Officer Candidate School in 1972 and served initially as motor officer and rifle platoon leader in the 28th Aviation Battalion. After graduating from the Army’s rotary wing flight school in 1979, he became scout platoon leader and then operations officer for the 104th Cavalry.

This was followed by assignments as executive officer and commander, 1st Battalion, 104th Aviation (Attack Helicopter), then located in Washington, Pa. In 1997 he became commander of the 1st Battalion, 103rd Armor in Johnstown Pa. He then took command of the 28th Aviation Brigade’s 2500 soldier and over 100 helicopters in Harrisburg in 1999.

Stavovy is a lifelong resident of Washington, Pa., where he and his wife Marcia own and operate his homebuilding business. He served a 10-year term on the Trinity Area School Board, including four years as president. He also is a member of the Washington County Builders Association and has twice served as president of that group.

Born in Louisville, Ky., Stavovy graduated from Trinity High School in Washington in 1966 and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from West Liberty State College in 1970. He also is a graduate of the Army’s Command and General Staff Officer Course.

For more information on donating to the veterans scholarship, please call WLU Foundation Executive Director Chris Carder at 304-336-5635 or Administrative Assistant Ginni McFarland at 304-336-8498.

For complete information on veterans services including GI Bill coordination, please contact WLU Veterans Coordinator Cheryl Mielke at 304-336-8129.