2025 Dick Loges Winner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

One Degree Financial Announces Winner of the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Fund Scholarship 

Tysons, Virginia -- June 4, 2025 -- One Degree Financial is pleased to announce that Cole Grubbs has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Fund Scholarship. The $2,500 award recognizes Cole's academic achievements and honors the dual legacy of military service and entrepreneurship in his family. 

Cole, a cybersecurity student at Southeastern University and son of a veteran entrepreneur, impressed the selection committee with his compelling application that demonstrated both academic excellence and a clear vision for serving others. His submission highlighted how his father's military service and his parents' entrepreneurial work with Bless The Badge, a nonprofit supporting law enforcement families, have shaped his educational and career aspirations. 

"Cole's story is exactly what we were looking for," said Rod Loges, co-founder and CEO of One Degree Financial. "His father served our country, then he and his wife built something meaningful to help other families. That's the kind of service and entrepreneurship we want to celebrate." 

Cole currently operates three businesses: 2Brothers Technology (tech support), Cole's Lawncare (mowing and landscaping), and Gulfside Creative (photography and media). He has also launched a kids ministry under Bless The Badge, creating support for other law enforcement children. Already holding CompTIA Tech+, A+, and Network+ certifications, Cole plans to pursue a career in cybersecurity with a focus on protecting others. 

The Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Fund was established to honor Rod Loges' grandfather, Dick Loges, while supporting educational opportunities for children of veteran business founders. The scholarship is administered through MILCOM Founders, One Degree Financial's initiative that champions and celebrates military community business owners through connection, networking, and support. 

"Cole represents the next generation of leaders who understand that entrepreneurship can be about purpose, not just profit," added Loges. "His commitment to using his cybersecurity skills to protect and serve others aligns perfectly with the values of service and innovation we want to support through both our scholarship and MILCOM Founders community." 

Cole will be featured as a guest on the MILCOM Founders Podcast in June 2025, where he will share his entrepreneurial journey and insights with the veteran business community. The podcast champions veteran founders through weekly conversations featuring military entrepreneurs sharing their journey from service to success. 

One Degree Financial partnered with Bold.org to administer the scholarship program, which provided a streamlined application process for eligible students nationwide. The 2026 Dick Loges Veteran Entrepreneur Fund scholarship application period will open in January 2026, with applications accepted through March 31, 2026. The winner will be announced by May 31, 2026. 

For information about the scholarship program, visit www.onedegreefinancial.com/scholarship. To learn more about MILCOM Founders and join the veteran entrepreneur community, visit www.milcomfounders.com. 

About One Degree Financial: Headquartered in Tysons, Virginia, One Degree Financial offers comprehensive accounting and financial advisory services tailored to business owners' needs. The company has supported thousands of business owners in managing and optimizing their financial operations. 

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