Erik L. Ballinger Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is for students who are transferring to UCLA with a STEM major or ROTC goal.
Erik’s goal at a very young age was to become a pilot. He persevered by improving his math skills at OCC and transferring to
UCLA’s ROTC program. In 1987 he earned a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and was accepted to Naval Flight Training.
After basic training and flight-school he was carrier landing qualified for the EA 6B Prowler and the F/A18 Hornet. He did
multiple tours of duty, had over 300 carrier landings, and defended our Nation piloting combat missions. His wife, three sons,
and his brother Kevin were always so proud of his bravery and accomplishments.
After the Navy, he was a pilot for United Airlines, worked in the defense industry, and after earning an MBA he and a business
partner created a consulting company.