An Arizona State University student veteran pursuing her online degree in psychology has been named a 2014 Tillman Military Scholar by the Pat Tillman Foundationin recognition of her service, leadership and academic excellence.

Explosives disposal expert Diana Kramer of U.S. Air Force, deployed twice each to Iraq and Afghanistan, wants to counsel fellow veterans coping with symptoms of PTSD.

Ms. Kramer joins a class of 59 U.S. service members, veterans and military spouses chosen to receive $1.4 million in scholarships from the six-year-old program, according to a press release.

Ms. Kramer serves with the U.S. Air Force at Eielson Air Force Base, near the town of North Pole, Alaska.

Since graduating from Naval School in Explosive Ordinance Disposal in 2003, she has deployed five times, twice each to Iraq and Afghanistan. Recognizing PTSD symptoms in her own life after her tours, Ms. Kramer is studying for her bachelors degree in psychology.

She also plans to pursue advanced psychology degrees in order to counsel fellow veterans.

The number of ASU student veterans applying to become Tillman Military Scholars has consistently increased each year, according to Christian Rauschenbach, program manager at ASU’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center.

“This year we had 120 applicants for the Tillman Military Scholarships,” he said.

A committee of ASU staff members from Veteran Services, Veterans Upward Bound, and Career Services had the tough job of choosing only 12 semi-finalists, which were then forwarded to the Pat Tillman Foundation for final selection.

“We are very excited that Diana was chosen I know she will be an outstanding representative for ASU,” Mr. Rauschenbach said.

To date, the Pat Tillman Foundation has invested over $10 million in educational support and scholarships, benefiting 350 Tillman Military Scholars at more than 98 academic institutions nationwide.