CAYCE, S.C. (Nov. 13, 2023) – A grant from the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation will support a scholarship at the University of South Carolina in memory of U.S. Army Maj. Edward J. Murphy, a distinguished graduate, and the only Army ROTC graduate from the university to be killed in the line of duty. He died in a helicopter crash in April 2005 during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Awarded by the University's Army ROTC, the Major Edward J. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial incentives to cadets who exhibit qualities of leadership and academic excellence.

In June 1986, Murphy enlisted in the Army and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in June 1991 after earning a bachelor’s degree in history from the university.

Dominion Energy President Keller Kissam presented the $25,000 check to Murphy’s gold star wife, Barclay Murphy, and his daughter, Elliott Murphy, during the annual Salute the Troops event on Nov. 11.

Continuing their father’s legacy of obtaining higher education in the Palmetto State, Elliott received her undergraduate degree from the College of Charleston and two master’s degrees – one from The Citadel and the other from Francis Marion University. Murphy’s son, Luke, is a sophomore Army ROTC cadet in The Citadel’s Distinguished Scholars Program.

“We are so very humbled and honored to recognize the ultimate sacrifice of Maj. Murphy and all gold star families,” Kissam said. “This scholarship will serve as a living memorial to honor the next generation of military leaders whose very lives embrace the ideals exhibited by Maj. Murphy – that there are times that the torch of freedom only shines through the ultimate sacrifice of those brave souls willing to give their last full measure.”

The presentation took place during USC’s annual Salute the Troops game honoring military service members.

“This donation and support from Dominion Energy will have a profound impact on Army Cadets at USC for years to come,” USC Veterans and Military Affairs Executive Director Jared Evans said. “This scholarship to memorialize Maj. Murphy’s service and sacrifice was the result of the passion of Felicia Torres and her work with Ms. Murphy. Dominion Energy is well known throughout the community for championing a variety of military and veteran efforts, and we’re grateful for their contribution to the Major Edward J. Murphy Memorial Scholarship Fund.”

Dominion Energy was also presenting sponsor of Seats for Soldiers. The program provides active-duty service members and their families the ability to attend a USC home football game during the 2023 season. The company matched tickets donated by fans for the game against Vanderbilt.

Dominion Energy has a long history of supporting the military, veterans and their families. The company is recognized as a top military-friendly employer nationwide. One in every five new hires at Dominion Energy is a veteran. Learn more about Dominion Energy’s commitment to military at DominionEnergy.com/Military.

About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation

About 7 million customers in 15 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed $45 million in 2022 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education, and encourage community vitality. Please visit www.DominionEnergy.com to learn more.