Attended The Citadel from 1939-1941. Enlisted in United States Army as a Private in 1942 then rose through the ranks to Lt. General and retired in 1973. Became Chief of Staff, then Commanding General, U.S. Army Communications Zone, Europe, 1965 and became Deputy Chief of Staff (Logistics), U.S. Army 1969-1973. Served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam.

LTG Heiser Jr. was the first Honorary Colonel of the Ordnance Corps, May 1987-May 1990 and is in the Ordnance Hall of Fame. His name has become synonymous with two of the most successful programs in Ordnance: the close loop system and the logistics offensive.

Each year the Association sponsors the LTG Joseph M. Heiser Jr. Scholarship Grant Program. The program is open to all Ordnance soldiers, and members of the Association and their dependants. Each academic year, monetary grants are awarded based on essays articulating the spirit, traditions, heritage, and history of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps. Selection of grantees considers scholastic aptitude, grades, and the essay and composition outlining the reasons for seeking the grant.

The manuscripts must be no less than 1000 words and no more than 1500 words, typed, double spaced, and unpublished. Works must arrive at the Association National Headquarters not later than 12 noon, 30 June.

1. All Ordnance soldiers (active and reserve), OCA members and their immediate family are eligible for the LTG and Mrs. Joseph M. Heiser scholarship program.
2. All applications must be submitted to the OCA business office, APG, MD, not later than 30 June. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
3. Scholarship grants will be awarded to fund books and tuition expenses at the associate degree and baccalaureate degree level only.
4. Grants will be awarded based on the whole person concept, without putting undue emphasis on any particular asset; e.g., grades.
5. Each applicant must write two essays. Essays will be prepared in a basic writing manual format and will be judged on their content, originality and the individual’s research effort.
   • The first essay will be 300 to 500 words on your reasons for seeking this grant and why you feel you merit its award.
   • The second essay will be 1,000 to 1,500 words on either the missions, heritage or history of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps.
6. The OCA Scholarship Committee will convene in mid-summer to evaluate all applications submitted.
7. All applicants will be notified of the board results, in writing, not later than the first of August. Those awarded grants will receive their scholarship funds just prior to the start of the academic school year. The award will be in the form of a check made payable to both the student and the academic institution.
8. Upon acceptance of a scholar ship grant, the student must agree to satisfactorily complete the term or be subject to full repayment of all funds awarded. Any scholarship grants not used by the student/University/College will be returned to OCA.
9. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure the application and all supporting documentation is complete, legible and arrives in the OCA business office not later than the 30 June deadline.