Zachary Tally

Zachary Tally

“Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Be yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here” (Desiderata, Max Ehrmann). Those words are an excerpt from my late grandfather’s favorite poem. My grandfather, a Korean War veteran and high school English teacher, continually impressed me with his love for words and for education. His legacy as a veteran allowed me the privilege of applying for the Samsung American Legion Scholarship. His love for education, and his desire to imprint that on his grandchildren, enabled me to fully embrace the gift of this scholarship and pursue my educational and career ambitions. Since being awarded the Samsung American Legion Scholarship in 2010, and taking part in Palmetto Boys State, I graduated summa cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science; pursued and received a doctorate degree in physical therapy from Duke University, publishing research in stroke rehabilitation; and completed the inaugural residency in oncologic physical therapy practice at Duke University Health System. I firmly believe I would not be where I am today without the opportunity this scholarship extended. This scholarship truly gave my family and I peace during my pivotal undergraduate years, largely removing the burden of financial pressures from my time in school and allowing me the opportunity to pursue additional educational opportunities. Since that initial award, however, the full impact of this scholarship continues to be revealed. It allowed me to personally honor and recognize the veterans within my home community and speak to the hope and experiences that their service extended to my life and that of my family. Heading back home after college and being able to thank my local post for their support and service was an experience I will not readily forget. Representing my local post, and engaging with other veterans in my region, I have gained a much larger appreciation for my role as an active and informed citizen in my community. I am continually amazed at the interactions, the connections and the camaraderie that has developed in my life as a result of this scholarship, including the SAL Alumni Association and the Washington, DC experiences and ceremony. The alumni represent a highly-accomplished, driven, and community-oriented group of individuals, truly embodying the principles of the American Legion in their “devotion to mutual helpfulness” and service. I currently live in North Carolina with my incredible wife, a former classmate of USC and Duke. I am a physical therapist, specializing in cancer rehabilitation and enjoy hiking the trails and mountains throughout this state on the weekends. I would love to be a resource to other alumni in the region or those pursuing careers and education in rehabilitation, fitness or wellness. The Samsung American Legion Scholarship opened doors for me I did not believe could be opened. It gifted pride, encouragement, and a broader appreciation for the sacrifices of the men and women I come in contact with daily. It is a privilege to see it continuing to serve and shape leaders across this nation each year. My grandfather’s legacy continues to impact this world through the patients I treat each day, a consequence of his service and this scholarship. I am forever grateful. - Dr. Zachary Tally, PT, DPT, CLT