On the heels of Memorial Day, Fallen Patriots knows that each one of our students has special memories and ways of honoring the parent they have lost in the line of duty. As such, many graduates have chosen careers of service, like joining the medical field or becoming a first responder.
As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, these Fallen Patriots graduates found themselves doing something they never could have imagined: confronting a global crisis from the frontlines.
As an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fallen Patriots graduate Gabe R. remembers when it all became a reality to him: "At first it was hard to grasp because I’ve never experienced something like this before. I had my first COVID-19 patient at work in the beginning of the pandemic, and it was a little nerve-wracking putting on a Tyvek suit with boot covers, N-95 surgical mask and goggles. It was not normal for us to always wear this gear. The increase in patients with the symptoms of the virus became a daily occurrence at work and became more of a reality as time passed. We are constantly washing our hands and wearing our protective gear to help prevent any spread."
Gabe is the son of U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Ray R. and was inspired by his father's military service and work as a firefighter to become an EMT.
In 2005, Gabe's father passed away while serving overseas in Iraq. Now an EMT, Gabe shares his perspective about the value life holds: "After losing my dad, I learned that life is precious and that you never know when it is going to be your last time seeing your family, friends, or significant other. You should really cherish each moment you have with them and make the most of it and be kind to others, because you don’t know what’s going on in their life and what they’re feeling."
Another Fallen Patriots graduate, Angela H., followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother by joining the nursing profession. Working two jobs, at a mental health organization as well as a residential care home, Angela had to take extraordinary measures to ensure the safety of her patients.
At the mental health facility that provides housing, drug treatment and employment for mentally disabled or homeless individuals, Angela explains that the staff had to “stand outside and speak to them about their needs while wearing our protective gear.”
In order to treat patients at the residential care facility, Angela had to be even more cautious as she returned to the field soon after the pandemic started. “While we all had to be tested, we were trained on all precautionary methods on how to stay safe as well as how to keep all residents safe. We have reduced all visitors to the facility, and we have been successful so far with no cases with 88 residents and 113 employees,”
As a result of losing her father, Army Sergeant Carnel H., when she was just 11 years old and now as a frontline worker during a global pandemic, Angela says she faced the reality of how short life really is, explaining that “you never know how precious time is until you do not have it.”
Angela offers advice for other Fallen Patriots students who are looking for a meaningful career path.
“Do not take your moment for granted. Tomorrow is never promised, and this is your chance at a fresh start to make your loved one proud. Live in the moment. As one of the older graduates, I realized later in life that the death of my parent should have given me more reason to live life to the fullest. I spent many years asking why and self-blaming not realizing that life happens whether I was prepared or not. Graduation was scary because I had no clue what was next. I know that while I did not have a formal plan, I wanted to make my dad proud, so I give my all in everything that I do.”
Angela continued, “The real world can be a scary place but always lean on your support system, sometimes a hug and a smile can go a long way. If you try something and do not like it move on do not waste the time pretending to be happy, find what makes you happy and go for it!”