U.S. Air Force Major Randell V. was killed in a plane crash while serving in Afghanistan in 2010. His son Mitchell is now a Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots) scholar studying marketing at Northwest Florida State College.
The vision of Fallen Patriots is to extend peace of mind to Gold Star families in all 50 states, in all branches of the military via college scholarships, educational counseling, and by facilitating professional development opportunities.
“It feels good to have someone in my corner who will help me out when most needed,” Mitch explained. “Over Summer 2018, they facilitated my placement in an internship at Vineyard Vines headquarters. It was my dream to get an internship like this,” he added.
Mitch’s key responsibilities were responding to customer emails, processing returns, and working on projects. He is most proud of his contributions to an intern led photo-shoot, when three of his pictures were featured in Vineyard Vines’ Fall back-to-school catalog.
“This experience has opened my eyes to the corporate world and has changed how I look at an office job. Not all office jobs are filled with bland white walls and cubicles; some have colorful offices with themed floors and laid back atmospheres. I certainly would jump at another opportunity like this to work in a laid back and fun work environment.”
Mitch is expected to graduate in 2020. He plans to continue working at a Vineyard Vines retail store as he finishes his degree.
Nearly 25,000 dependents have been left behind by troops killed in the line of duty over the past 35 years. Fallen Patriots is working to identify and support every child in need through raising funds and awareness of the mission.
