Leilani R. is the daughter of U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Manuel R.
Abigail Wittwer is the daughter of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Frank Wittwer. Due to a training accident, Abigail’s father passed away when she was five years old. Those who knew LCDR Wittwer remember him as a friendly, smart, and humble man. Abigail shares, “I’ve heard countless stories about how my dad would start conversations with strangers and then become great friends within minutes.”
Christopher Beale is the son of National Guard Sgt. First Class John Beale. Christopher remembers his father as a, “humble and honest man with such a passion for his country.” To Christopher, his father’s military service means everything to him. “It is an example of how I want to live, meaning that I will live giving everything I have in me to be great and do what is right for myself, my family and my country.”
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.
Memorial Day is one for pausing and reflecting on the ultimate sacrifice made by the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces. As we remember and honor their sacrifices, let us also remember their loved ones who continue to persevere despite enduring a tragic loss.
Nyome Lane is the daughter of U.S. Army Master Sergeant Christopher Frank Lane. Nyome remembers her father as a kind and caring man who was dedicated to his family. “My father had a true love for life and his family. I always remember him saying, “I love you more than life itself” before tucking us in for the night. I know him as a caring man who put his family first. Others would describe him as a well-respected soldier who was proud to serve his country.”
In mid-April 2020, Children of Fallen Patriots partnered with ScoutComms and its research division ScoutInsight, to conduct a survey of its scholar community to assess the financial, educational, and mental health impacts of COVID-19 on its students. Children of Fallen Patriots contacted 1932 current students, parents of enrolled students, and former students, and collected 464 unique responses. The survey included ten questions related to financial impact, employment impact, impact on graduation plans and celebrations, as well as impact on career development.
We hope that you and your families are staying safe and healthy during these challenging times. America’s strength has always been its people and ideals and we are confident they will see us through this crisis as they have in the past.
Christopher Pallanes is the son of U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Jason Pallanes. He was only eight years old when his father lost his life in 2004 in a training accident. Christopher says that his father’s military service served a “larger purpose” and “helped many.” “In his death he paved the pathway for us, his children, to have a choice in what we want in our education which is really our lives. I believe it is a lesson I have not fully yet come to understand,” Christopher explained. As a Children of Fallen Patriots scholarship recipient, Christopher is currently enrolled at Azusa Pacific University and his goal is to become a Marketing Manager and then one day own a business of his own.
Cierra Prosser is the daughter of U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Max Prosser. Cierra’s father lost his life in 2017 due to a service-related illness. “My Dad was a larger than life person. He could do anything, solve any problem, heal any wound, and he made it look so easy. Others would describe my Dad as loyal, competitive, light-hearted, and likeable.”
One skill that is necessary for almost any college student is essay writing; there are plenty of online resources that can help make the process easier for students.
Elisabeth Ryon is the daughter of U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant Paul Daniel Harman. “He was always humorous and playful. I also saw his passion for his career on numerous occasions,” said Elisabeth about her father.
Fallen Patriots is proud to provide support to its scholars in the form of college scholarships and educational counseling, but the charitable organization also delves into other ways that it can help students post-graduation – namely, matching students to career opportunities.
Sarah Cantrell a Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots) scholarship recipient and the daughter of U.S. Army Sergeant Thomas Turner. Sergeant Turner lost his life in 2006 while on active duty; Sarah was just eight years old.
Are your end-of-semester exams coming up soon? Here are seven quick tips to help you stay focused and ensure you’re confident when you walk into the exam room.
Alyssa Hill is the daughter of U.S. Army National Guard Captain Raymond D. Hill II. “My dad was a fun-loving guy who was very passionate about serving others. I loved any time we spent together.”
Our goal is to bridge the gap in funding between available sources of grants and scholarships and the total cost of college.
Michala Belter is the daughter of U.S. Army Sergeant Bernard Tugume. With help from Fallen Patriots, she is studying Special Education at University of Wisconsin-Stout.
Jimmy Wood is the son of U.S. Air Force Major William D. Wood Jr. “My father was a hard-work and loving man who always put his family and his country ahead of himself.”
A college education is the key to unlocking future success and Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is committed to ensuring each scholarship recipient receives all necessary funding to complete their degree.