Scholar Highlight: Caitlyn Burner

Caitlyn is the daughter of Sergeant John Franklin Burner III who passed away from a service connected illness in 2010. When asked how she would describe her dad, Caitlyn says, “He was and still is my hero—strong, kind, and loving. I’ll always cherish the bear hugs he gave me and the memories of a father who gave his all for his country and his family.”

With the help of Fallen Patriots, Caitlyn graduated magna cum laude from Augusta University with a degree in Kinesiology in December 2024. During her time in college, Caitlyn founded and served as President of the Gold Star Family Student Organization, was President of both the Kinesiology Club and the Pre-Physician Assistant Student Association, and worked as a Medical Assistant at an eye surgery center.

When asked how receiving a scholarship from Fallen Patriots has impacted her college journey, Caitlyn says, “Fallen Patriots Foundation has been a lifechanging support system for me. Their scholarships enabled me to complete my associate degree before graduating high school and finish my bachelor’s degree two years early, while also providing assistance with living expense stipends and my medical assisting program tuition. Now, as I prepare to start my master’s in Physician Assistant studies, I’m incredibly grateful not to have to worry about debt.” Caitlyn is now part of the Fallen Patriots family as a Development Analyst as she prepares to begin her graduate program.

There are approximately 25,000 children who have lost an active-duty parent in the military over the last 35 years. The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every such child receives all necessary college funding.