Scholar Highlight: Chaya Flanders

Chaya is the daughter of Staff Sergeant Carlous Flanders, who passed away from a serviceconnected illness in 2011. When asked what her father’s military service meant to her, she says, “To me, my father’s military service is nothing short of heroic. It is not just about the uniform he wore or the duties he performed—it is about the strength of character he showed through his unwavering commitment to something greater than himself. His service was a reflection of a noble spirit, rooted in selflessness, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility for the well being of others. Through his journey, I have come to understand the true meaning of courage.” Chaya adds, “My father’s legacy is one I carry with deep pride and humility. It inspires me to live with courage, to stand up for others, and to never forget that peace is always worth fighting for—not with hate, but with hope and with the kind of strength that uplifts rather than destroys.”

With the help of Fallen Patriots, Chaya graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. She plans to further her education by attending law school, with aspirations of practicing real estate law. When reflecting on what would make her parent proud, Chaya shares, “My resilience and my kind heart. No matter what life has thrown at me, because of the grace of God and the guidance of my father, I have been able to overcome and accomplish everything I have ever put my mind to. He’d be proud to see that the life I am living is exactly what we dreamed about.”

When asked how receiving a scholarship from Fallen Patriots has impacted her college journey, she says, “Children of Fallen Patriots has changed my life in more ways than I can count. At a time when I felt the weight of financial uncertainty and emotional isolation, they stepped in—not just with support, but with a sense of purpose, belonging, and hope. When I looked ahead to college, I worried constantly about how I would afford it. The burden of tuition felt overwhelming, and there were moments I truly believed it might not be possible. But then Children of Fallen Patriots stepped in and made what once felt impossible, possible. Their financial support brought me closer to a future free of debt, lifting a heavy weight off my shoulders and allowing me to focus on what really matters: learning, growing, and building a life my parent would be proud of. But even more than the financial help, they gave me something I didn’t know I was missing, community.”

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.