Scholar Highlight: Ethan Carbajal

Ethan is the son of Staff Sergeant Carlos Benitez who was KIA in 2010. When asked what his fathers military service meant to him, Ethan says, “My dad’s service means more to me than words could ever express. I take immense pride in the sacrifices he made and the commitment he showed to something greater than himself. His service reflects his selflessness, his courage, and his deep care for others. To me, it’s not just a part of his life story, it’s a legacy of honor and strength that continues to inspire me every day.”

With the help of Fallen Patriots, Ethan graduated from Dallas Baptist University with his degree in Cybersecurity. He is now continuing his education by pursuing a Master of Science degree in Management Information Systems at Texas A&M University. His longterm goal is to leverage his background in cybersecurity and MIS to bridge the gap between business strategy and technology, while also helping others understand the importance of information security. He says his dad would be most proud of him for furthering his education, stating, “Growing up, I always said I wanted to be a soldier just like my dad and my dad’s immediate response was no. My dad didn’t want me to be an enlist, he wanted me to go to college, explore different career paths, and if I chose the military, then pursue it as an officer. More than anything, I think he would be most proud of me for overcoming the challenges and adversity I’ve faced. I experienced lots of trials and tribulations at a young age, but I pushed through and prevailed.”

When asked how receiving a scholarship from Fallen Patriots has impacted his college journey, Ethan says, “Children of Fallen Patriots has given me a community of people who have shown me continuous support in both my education and my career. They have not only provided financial assistance but have also supported me on a personal level, helping me grow as an individual. I am truly grateful for the encouragement, guidance, and opportunities they’ve given me.”

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.