Adriana’s first love was her father. As a self-proclaimed ‘daddy’s girl,’ she remembers being mesmerized as she’d watch him cook. This ignited a passion and inspired her to pursue studies in regional and international cuisine at the Instituto de Banca y Comercio in Puerto Rico. She plans to become a professional chef and open a restaurant in honor of her father, called ‘Cintrón’s Kitchen.’
Some of Adriana’s favorite memories are the trips to Disney World with her Dad and little sister. She says it was their happy place, and he took them there more than 11 times. “He loved it there more than we did,” Adriana recalled fondly. She also said one of the best days of her life was riding horses with her Dad in Puerto Rico.
“I think my Dad would be very proud of me,” Adriana explained. “He taught me to make my own choices in life and to always be happy no matter what difficulties I face.” Army Specialist Marcos C. died while serving his country. “He is my hero. He was brave, caring and made everyone around him feel safe and happy.”
Although the pain of losing her father will never go away, Adriana vows to be brave for him no matter what. “The most difficult part of being a Gold Star child is that we have to live without our fathers or mothers. We grow up wanting both of our parents with us through the whole journey of becoming adults.” She says Fallen Patriots has helped her move toward healing because she now has a team of people willing to help her through life’s journey. “Fallen Patriots has helped me see that there are people that care for us and look out for our needs. I will never forget how they have impacted my life because good things are worth remembering.”
Adriana is one of more than 2,700 students Fallen Patriots has assisted through providing over $67 million in educational support since its inception in 2002. Fallen Patriots scholars graduate from college debt-free. Fallen Patriots aims to identify and provide scholarships to all 25,000 children who have lost a parent in the line of duty over the past 35 years.