U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant William N. died in an Osprey crash in April 2000. His family says he was loving, loyal, funny, brave, and an all-around great guy. “He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need and loved his family and friends more than anything,” his daughter Izabel explained.
Izabel was only four years old when her father died. She says her favorite picture is one where they look so happy being together watching the Pittsburgh Steelers. “I know that if he were here we would watch every game together and cheer on our favorite team. So that picture is a memory that I would like to have.”
With the help of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, Izabel is studying Human Development at Virginia Tech. She is part of the College Mentors for Kids program, whose mission is to transform the lives of our “little buddies” through one-on-one mentorship. Izabel also volunteers for the Special Olympics. “It is my hope to work for an organization that allows me to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities. My dream job is to one day work for Special Olympics,” she shared.
Izabel is expected to graduate in 2019. “I am so grateful for all that Fallen Patriots has given me, and with their help, I am one step further to graduating from my dream school and favorite place on earth, Virginia Tech.”
Nearly 25,000 dependents have been left behind by troops killed in the line of duty over the past 35 years. Fallen Patriots is working to identify and support every child in need through raising funds and awareness of the mission.
