Johannah B. is the daughter of U.S. Army First Sergeant Michael B. He lost his life on May 10, 2005, when a roadside bomb detonated during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He is remembered by loved ones as the most inspiring and incredibly hardworking man who was constantly laughing. “He was always in a good mood,” Johannah remembers. “I was a total daddy’s girl and always wanted to be with him or holding him at all times.”
Johannah and her brother grew very proud of their father’s service and sacrifice. “My father’s military service is carved into my life. It is something I think about daily. His presence has always been with my family and his strong-willed characteristics have ingrained itself into me. My brother and I were raised with a sense of pride through his sacrifice. His service is something that makes me proud to be his daughter and have great respect for our nation’s flag, for my father died to protect our country,”
With the help of Fallen Patriots, Johannah is studying architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. Her goal is to land a job with a firm after she graduates. “Growing up, I have always had an interest in art and expressing myself creatively. Once I came to school here I took an Environmental Design course and completely fell in love with the work,” she says.
Johannah is grateful for Fallen Patriots’ support in honoring her father’s military service. “My entire life, I wanted to make my Dad proud and take advantage of the opportunities he has given me through his sacrifice,” she says. “The moment I contacted Fallen Patriots, they assisted with everything I needed. Knowing that I have extra help takes the burden of student loans off my shoulders. I am forever thankful.”
Johannah’s advice to other military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty is to remember ‘even if they are not here in person, they are always with you in spirit.’ She encourages others facing a difficult situation to lean on others for support. 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.
