Ashley A. is the daughter of U.S. Army Major David A., who was killed in action in Iraq in 2009. Ashley is a sophomore at Eastern Illinois University where she is studying to become a registered nurse. “I want to be able to get my RN license so that I can work in a Trauma unit at a hospital, I want to be able to travel and see the world, that has always been on my bucket list and it would be so amazing to be able to travel and do what I love all at the same time.”
Ashley explains that others would describe her father as outgoing, fun, happy, charismatic, determined, helpful, and loving. “One of my fondest memories I have with my dad is when we would play water guns in the front yard and when he would come outside during the winter and help my brother and I build snowmen and have snowball fights.”
Ashley explains how much her father's service means to her. “It means that he was willing to put his life on the line for his country as well as his family. My Dad loved what he did and I am proud that he was able to find happiness in life.”
“Receiving this scholarship from Children of Fallen Patriots has impacted my life because without it I would not be able to reach my goals and achieve my dreams of being a nurse.” In 2024, Ashley will graduate debt-free with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
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.