Tiana A. is the daughter of Air Force MSGT Stephen A., who passed away due to suicide in 2017. She is a junior at Case Western Reserve University where she is studying Biomedical Engineering.
Tiana explains that her father was a huge inspiration in what drove her to study Biomedical Engineering. She shares, “My father has affected me immensely in my decision to continue my education, he worked numerous blue collar jobs, including serving as a mechanical engineer for the United States Air Force Reserve. He always had a knack for mechanics and I worked on cars with him often. He taught me to take advantage of every opportunity and encouraged me to pursue higher education.”
When asked how Fallen Patriots has impacted her life, Tiana shares, “The scholarship affords me the opportunity to cease a lifelong advantage of higher education. Now onto my third year at Case Western Reserve University majoring in biomedical engineering, I have lasting friendships, a job in a research lab, and mentors to help guide me. At CWRU I am grateful to have the Cleveland VA right in my backyard, I soon hope to garner an internship or volunteer to give back to those who serve our country.” Tiana says that receiving the scholarship gives her the opportunity for a successful future and to be able to give back to our nation’s heroes. “My journey as a biomedical engineer would not be possible without the generosity of this scholarship foundation.”
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.