Austin A. is the son of Army Major David A., who was killed in action in 2009 while serving overseas during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Austin’s father was a graduate of the University of Illinois Army ROTC program. He left behind a wife and two children, Austin and Ashley.
Austin is now studying psychology and political science at the University of Illinois and is expected to graduate in 2022.
Austin shared, “My father was a Major in the United States Army who bravely and honorably paid the ultimate sacrifice for me, my family, and for the rest of the United States. Everyone who had been given the opportunity to meet my father would tell you that his characteristics are exemplary of what a leader should be. He was the kind of person who would give his men orders to do annoying jobs and would go out there and do it with them in the blazing heat rather than sit behind his desk with what little air conditioning they had if any at all.
He was famous for his humor, kindness, loyalty, and his ability to place other people’s needs before his own. It is because of this same man, my own hero, that I have the opportunity to attend college and receive the education that he always wanted me to receive, the best of the best. Knowing the size of the shoes I would have to fill in his stead I have continued to work tirelessly to achieve the best out of what I have been given and to use my education to do what my father and I both feel is right, to place others before ourselves and be exemplary leaders so that others may look in our direction and do the same.
I have since graduated with an associate degree with high honors from Parkland Community College and am currently attending the University of Illinois, the same college my father attended, to receive a dual bachelors in Psychology and Political Science. I will continue to work hard in his honor and see to it that he is proud of me as his son.”
Fallen Patriots is honored to support Austin as he works toward achieving his goals of graduating from the University of Illinois.
There are approximately 25,000 military 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.