Student Spotlight: Katie O.

Student Spotlight: Katie O.

Katie O.’s father, Raymond O., passed away while in test pilot school when a T-38 training jet crashed. Though Katie was just a young child, she will never forget how she felt that day and cherishes the memories she has of her father.

As Independence Day approaches, Fallen Patriots is reminded of all of those who made the ultimate sacrifice and those who risk their lives today so that we may continue to live in freedom.

“To me, freedom is the ability to live your life as you choose, without living in fear,” stated Katie. “Unlike other countries, we are blessed to live in a place where we can be an individual and pursue our own desired path. We are able to live in a free country because of the sacrifices of so many men and women fighting for our country. Home of the free, because of the brave.”

Raymond’s sacrifice is a representation of the courage needed to ensure our nation’s freedom. Katie always keeps this thought present.

“One of my favorite memories about my dad is when he used to come home from work and would empty out his bag so that he could fit my sister and I in the bag and he would carry and swing us around,” explained Katie. “We thought it was so fun.”

Her greatest challenge as a surviving military child is feeling emptiness due to her dad being gone. She wishes every day that her dad was still alive, but she knows that God is taking care of him.

“My dad’s sacrifice, and the other men and women who have sacrificed their lives for this country make it possible to live in the free country that we do,” explained Katie.

Katie is currently attending the College of Charleston and hopes to have a career in marketing, advertising or broadcast.