Danielle P. is the daughter of U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Joseph Edgar P. II. “If you were to ask any person who had the pleasure of crossing paths with him, I’m sure they would mention his sense of humor; he had a joke for every occasion. My dad was also incredibly smart, sincere, and the most decisive person I knew. He knew what he wanted, and he was going to get/accomplish it.”
Staff Sergeant P. II lost his life in 2006 while on active duty; Danielle was 11 years old. “I feel he would be most proud of the fact I accomplish everything I set my mind to and that I was the first one in my family to get a bachelor’s degree.”
Danielle studied communications and journalism with a public relations focus at Suffolk University as a Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots) scholarship recipient. She was inspired to choose this major because she loves to socialize, network, and connect with people. Listening to people and assisting them in bringing their goals/visions to life creates a wonderful sense of fulfillment for her.
“Fallen Patriots has greatly impacted my life by helping me shape my future and giving me the tools I needed to help finish school. If it wasn’t for this organization constantly having my back, helping me when I felt stuck, and offering amazing opportunities, I wouldn’t be where I am today. There will never be enough words to describe my gratitude towards Fallen Patriots.”
Danielle encourages other Gold Star students to never be afraid to ask for help and never stop chasing their dreams. “Always remember that your parent is still with you every step of the way - it may not be in the physical sense, but they are.”
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.
