Fallen Patriots
Fallen Patriots
An Opportunity For A Brighter Future!
We’ve partnered with Children of Fallen Patriots and PepsiCo to collect donations in support of military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
What is Children of Fallen Patriots?
Children of Fallen Patriots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to providing college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Their vision is to ensure that every child of a fallen military parent receives all necessary college funding.
Act now to help us ensure they receive the education they deserve and honor their parents’ sacrifice.
Stater Bros. Charities is proud to match total donations in support of military chidlren who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
Fallen Patriots Total Impact
Student Success Stories
Click to learn how Children of Fallen Patriots helped these students achieve their goals.
Yvette Alaniz
Southwestern College, 2025 Graduate
Yvette Alaniz is the daughter of U.S. Marine Captain Paul Alaniz, who passed away in 2005. When asked how she would describe her father, Yvette says, “My father was well traveled, well read, and a lifelong learner. He always found a way to connect with people. He was someone who loved life, his family, his career. Family was his top priority.” She adds, “My father knew from the time he was 4 years old that he wanted to be a pilot. He achieved his childhood dream in the US Marines Corps, inspiring his family and those around him to pursue education and continue to achieve their goals.”
With the help of Fallen Patriots, Yvette is studying Business Economics at Southwestern College. She is active in her school, serving as the Southwestern College Associated Student Organization Vice President of Financial Affairs from Fall 2022 to Spring 2023. Yvette also co-founded the Global Economics Club where she served as President from Spring 2023 through Spring 2024. Post-graduation, Yvette intends to study abroad and use her background to help empower people and organizations in the business and finance sectors by providing economics consulting.
“Fallen Patriots has helped me pay tuition for my schooling, which my family and I are blessed and grateful for. CFP has allowed me the incredible experience of attending 3 symposiums in New York City with representatives from outstanding companies. The mentorship has been a blessing to receive throughout my college career, and has motivated me to work harder and make an impact in my community. It means a lot to connect with people who have been through something similar and have them to lean on.”
Maddie Bancroft
University of San Diego, 2024 Graduate
Children of Fallen Patriots scholar Maddie Bancroft is the daughter of U.S. Marine Corps Captain Matthew Bancroft, a Naval Academy graduate, who passed away in 2002 while piloting a KC-130 in Pakistan. Although Maddie was only nine months old at the time of her father’s passing, his service has made an incredible impact in her life. Maddie shares, “My dad was extremely passionate and dedicated in terms of his career and family life. He knew that he wanted to attend the Naval Academy since he was six years old, and that is exactly what he did.” She adds, “I think he would be proud that I am working towards a career in the medical field and that I feel a calling to serve people in need.”
With the help of Children of Fallen Patriots, Maddie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of San Diego. While in college, much of her free time was spent as a mentor for students transferring to her school and as a member of the Neuroscience Club. She was also able to participate in a study abroad program in France.
Maddie currently works in a nursing home and plans to return to the University of California, San Diego, to attend Physician Assistant (PA) school. Maddie aspires to work as a physician assistant in San Diego and Mexico where she can help more impoverished communities.
“Children of Fallen Patriots has been a tremendous mentor, not only helping me through financial hardships, but also serving as life mentors and people I can turn to whenever I need assistance or guidance. I feel so blessed to have their support. Thank you so much to the Fallen Patriots team and the donors for making this possible.”
Skyler Korkowski
University Of Southern California, 2025 Graduate
Fallen Patriots scholar Skyler Korkowski is the daughter of U.S. Navy Lieutenant Joel Korkowski, a Naval Academy graduate who passed away in a training accident while piloting an FA-18F Super Hornet in 2002. Skyler was born just a few weeks after her father’s passing. When asked how she or others would describe her father, she shares, “He passed away before I had a chance to remember him, but my family would describe him as someone who lit up every room he entered. He was the kind of person that people admired and aspired to be, not only because he was amazing at his job, extremely smart, and successful, but because he was kind and would constantly put others before himself.” She adds, “My dad’s military service is a testament to his selfless nature. It makes me feel proud to know that my dad died in the pursuit of making the world a better place.”
With the help of Fallen Patriots, Skyler is studying International Relations at the University of Southern California. She is a member of the Delta Omicron Zeta Sorority and serves as their Vice President of Activism. Skyler aims to join the United States Foreign Service as a diplomat or to work for the UN as a Human Rights Officer as she has always been drawn to travel, new cultures, and foreign languages.
“Children of Fallen Patriots’ assistance has allowed me to pursue unique opportunities I never imagined I would have. I was able to apply to 19 colleges, which made me more confident about my final decision and gave me peace about attaining my future goals. I am grateful for their outreach, their assistance, and for helping me throughout my college journey. Their willingness to honor my dad’s service means a lot to me.
Anthony Pallanes
Azusa Pacific University, 2020 Graduate
Anthony is the son of U.S. Navy Petty Officer Third Class Jason Pallanes, who passed away in 2004. Anthony graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Azusa Pacific University in 2020 where he studied Criminal Justice.
Anthony explains that if it wasn’t for Children of Fallen Patriots, he is unsure of how he would have paid for his last year of college as his VA benefits ran out. This helped him immensely and was able to graduate debt free. After graduation, Anthony worked for Fallen Patriots as a Scholarship Administrator and Development Analyst. Today, he follows in his father’s footsteps as an enlisted Navy Explosive Ordinance Disposal Technician.
Brittaney Caboteja
Virginia Commonwealth University, 2021 Graduate
Brittaney Caboteja is the daughter of fallen U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Nicanor Lopez Caboteja Jr. “My father was fun-loving and cared deeply for his family. He enjoyed raising me and my sister and had a lot of pride for us. He loved to joke around with friends and people would even think that he was our older-brother because of his interactions with us.”
With the help of Children of Fallen Patriots, Brittaney graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with her Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Psychology in 2021. While in college, she served as Vice President of External Affairs and eventually as President for a multicultural organization. After graduation, Brittaney joined the Children of Fallen Patriots team as a Scholarship Administrator where she gets to assist other Gold Star families.
Quinn Mooldyk
University of Arizona, 2019 Graduate
Children of Fallen Patriots scholar Quinn Mooldyk is the son of U.S. Army Major Evan Mooldyk, who passed away in 2011. When asked how friends and family would describe his father, Quinn says, “I believe everyone who met my dad would say he was a down-to-earth, easy-going goofball. I can certainly attest to that. My dad always made sure to bring humor and laughter to any situation and he always seemed to be the light of the room.”
With the help of Children of Fallen Patriots, Quinn graduated from the University of Arizona in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Quinn shared, “My biggest accomplishment during my college journey was graduating while holding three elected leadership roles in three separate organizations during my senior year. I wanted to challenge myself and I am very glad I did. Each role taught me so much.” Fallen Patriots also assists Quinn’s brother, Collin, with his college education as he attends Berklee College of Music.
Mariella Cardenaz
Point Loma Nazarene University, 2027 Graduate
Mariella Cardenaz is the daughter of Staff Sergeant Michael David Cardenaz, who was killed in
action in 2010. When asked what her father’s military service meant to her, she says, “My
father’s military service means that he gave himself not as a sacrifice, but as a hero who fulfilled
his duty by choice. No one forced him to serve, and he did so with courage, purpose, and
conviction. His service allows me to wave the American flag in my home and look at the stars and
stripes knowing that his life and death made my freedom possible. I am beyond grateful for his
actions, yet his service also means that my father was laid into the earth before I had the chance
to truly know him.”Mariella adds, “My father would be described as brave, compassionate, and
deeply committed to others. He was a soldier who consistently put himself in danger to protect
his soldiers and lead by example, including earning a valor device and the Soldier’s Medal for
attempting to save fellow service members during a tragic incident in Iraq. Beyond his bravery, he
was known for his humor and warmth, using music, laughter, and personality to lift morale even
during the hardest moments.”
With the support of Fallen Patriots, Mariella is currently attending Point Loma Nazarene University,
majoring in Psychology and Business Management–Entrepreneurship. Outside of school, she is
involved in several extracurricular and community‑based activities. On campus, she works as a VA
Work Study student in the Military Programs and Services Office, where she supports veterans
and their dependents with education benefits and administrative needs. She has participated in
Ignite Talks and collaborative academic projects focused on leadership, communication, and
research. She is also involved in the homeless ministry in Point Loma.When reflecting on what her
father would be proud of, she says, “I believe he would be proud of the person I am becoming. He
would be proud of my resilience and my commitment to growth even when things are difficult. I
think he would be proud that I continue to pursue my education, serve others, and carry myself
with strength, independence, and purpose while honoring his legacy in my own way.”
Jamila Owens
California State University, Long Beach, 2024 Graduate
Jamila is the youngest daughter of U.S. Army Sergeant Anthony Owens who passed away from an illness in 2021. For Jamila, her father’s military service holds immeasurable meaning. She states, “My father’s military service means the world to me. Growing up, I was always proud to say, my dad’s in the military. It wasn’t just a statement, it was a badge of honor to me, he wasn’t just my hero, he was a hero to everyone one around me. His service represented courage, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to something greater than himself. His legacy is not just in what he did, but in the lives of those he inspired, the values he upheld, and the example he left behind to my siblings and me.”
With the support of Children of Fallen Patriots, Jamila graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a dual degree in Communication Studies and Public Relations. Today, she’s come full circle now working for CFP, the very organization that once supported her journey. She feels incredibly grateful to contribute to a purpose-driven team that makes an ever lasting impact, uplifting and
empowering the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and is thrilled to be on the team as a marketing coordinator.