When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veterans and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veterans and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veterans and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veterans and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veterans and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veterans and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veterans and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veterans and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veterans and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veteran's and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the government related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veteran's and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the goverment related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veteran's and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the goverment related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veteran's and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted. I will receive some financial help from the goverment related to my dad's military service but it will not cover all of my costs. His dream for me is to graduate college with a Bachelor's degree and live a full life, something that he feels he has been unable to do. Because my father has been deemed unemployable due to his disabilities incurred during his service to our country he feels very inadequate as a parent. He is unable to provide significant financial aid to my education and I need him to know that he has already paid a great price for me and our country.

My dad has combat PTSD. He has a Purple Heart from the US Army. He served two tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom. When I was 7 my mom left us...it was me, my dad, and our cat. Learning to navigate the world with my dad's mental health struggles has been tough but it is something that I have persevered through and I am a better person for it. Watching my father struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis has taught me that staying alive every day has to be a choice. Mental health disorders and traumatic experiences impact everyone. When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veteran's and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted.

When I was 7 my mom walked out on us. She left me with my dad, an Operation Iraqi Freedom purple heart combat veteran and our cat. At the time my mom left my dad hadn't been formally diagnosed with anything by the VA and times were tough. I didn't know that our home was almost foreclosed on or that my dad was going days without eating just to make sure that I had what I needed. While my dad was in Iraq he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but he never let that stop him from raising me on his own. He does have PTSD as well as other injuries and depression from his military service and MS diagnosis. It has been through him that I have learned how to manage stress and cope with life's hurdles. My dad grew up in Brooklyn, NY and always wanted to be part of the NYPD after he retired from the military. Due to his injuries and diagnosis that will never happen. He struggles daily with depression knowing that his dreams will never fully be experienced. When my mom left us during my early childhood I became my dad's sidekick and emotional support. He never indicated that he was not OK but he continued to persevere for my sake. My father did remarry...my mom is a high school teacher that cares for EVERYONE all the time. It is from her that I have learned how to balance my own schedule while helping others succeed. She has shown us that success is found in fulfilling your heart's desires. I got a job at 14 to help out and I have worked there ever since. His dream is that I attend college and become successful. I attended a Business management program while in high school and earned 24.5 college credits before I graduated. I plan to continue my education in business and accounting. I would like to work in business management and/or accounting and help other families navigate financial challenges that are often related to veteran's and their families. If I can help just one other family feel some sort of peace after their service to our country that will make my dad proud and I will feel successful. Surviving in life after service to your country comes with a number of trials not only for the veteran but for the family as well. Everyone is impacted.