New Gold Star College Care Program Makes First Impact

In the first quarter of this year, our Gold Star College Care program provided laptops to five Gold Star children, providing the tools they need to succeed and highlighting their resilience and determination to continue their academic journeys despite losing a parent in service.

Brenna C. is a junior at the University of Houston in Victoria, majoring in Kinesiology. She is the daughter of Captain Joel C., who was killed in action in Iraq in 2005. When asked how others would describe her father, Brenna says, “he was a dedicated soldier who took pride in his country, patriotism, family, and community. I remember him by the letters he wrote to me and my sister. He knew our favorite animals and what we had going on that week, and he had whole conversations with us. It means the world to be able to go back and read those letters now.”

Brenna C. studies Kinesiology at the University of Houston in Victoria, Texas.

Upon receiving her laptop, Brenna expressed how the Gold Star College Care program has significantly impacted her academic life, saying, "I am so grateful to Heroes Linked for the laptop stipend. I was able to purchase a new computer which has helped me better succeed in my classes!"

The other four Gold Star students we assisted in the first quarter are:

Adriel C., a freshman at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, whose parent served in the U.S. Army.

Alia P., a junior at San Diego Mesa College in San Diego, California, whose parent served in the U.S. Marine Corps. 

Emma B., a senior at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, whose parent served in the U.S. Coast Guard. 

Justin C., a freshman at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut, whose parent served in the U.S. Navy.