Throughout 2026, the Foundation is marking this milestone through nationwide initiatives that honor the heroes of 9/11 while continuing to serve those who sacrifice in defense of our country every day. From Steel Across America, a cross-country journey featuring an authentic World Trade Center steel beam, to delivering mortgage-free homes for catastrophically injured veterans, Gold Star families, and fallen first responder families, each effort reflects the Foundation’s commitment to carrying Stephen Siller’s legacy forward through action.

One of the most meaningful ways that promise lives on is through the Tunnel to Towers Mae and George Siller Scholarship Program.

The Mae and George Siller Scholarship Program provides college scholarships and educational support to the children of U.S. military service members and first responders who lose a parent in the line of duty. For these families, the loss of a loved one brings not only profound grief, but often uncertainty about the future. By helping students pursue higher education without the burden of overwhelming financial hardship, Tunnel to Towers ensures that their parents’ legacy continues through the opportunities their children can achieve.

Education changes lives. It opens doors to careers, financial independence, and the ability to build a future worthy of the sacrifices made on their behalf. Whether a student dreams of becoming a teacher, engineer, nurse, entrepreneur, or serving their community in another way, the Mae and George Siller Scholarship Program helps make those dreams attainable.

The Mae and George Siller Scholarship Program continues the work begun by Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, expanding Tunnel to Towers’ commitment to caring for America’s Gold Star families and honoring those who gave everything in service to our country.

“Twenty-five years ago, our nation witnessed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy,” said Frank Siller, Chairman and CEO of Tunnel to Towers Foundation. “The best way we can honor that legacy is by continuing to serve the families who sacrifice for our freedom today. Through programs like the Mae and George Siller Scholarship Program, we are investing in the next generation and ensuring these families know their loved ones will never be forgotten.”

As the nation reflects on the events of September 11, Tunnel to Towers remains focused on turning remembrance into meaningful action. By supporting the children of our nation’s fallen heroes, we fulfill a promise that extends beyond a single day of remembrance.

Never Forget.

Learn more at: Mae and George Siller Scholarship Program – Tunnel to Towers Foundation

Today, that commitment remains as strong as ever.

The scholarship mission long championed by Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation continues uninterrupted through the Mae and George Siller Tunnel to Towers Scholarship Program, ensuring that the children of fallen military service members have access to the educational opportunities they deserve.

As of June 1, support for these scholarships is administered through Tunnel to Towers Foundation, creating a strong and sustainable path forward for a program that has already transformed thousands of lives. For current scholars and families, the message is simple: the promise made to them remains unchanged.

The Foundation is uniquely positioned to carry this mission into the future. Since its founding in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, Tunnel to Towers has remained dedicated to honoring sacrifice and supporting those who serve our country and our communities. What began as a tribute to fallen FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller has grown into a national organization serving military families, veterans, first responders, and their loved ones.

Today, the Foundation’s impact extends across a broad range of programs designed to address the needs of those who have sacrificed for our nation. Through its Smart Home Program, Tunnel to Towers builds specially adapted mortgage-free homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. Through its Gold Star and Fallen First Responder Home Program, the Foundation provides mortgage-free homes to surviving families facing unimaginable loss. Its Homeless Veteran Program works nationwide to help veterans secure stable housing and supportive services.

The scholarship program is a natural extension of that mission. Education remains one of the most powerful ways to support military families for the long term. By helping students pursue college degrees, professional certifications, and career-focused educational opportunities, the Mae and George Siller Tunnel to Towers Scholarship Program honors a fallen service member’s legacy while investing in the next generation.

This year carries special significance as the nation approaches the 25th anniversary of September 11. For Tunnel to Towers, that milestone is a reminder of the enduring responsibility to remember sacrifice not only in moments of reflection, but through meaningful action that supports the families left behind.

The children of America’s fallen heroes deserve every opportunity to pursue their goals and build bright futures. That belief has guided this scholarship mission for years, and it will continue to guide it for years to come.

For supporters who have stood behind these students throughout the years, the mission remains the same. The commitment remains the same. The promise remains the same.

And now, that promise continues through Tunnel to Towers Foundation, ensuring that the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on through the success of their children.

From April 20 through May 31, customers can purchase Memorial Day-themed t-shirts through Grunt Style, with $5 from every shirt sold directly supporting the foundation’s mission to provide college and trade school scholarships, educational counseling and career support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.

The initiative offers a straightforward way for individuals nationwide to participate. Each purchase becomes a tangible contribution toward closing the financial gap faced by Gold Star families, where the loss of a service member often brings long-term economic uncertainty—particularly when it comes to higher education.

For Children of Fallen Patriots, the campaign represents more than seasonal support. It reflects a standing partnership that has delivered measurable impact over multiple years. Since 2023, Grunt Style’s Memorial Day campaigns have contributed more than $202,000 in direct funding, alongside an additional $288,000 in partner-activated support. Those efforts have helped generate an estimated $3.2 million in social impact.

That support has translated directly into opportunity for Fallen Patriots scholars. To date, the partnership has helped fund 32 years of college education for 41 students attending 39 schools across the country—each one a child of a fallen service member pursuing a future made possible through scholarship assistance.

Beyond financial contributions, the campaign has also expanded visibility for the foundation’s mission, introducing new audiences to the long-term needs of Gold Star families and reinforcing the importance of sustained support beyond Memorial Day weekend.

As the campaign returns this year, the impact remains rooted in a simple premise: individual actions can collectively create lasting change. To participate and support the next generation of Gold Star students, visit: https://www.gruntstyle.com/pages/memorial-day?srsltid=AfmBOoorJkNcayOVxv2tm4G_zkn9ANolMPmy56VfLTB46g-rVGn-WejR

For students like Fallen Patriots scholar Ethan Carbajal, that sacrifice is both deeply personal and profoundly motivating. The surviving son of Army Staff Sergeant Carlos Benitez, Ethan carries forward his father’s legacy with quiet determination. His journey reflects a powerful truth: behind every fallen service member is a family navigating loss while striving toward a hopeful future.

For more than two decades, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation has worked to ensure that future remains within reach. By providing college scholarships and educational counseling, the organization has supported thousands of Gold Star children in their pursuit of higher education—removing financial barriers and opening doors to opportunity.

Today, this need has never been greater. As the challenges facing military and veteran families grow more complex, access to stable, long-term educational support is essential. For many Gold Star children, the path forward can feel uncertain without it. Scholarships are more than financial aid—they are a promise that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.

Ethan’s story is one of many. Across the country, thousands of students are working toward degrees, certifications, and careers that will shape their futures—and, in many ways, continue the spirit of service embodied by their parents. They are becoming teachers, engineers, healthcare providers, and leaders in their communities.

This April, as we honor the Month of the Military Child, we are reminded that supporting these young people is not just an act of gratitude—it is an investment in the future we all share.

Because while their loss is immeasurable, so too is their potential. To learn more or support Gold Star children in achieving their educational dreams, visit fallenpatriots.org.

When a member of the U.S. military dies in the line of duty, their sacrifice leaves behind more than a legacy of service—it leaves behind children whose futures are forever altered. Beyond the profound emotional loss, these families often face financial uncertainty, especially when it comes to higher education. That is where Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation steps in.

Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that every child who has lost a parent in military service has the opportunity to pursue higher education—whether through college or trade school—without being limited by financial barriers. The mission is simple but powerful: honor the sacrifice of fallen heroes by investing in their children’s futures.

For more than two decades, the CFP has worked alongside Gold Star families to provide college and trade school scholarships, educational counseling, and long-term career support. These resources don’t just help students enroll—they help them succeed. From navigating the college application process to staying on track through graduation, Fallen Patriots walks with students every step of the way.

Education is more than a degree. It is stability, confidence, and opportunity. For children of fallen service members, it can also be a pathway to healing and hope and a reminder that their parent’s sacrifice is remembered and honored not just in words, but through action.

As the new year begins, many people look for meaningful ways to give back. A contribution to Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is a resolution that creates lasting impact. It transforms generosity into tangible outcomes: a tuition bill paid, a student mentored, a dream kept alive. It sends a clear message to military families that they are not alone, and that their children’s aspirations matter.

Getting involved goes beyond donating. Supporters can help spread awareness, advocate for military families, attend fundraising events, or encourage others to make giving part of their own resolutions. Every action—large or small—helps strengthen a community committed to honoring sacrifice through opportunity.

The need is urgent. Each year, more children join the ranks of those who have lost a parent in service to our country. While government benefits provide some assistance, they often fall short of covering the true cost of higher education. Without additional support, many of these students are forced to delay, downsize, or abandon their educational goals. Together, we can ensure that doesn’t happen.

This year, consider choosing a resolution with lasting meaning. Choose to stand with the families who have given so much. Choose to invest in resilience, education, and possibility. When you support Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, you help turn sacrifice into opportunity—and make a promise that the children of our fallen heroes will never be forgotten.

Learn more at https://fallenpatriots.org/ways-to-give/

Through December 2, guests at 2,900 stores across Casey’s Country are invited to round-up at the register, and donate at checkout in the Casey’s app, with the goal of raising $1.3 million for our nation’s heroes, supported by a $25,000 contribution from campaign partner PepsiCo.

“It’s humbling each year to see the tremendous outpouring of support from our guests, team members and partners for the brave men and women who serve our country,” said Darren Rebelez, president and CEO of Casey’s, and a veteran of the United States Army. “This campaign is near and dear to me – and to the many Casey’s team members who have served. On behalf of us all at Casey’s, we thank our veterans, those serving today, and the families and communities who stand beside our heroes.”

Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides college and trade school scholarships, educational assistance and career support to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. The foundation is dedicated to serving families from all branches of the armed forces who have experienced loss due to combat, training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide or other duty-related deaths.

“Casey’s incredible commitment over the years has raised more than $2.9 million for Fallen Patriots, fueling brighter futures for our nation’s Gold Star children,” said David Kim, co-founder and CEO of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. “That support has funded over 466 years of education for our scholars, but the need remains. Fallen Patriots will need more than $150 million in the next four years to support Gold Star scholars affected by the losses in Iraq and Afghanistan. As these children begin their college journeys, Fallen Patriots helps close the financial gap left by limited government aid. We’re profoundly grateful to Casey’s team and inspired to make this year’s campaign a milestone in our mission.”

Guests can support veterans and their families by rounding up at the register in any of Casey’s approximately 2,900 locations and adding donations to online orders through December 2. Money raised directly benefits Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. Find a Casey’s near you by visiting: https://www.caseys.com/store-finder/locations

About Fallen Patriots:

Children of Fallen Patriots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing college and trade school scholarships, educational assistance, and career support to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. Since 2002, Fallen Patriots has provided over $81 million in scholarships to nearly 4,000 students, out of an estimated 25,000 nationwide who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Fallen Patriots is proud to be a 4-star rated charity by Charity Navigator, recognizing our commitment to transparency and financial stewardship. Thanks to Board support covering nearly all administrative and fundraising costs, 96% of revenue goes directly to programs.

If you have a location within nearby, please consider visiting inside, or through the drive-through where Bo-Linda, Bojangles’ AI Drive Thru assistant, will take your order and ask if you would like to round up to support the Fallen Patriots mission!

Find a location: https://www.bojangles.com/locations/

ABOUT FALLEN PATRIOTS: Fallen Patriots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing college and trade school scholarships to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Since 2002, Fallen Patriots has awarded over $75 million in scholarships to nearly 3,700 military children. With over 25,000 children nationwide who have lost a parent in the line of duty, our mission is to ensure they have the educational support they need to pursue their dreams, honoring the legacy of their fallen loved ones. Fallen Patriots is proud to be a 4-star rated charity by Charity Navigator, recognizing our commitment to transparency and financial stewardship.

The $1 million challenge grant is crucial to addressing an urgent need: With a projected $300 million shortfall over the next 20 years, CFP requires over $150 million in the next four years alone to support Gold Star children affected by the severe losses in Iraq and Afghanistan. These students are now of college age and rely on CFP’s help to bridge the gap between government assistance and the actual cost of their education.

There are an estimated 25,000 children of fallen service members from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths over the last 35+ years. CFP has identified over 13,000 of these children and is assisting them in their growing success. 100% of the children supported lost a parent, 96% of the surviving parents are female, and, of those that are working, 52% earn less than $50K a year. Furthermore, 33% of the families left behind are minorities, and 38% of the children are first-generation college students. These facts heavily disadvantage these children, driving a higher education disparity that results in a staggering decrease in lifetime earning expectancy.

“We are incredibly grateful to Admiral McRaven and his wife Georgeann, Jeff Bezos, and Lauren Sanchez for their recognition and support of our efforts to provide life-changing educational opportunities for Gold Star children,” said David Kim, founder of Children of Fallen Patriots. “This generous matching donation will help us continue to honor the sacrifices made by our fallen heroes by ensuring their children can achieve their educational dreams.”

Your donation is more than a scholarship; it invests in a child’s future by covering everything from application fees to SAT/ACT prep and even professional development and career opportunities through CFP’s Career Center. Your contribution will have a lasting impact, transforming lives and carrying forward the legacy of their parents’ sacrifice. Help CFP continue its mission to “find them all, help them all.” Every dollar brings CFP closer to giving these children the future their parents fought to protect.

Children of Fallen Patriots will be raising funds to be matched through July 31, 2025. Act now to honor their parents’ sacrifice and help ensure these scholars receive the education they deserve. If interested in learning more about how to apply your donation, please contact CFP at contact@fallenpatriots.org or 866-917-2373. To make a donation online, please visit https://donate.fallenpatriots.org.

Challenge funds raised are crucial to addressing an urgent need: While the nation is not actively at war, the echoes of previous conflicts continue for children of fallen servicemembers. With a projected $300 million shortfall over the next 20 years, Fallen Patriots requires over $150 million in the next four years alone to support Gold Star children affected by the severe losses in Iraq and Afghanistan. These students are now of college age and rely on the organization’s help to bridge the gap between government assistance and the actual cost of their education. (Gold Star is a designation made by the US Government to recognize family members who lost a family member who served in the US Armed Forces, in the line of duty of their service.)

There are an estimated 25,000 children of fallen servicemembers from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths over the last 35+ years. CFP has identified over 13,000 of these children and is assisting them in their growing success. 100% of the children supported lost a parent, 96% of the surviving parents are female, and, of those that are working, 52% earn less than $50K a year. Furthermore, 33% of the families left behind are minorities, and 38% of the children are first-generation college students. These facts heavily disadvantage these children, driving a higher education disparity that results in a staggering decrease in lifetime earning expectancy. Based on an independent study by the Bridgespan Group, an independent and leading social impact consulting firm, one scholarship from Fallen Patriots lifts the lifetime earnings of these students by $400K on average, resulting in a 16x ROI for every dollar invested into their program.

Participants of the Fallen Patriots 2025 ‘25 for 25′ Run/Walk Challenge are able to join as an individual, group, or corporate team. Individual or Group/Team prizes will be awarded to those that meet and exceed their goals. Individual and Team Leaderboards will track and display who is taking the challenge lead. 100% of proceeds go to Fallen Patriots mission of providing scholarships to children of fallen U.S. servicemembers. Sign up today to move towards making an impact in the lives of these amazing scholars: https://www.charityfootprints.com/fallenpatriots25for25/

As 2023 draws to a close, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the generous donors, corporate partners, and supporters whose generosity has helped to fund over 1,440 years of college scholarships for the children of the nation’s fallen this year.

Donations from corporate partners, fundraising initiatives, trust organizations, and individual contributions make it such that the non-profit is able to continue its mission of serving the families of service members from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, as well as other duty-related deaths as ruled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The cumulative funds raised this year will provide a four-year college education to more than 360 scholars in the organization’s student pipeline. 25,000 dependents have been left behind by troops who have fallen in the line of duty over the past 35 years. There is no central repository of information from which to find these children, and many surviving families struggle to make ends meet. With the help of its donors, Children of Fallen Patriots has awarded over $74 million in support to more than 3,100 children, including 1,700 graduates since its inception in 2022.

Along with its charitable mission, the organization maintains the highest rating from the Better Business Bureau as an accredited charity, a Perfect Score on Charity Navigator, and a Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency. Less than 1% of charities receive a perfect score. Because of generous donations from its Board, nearly all organizational administrative and operational costs are covered such that 96% of third-party donations can be applied directly to program funding.

Click here to learn more about Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation and support the mission.