KABC news recently featured the story of APU graduate Anthony Pallanes ’21 who lost his father, U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jason Pallanes in 2004 in a service related accident. When Pallanes decided to attend college at Azusa Pacific University, he discovered Children of Fallen Patriots, an organization that provides scholarships, counseling, and more resources to military-affiliated students who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
The organization has assisted more than 2,200 students complete college, with a 91 percent graduation rate. Through the help of this organization, Pallanes was able to graduate debt-free, and now works for the nonprofit. He is grateful for the opportunity to give back to his community, helping others the same way that he was supported.
"It means the world to me that I get to be that person for someone else," said Pallanes. "And that's what I want to continue doing."