My dad inspires me every day. This scholarship helps me pursue my dreams | Opinion
I still remember watching as my mom opened the front door of our home to two men in military uniforms. Everything about my life changed in that moment. It felt like my little six-year-old world came crashing down. The weight of my new reality was overwhelming, and I could not fully grasp what it meant except that, somehow, I knew my dad was never coming home.
My father was Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Kelley. He served in the U.S. Army for a little under six years and was one of the pilots who flew OH-58D helicopters, also known as Kiowa Warriors. My dad loved to serve, and he loved to fly. Ever since he was a boy, I was told, he had an interest in flying. He also liked military history and read a lot of books, especially those about aviation. Even though my dad was an Army helicopter pilot, his favorite movie was “Top Gun,” about a Navy fighter pilot.
He enlisted in the Army in 2003 and was sent to Iraq before he became a pilot. When he came home from that deployment, he trained to fly helicopters and went to Iraq a second time. On Jan. 25, 2009, he and three other men were sent out on a night mission. Some insurgents shot at them and while evading their fire, he collided with another helicopter. My dad and three others died as a result of the crash.
Shortly after that, the men in uniform appeared at our door. It was immediately devastating, but in time, the impact of my loss compounded. Each year, I was reminded that he would be gone for every birthday and Christmas. My dad would never teach me how to drive, walk me down the aisle or meet his future grandchildren. That type of loss permanently alters your life. Losing him was heartbreaking, and it still hurts to this day. But through the tears, I see the brave and courageous man my father was. He willingly risked his life to protect this nation. Not only that, he also kept his relationship with God, his wife and kids a top priority.
Despite the fact that he would come home exhausted from work, he would still make sure to spend time with us. Though I did not get to know him well, how he chose to live his life continues to inspire me. He showed me what it means to put your life on the line to help others. He knew the dangers and risks of his job, but he did not let fear dictate his life.
Seeing his example of bravery and sacrifice has changed my perspective. I realize that life is short, and that I should not take it for granted. I do not want to waste my life away by killing time. Instead, I want to live it in a way that is noble, courageous and honorable to God.
My dad inspired me to serve, and I would love to travel abroad and learn about different cultures. Perhaps I can have an impact through humanitarian service or even protecting them from dangerous situations. I’m also passionate about fitness and would like to open my own business helping them achieve their goals. My dad had a lawn care business before he joined the military — perhaps that’s where I get the entrepreneurial desire. I know with prayer and God’s guidance, I will find the right career for me.
I’m blessed to continue pursuing my college education and do so with the help of Freedom Alliance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization that gives scholarships to students like me who’ve lost a parent in the service of our country. This scholarship means so much to me because it shows care for Gold Star families like mine and demonstrates that this country honors and remembers the brave men and women who willingly put everything on the line to serve our country.
My father was killed in action 15 years ago. This Memorial Day, I miss him dearly, but I have been blessed in other ways. His example inspires me to pursue my dreams, love my country and obey God. I miss you, Dad.
Megan Kelley is from Polo, Missouri, and is a student at Western Governors University. She is a recipient of the Freedom Alliance scholarship which is awarded to children of military heroes.
