Student Success Stories – Jordan Eshbaugh
The story begins with the legacy of Sgt. Daniel Eshbaugh, a brave patriot whose sacrifice has become the driving force behind a mission to honor fallen heroes and make a difference in the lives of their children. Serving in deployments that supported both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sgt. Eshbaugh dedicated a decade to the Air Force, followed by a brief break, and then nearly another decade in the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Despite his tough exterior, Sgt. Eshbaugh was a beacon of leadership, humor, and integrity, with the biggest and warmest heart. He embodied the goodness in the world and is fondly remembered for his humor, playfulness, and his lifelong love of learning.
Sgt. Eshbaugh made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country on September 18th, 2008, when his CH-47 crashed in southern Iraq. Leaving behind his wife, 4 children, and beloved dog. Cheyenne, Sgt. Eshbaugh’s loyal black Labrador Retriever, played an integral role in his life and service. Known for her unwavering loyalty and keen sense of companionship, Cheyenne symbolizes the unique bond between humans and their four-legged friends.
My dad always wanted a little more even if it scared him. Despite being scared of heights he pursued a flight engineer position before his final deployment. This meant lots of time spent in a CH-47. His outlook on life has inspired me to take any opportunity presented, even if it scares me.“
Amidst the void left by Sgt. Eshbaugh’s untimely departure, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation emerged as a beacon of hope. Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing college scholarships and educational counseling to the children of military personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty. By offering financial assistance and support, the foundation aims to ensure that these children have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and aspirations, just like their fallen parents would have wanted.
Education has always held a special place with the Eshbaugh family, and after Sgt. Eshbaugh’s passing, his widow feared it might not be financially possible. Fallen Patriots played a pivotal role in his youngest daughter’s educational journey. Jordan Eshbaugh graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor’s in Social Work and Public/Nonprofit Administration in May 2022. In May 2023 Jordan graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration. Fallen Patriots ensured that she could pursue her aspirations without the financial burden that often accompanies higher education. This tangible impact on the life of a Gold Star child serves as a poignant reminder of the ripple effects generated by acts of generosity and compassion. Through this partnership, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation not only honors her dad’s memory but also ensures that his legacy lives on through her educational pursuits, embodying the spirit of resilience, support, and hope for the future.
As a first-generation college student, my educational aspirations would not have been possible without the generosity of Fallen Patriots. My dad always emphasized the importance of education to me and my siblings. OU and ND football were staples in our house.”
Jordan works as a Scholarship Administrator at Fallen Patriots because of the impact of the foundation. She works directly with families to ensure that scholars have adequate funding and support to pursue their higher education.
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. We believe a college education is the single most important gift we can give these children.
Midwestern Pet Foods proudly donates a portion of all Wholesomes sales to Children of Fallen Patriots.