As summer drew to a close, I drove down I-95 from Virginia to Florida, taking my baby to college and facing an empty nest. Twelve years ago, after my husband’s service-connected death by suicide, I couldn’t imagine how our children would get through kindergarten and third grade. Yet, by the grace of God, family and friends, and Special Operations Warrior Foundation, here we are.
SOWF’s support goes far beyond college tuition. They help our children get there and recognize what each child needs to succeed.
Navy Chief Petty Officer David Collins died in the line of duty on March 12, 2014. He is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Grace and Samuel “Sam” Collins. Grace is a senior at Old Dominion University. She will earn her bachelor’s degree in strategic communications in spring 2027. Sam began his studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University this fall. He plans to earn his bachelor’s degree in aeronautical science in spring 2030.
Grace, precociously articulate from age two, will graduate from Old Dominion University in May with a degree in strategic communications. Her ADHD made planning and managing college workloads especially daunting. SOWF arranged executive function coaching that helped her find solid academic footing and build skills she’ll carry into adult life. Today, she’s thriving in a dream internship at a sports and concert arena.
Sam struggled to read and write despite being clever and astute. SOWF funded testing that revealed three developmental eye issues, then paid for specialized therapy insurance wouldn’t cover. A year later, he was back on grade level. That support also opened the possibility of becoming a commercial pilot. This fall, he began studying at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
A therapist once described emotional resiliency as a cup that daily challenges fill. Grief means starting each day with that cup already half full. SOWF helps ease that burden, giving our children room to grow.
Sam knows his aviation degree would be out of reach without SOWF. More a doer than a talker, he’s offered a flight to any foundation staffer brave enough to join him in that little two-seater once he’s certified!
Grace puts it beautifully: “I think it’s more important to take the memory and honor of those heroes and turn it into something that can benefit other people and do good in the world. That’s what the donors and SOWF do.”
Thank you for helping our family reach a future I once couldn’t imagine.
With gratitude,
Jennifer Collins
Wife of Navy Chief Petty Officer David Collins
Mother of Grace and Sam
