Matthew Wallace, 21, is a senior at a university in Daytona Beach, Florida. He is studying to become a professional pilot and aircraft mechanic. Before Matthew turned two, his father, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, lost his life along with four of his colleagues while on a mission in Peru. “I barely knew him, unfortunately I wasn't given a fair chance to,” says Matthew.

 

Today, Matthew is attending school with financial support from a CFC-O supported program that gives financial aid to the families of fallen federal agents. “It is unfortunate how life can be so cruel at various times, but generous during others,” explains Matthew. He continues, “I have currently received my flight instructor certificate at [my university] and I plan on working for them as a flight instructor. I couldn't have made it as far as I have from zero flight hours to becoming an instructor ("zero to hero") without [the CFC-O supported] benefit fund.”

 

Matthew always dreamed of being a pilot and following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both pilots. “Flying is in my blood and I knew it from the beginning,” he says. “My father's sacrifice allowed me to have this privilege of support from the survivor benefit fund. I won't let my father's death or the support from the survivor benefit fund be in vain. I will help to teach others how to fly so they can live their dream just like I am.”