About Our Ambassador Program

Honoring Their Parent’s Sacrifice and Representing Hundreds of Students on Scholarship

A Freedom Alliance Scholarship Ambassador is a Gold Star student — one whose parent was killed in combat during their military service.
Serving as an ambassador is an exciting opportunity that allows students to work in a fun, fast-paced environment to improve their communication skills. Students travel the country to meet supporters, fellow scholarship recipients, and veterans. At the same time, student ambassadors keep their parents’ memories alive by sharing stories of their service and sacrifice.
The ambassador gains valuable experience and, upon completion of their tenure, have a better appreciation for our nation’s traditions of charity and philanthropy, as well as the strong public support of our nation’s military.

Gaining Real World Experience

Student ambassadors meet influential leaders in government, business, and industry, and work with the Freedom Alliance team while traveling throughout the United States and abroad.
In addition, scholarship ambassadors gain professional workforce experience by working with our team.

Ambassadors Provide Leadership

Our ambassadors serve as mentors for many of their fellow scholarship recipients who have also suffered the loss of a parent who died while serving. They build lasting friendships and meaningful bonds with others who have faced similar struggles.

These students’ statements demonstrate the impact that Freedom Alliance’s Scholarship Ambassadors have had on their lives:

“Many of us have grown up without ever meeting kids who can relate to experiencing such a monumental loss. Being able to finally do that offers many of us closure, and we form powerful bonds that are entirely unique. I have never felt more welcomed and at home than I am with my friends made through Freedom Alliance.”

Scott Zangas Scholarship Recipient

“It was an honor to meet others like myself, and get to know the people behind the magic, who have the most genuine, beautiful souls I have ever met. I am proud to be a part of the Freedom Alliance family forever, and look forward to future retreats!”

Asia Solomon Scholarship Recipient

2026 Scholarship Ambassador: Ja’Niayah

Ja’Niayah Ellis is Freedom Alliance’s 2026 Scholarship Ambassador. The daughter of Army Staff Sergeant James D. Ellis, who was killed in action in Iraq in 2006, Ja’Niayah has embraced the opportunity to honor her father’s legacy while representing Freedom Alliance and fellow military families. Throughout her ambassador year, she participated in educational and donor visits, shared her story, and connected with supporters across the country.

Official photos taken by ERICSUNPHOTOGRAPHY, https://ericsunphotography.com/. Be sure to credit if used.

Recent Scholarship Ambassadors

2025 AMBASSADOR

Megan Neumeyer (formerly Megan Kelley)
2024 AMBASSADOR

Reese Carwile
2023 AMBASSADOR

Kesauna Patterson
2022 AMBASSADOR

Abigail Chalfant
2021 AMBASSADOR

Seth Straw
2019 AMBASSADOR

Brandi Anderson
2018 AMBASSADOR

Shelby Summers
2017 AMBASSADOR

Jacob Rangel
2015 AMBASSADOR

Haley Hartwick
2014 AMBASSADOR

Shannon Zangas
2013 AMBASSADOR

Kalie Walters
2012 AMBASSADOR

Cheyenne Yost
2011 AMBASSADOR

Maria James

2025 AMBASSADOR

Megan Neumeyer (formerly Megan Kelley)

Megan is a sophomore from Kansas City, Missouri.  She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  She works as a pediatric dental assistant and hopes to own her own gym one day.  Passionate about physical and mental wellness, Megan’s aspirations are deeply influenced by the loss of her father, Army CW2 Matthew G. Kelley, who was killed in action in Iraq on January 26, 2009.

2024 AMBASSADOR

Reese Carwile

Reese is from Oxford, Mississippi, and will graduate from the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi with a degree in Biology. Currently working as a phlebotomist, Reese plans to pursue a career as a Physician Assistant. Her father, Army 1LT Donald Carwile, was killed in action in Afghanistan on August 15, 2008.

2023 AMBASSADOR

Kesauna Patterson

Kiki is from Fortson, Georgia, and will graduate from Columbus State University in 2024 with a degree in Psychology. Her father, Army SSG Esau Patterson, gave his life for his country on April 29, 2004. Kiki will begin Army basic training upon graduation. She wants to carry on her father’s legacy of service to her country.

2022 AMBASSADOR

Abigail Chalfant

Abbie is from Jacksonville, Florida. She graduated early, summa cum laude from the University of Florida with a double major in microbiology and psychology. Her goal is to complete a PhD in clinical psychology and become a child psychologist specializing in early intervention and treatment for autism. Abbie’s father, Navy LCDR Michael Chalfant, was killed in 2002 in a plane crash while preparing for deployment to the Middle East.

2021 AMBASSADOR

Seth Straw

Seth Straw is from Pensacola, Florida and graduated from Auburn University with a major in animal science. His father, USMC 1stLt Robert Straw was killed on May 23, 1997, in a helicopter crash. Seth enrolled at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and will soon begin his veterinary practice.

2019 AMBASSADOR

Brandi Anderson

Brandi Anderson is a native Floridian and thanks to her scholarship, she was able to attend her dream school, Stetson University, and graduate with a major in public management. She worked for the Volusia County local government, was selected for the high honor of a Gold Star Fellowship in the United States House of Representatives, and works for a Member of Congress. Brandi’s father, Navy PO2C Michael Anderson was killed in 2004 in Ramadi, Iraq in a mortar attack that left four others dead and 35 wounded.

2018 AMBASSADOR

Shelby Summers

After completing a degree in business management, Shelby moved to New York City to continue her education in interior design and to work in the retail fashion industry. Shelby’s father, Army SFC Severin Summers, was killed in action while on patrol in Qole Gerdsar, Afghanistan.

2017 AMBASSADOR

Jacob Rangel

Jake graduated from Kutztown University with a degree in communication studies. He has worked in the nonprofit community and in higher education. Jake’s father, Air Force SSgt Ray Rangel was a firefighter with the 7th Civil Engineer Squadron. He was killed in Balad, Iraq while trying to save two soldiers trapped in an overturned Humvee in a canal.

2015 AMBASSADOR

Haley Hartwick

Haley graduated from Baylor University with a degree in social work and a Master of Arts degree in professional counseling from Dallas Baptist University. Haley’s father, Army CW3 Michael Hartwick was killed in action when his Apache Helicopter was shot down by enemy fire in Iraq.

2014 AMBASSADOR

Shannon Zangas

Shannon’s scholarship allowed her to attend her dream school, Dickinson College, and graduate with a degree in political science. She went on to receive a master’s degree in education and teach high school. Shannon’s father, USMC LtCol Robert Zangas, was killed in Iraq by men posing as Iraqi police who ambushed his vehicle.

2013 AMBASSADOR

Kalie Walters

Kalie graduated from the University of West Florida with a degree in psychology. She has dedicated her career to helping others in the military community. Her father, Air Force TSgt Howard Walters, was killed in action while serving during Operation Enduring Freedom. It was his dream that she go to college and make a better life for herself.

2012 AMBASSADOR

Cheyenne Yost

Cheyenne earned her degrees in communications and occupational therapy. She works as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant in Los Angeles, California. Cheyenne’s father, Army MSG Anthony Yost, was killed in Mosul, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his heroism in action.

2011 AMBASSADOR

Maria James

Maria graduated with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Purdue University. She runs a political consulting firm with two partners in Indiana. Maria’s father, Army LTC Leon James, lost his life during combat operations in Baghdad, Iraq.