Tiffany and Marlee Eckert share a unique bond as they hold the distinction of being a mom and daughter duo attending Bowling Green State University (BGSU) at the same time.
Tiffany is starting her second year majoring in Human Development and Family Studies, while Marlee is setting foot on campus this fall as a freshman. Tiffany is set to graduate in spring 2023.
Tiffany said her daughter had a lot of options of where to go, and she chose Bowling Green. The two women are attending BGSU with no debt, thanks to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides scholarships to families of American service members killed or wounded in action.
Tiffany found strength in her children
Tiffany talked about her colorful life before turning 24, saying she had experienced marriage, kids, tragedy, traumatic death, and becoming a widow during that period. Since then, she has worked as hard as any mother to raise her two children.
Tiffany told WTOL that she is proud of herself for getting up every single day to provide for her children. She added that she found her strength in her kids, helping her to carry on in life. Tiffany said she loved the kids' father and has continued to love Andy every day of her life for the last 17 years.
Tiffany and her son Myles grabbed national headlines eight years ago when the latter gifted $20 to a soldier in uniform. The kind act's attention enabled her to get in touch with the founder of Folds of Honor, Lt. Col. Dan Rooney.
Tiffany said there was something different when she got in touch with Rooney. When they got on the phone, she knew that he was legitimate, that he genuinely cared, and that he was not trying to monopolize their story.
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Folds of Honor give scholarships to Tiffany and Marlee Eckert
Rooney's organization, Folds of Honor, provides scholarships to American families who have lost military members. Tiffany took full advantage of the scholarship the organization gave her, enrolling last year at Bowling Green State University, where she currently majors in family studies.
Marlee also stepped on campus with her mother this fall, with both of them now working towards their degrees. Tiffany said she found herself, and she could not be prouder of who she is right now. She added that she loves herself and can proudly say those words for the first time in her entire life.
Tiffany will love herself even more in the coming months as she plans on graduating in the spring with her degree. Those wanting more information about Folds of Honor and the scholarships they provide to military families can visit the organization's website at foldsofhonor.org.
