BOWLING GREEN, Ohio — Tiffany and Marlee Eckert hold the distinction of being a mother-daughter duo attending Bowling Green State University at the same time.
Marlee is setting foot on campus this fall as a freshman, while Tiffany is beginning her second year majoring in Human Development and Family Studies. Tiffany is scheduled to graduate in the spring 2023.
"She had a lot of options of where to go, and she chose Bowling Green," Tiffany said.
The two are attending BGSU with zero debt thanks to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides scholarships to families of service members killed or wounded in action.
"I had experienced marriage, children, tragedy, and traumatic death, and I had become a widow," Tiffany said of her life before turning 24.
Since then, Eckert has worked as hard as any Mom could raising her two kids.
"I'm proud of myself," said Eckert. "I got up every single day. I found my strength in my children. I carried on, and I loved their father. I have continued for the last 17 years to love Andy every day of my life."
Eight years ago Tiffany and her son Myles made national headlines when he gifted $20 to a soldier in uniform.
The attention got her in touch with Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, the founder of Folds of Honor.
"There was something different. When we got on the phone, I knew that he was legitimate. That he genuinely cared, that he wasn't trying to monopolize off of our story."
The organization provides scholarships to families who've lost military members.
Tiffany enrolled in Bowling Green State University last year where she majors in family studies.
And this fall, Marlee stepped on campus with her mom. Both working towards degrees.
"I found myself, and I couldn't be prouder of who I am. And I love myself. I can say that for the first time in my entire life."
Tiffany plans on graduating in the spring with her degree.
If you'd like more information about Folds of Honor, you can visit our website at wtol.com.