MICAELA

Bentson Brancato

learned early on to follow her heart. She also learned that big things could happen when you are supported by family and community.

“My family has always been very proud of whatever I’ve done,” says Brancato. “They cheered me on and were always very involved. They knew I had a heart of service. It began when I was little and wanted to volunteer at church. Then, when my grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, I decided to volunteer at the nursing home.”

Brancato smiles as she fondly describes her childhood home in South Fargo filled with the competiveness of athleticism derived from her dad’s coaching, while balanced with her mother’s nurturing aspects as a NICU nurse. The home was also filled with music, which remains a steadfast part of her life today.

Military Career

Though she loved growing up in south Fargo, Brancato always wanted to see the world and when she was recruited to play basketball at the United States Air Force Academy it seemed like the perfect opportunity. “I didn’t know anything about the military but I felt I could learn more about leadership there, Mom and Dad wouldn’t have to pay for school, and Colorado was so beautiful.”

Brancato went on to spend four years at the academy, commissioned as an Air Force officer serving around the world for eight the Brancatos experienced the loss of several friends and felt the enormous need to help families that were left behind. Deeply affected by these experiences, the dream of the Survivors of Heroes Retreat was born.