The daughter of a slain military officer has been given a financial leg up to help her pursue her dreams.

Natasha Roberge, 18, has been awarded a scholarship worth $4,000 for four years, amounting to $16,000 for her post-secondary studies.

“As much as I miss my dad and that I can never replace him, I’m really happy (the scholarship) will give me the chance to go possibly study in Italy (eventually),” she said.

“That’s where he started his training. It would be cool to touch roots. He was in Germany, but he used to travel to Italy all the time because they’re so close together.”

Her father, Warrant Officer Gaétan Roberge, was killed on Dec. 27, 2008, when an explosive device detonated in his vicinity in the Panjwayi District, according to a Canadian Forces release.

Roberge is in her first year of post-secondary studies at Laurentian University, studying English and Music with the hope of becoming a secondary school teacher. She says she would like to study in Italy, or Germany, after her time at Laurentian.

The scholarship is provided by a charitable business group called Canada Company, to pay tribute to fallen Canadian Forces personnel. Six other Canadians were presented with the scholarships.

Children of Canadian Forces members who have died on duty while serving in an active role in a military mission of the Canadian Forces or reserves since January 2002 are eligible to apply for the scholarships.

Roberge’s father had spent over 25 years in service.

“My dad (had been) in the army since he was 18,” she said. “He was 45 and he went to Afghanistan and died in December.”

Roberge is hoping the money allows her to pursue her interest in English and music.

While attending École Secondaire Hanmer, Roberge enjoyed her English courses and being in the battle of the bands.

The scholarship ceremony took place at the Toronto Stock Exchange on Sept. 18.

Zane Piekenbrock, managing director of Canada Company, said it’s important to remember that, while our soldiers are at risk in Afghanistan, it isn’t the only place we’re losing Canadians.

“While Afghanistan is very much in the public eye, and we have lost many soldiers there, this cannot overshadow the fact we lose Canadian Forces members in other ways.”

One of the fathers of a recipient was killed in an Israeli air strike on a United Nations Observation Post in South Lebanon. Another died when his CF-18 plane crashed.

Canada Company is a federally-incorporated not-for-profit corporation, which was first established in 2006.