The Joyce Family’s world was turned upside down when Lieutenant Colonel Frederick Joyce died. He was described as a ‘soldier of integrity’ and touched many lives during his 37 years of service. His wife, Paulette, was looking forward to living out their shared dreams in retirement. Instead, she faced the difficult task of ensuring the college dreams for their children, Megan and Sean, would still come true.
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots) was created to help Gold Star families like the Joyce’s by removing the financial stress of college education. From application to graduation, Fallen Patriots is there every step of the way. “She [Fallen Patriots Representative] was so caring and sensitive to my need for emotional and financial support,” Paula explained. “This foundation is made up of many men and women of integrity who realize the family sacrifices and try to help.”
Megan graduated debt-free from University of Massachusetts at Amherst, her father’s alma mater, where she studied history just like he did. Sean is currently studying criminal justice at Roger Williams University. “My ultimate goal is to be in a job that I can make a difference,” Sean explained. “Fallen Patriots’ support has allowed me to follow my dream and has taken the financial burden off my family. None of this would be possible without this great organization.”
To date, Fallen Patriots has provided over $21.7 million in support of more than 1,000 Gold Star students across the United States. The goal is to identify and provide scholarships to all 25,000 children who have lost a parent in the line of duty over the past 35 years. “I want to extend our deepest thanks to each and every person who made this scholarship happen not only for me, but for so many families,” stated Paulette.