Children of Fallen Patriots scholar Joelle L. is the daughter of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Bryce L., who passed away in 2015. When asked how others would describe her father, Joelle says, “Everyone that knew my dad would describe him as goofy, hardworking, and selfless. When he wasn't overseas, he was spending as much time as he could with his family. His lively inner child kept him very connected to my brothers and me. Even strangers could tell how devoted he was as a father.”
In December 2021, Joelle graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in public Relations and Communications. When asked about the biggest lesson she learned during her college journey, Joelle says, “During college, I learned how to advocate for myself. As you grow into adulthood, it is important to understand how to advocate for yourself, your beliefs, and your values. This is a skill that is beneficial in your personal and professional life, and I am grateful to have learned how to do so in college.”
“Children of Fallen Patriots not only provided financial support to my family, but they also created career opportunities. In my senior year of college, I participated in the PrePAIR program where I was partnered with an IT security professional for PGA Superstores. This mentorship opportunity led me to a job shadowing experience at the PGA TOUR Championship where I had insider access. This experience helped pave my path toward my ultimate career goal of working for the PGA Tour. Additionally, this mentorship opportunity connected me to my first career position with a military non-profit organization, TAPS. The connections I made within the PrePAIR program lead me back to Children of Fallen Patriots where I now work as a Scholarship Administrator.”
There are approximately 25,000 children who have lost an active-duty parent in the military over the past 35 years. The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every such child receives all necessary college funding.