Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots) is proud to introduce our new scholarship administrators, Alyssa Hill and Madison Roussel. These women are former Fallen Patriots scholarship recipients who are dedicated to helping other military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
Alyssa Hill is the daughter of U.S. Army National Guard Captain Raymond D. Hill II. She described him as a fun-loving guy who was very passionate about serving others. “My dad’s military service gave me a strong example of leadership. He was a great leader and passionate about his service and I’m forever grateful and proud of his sacrifice,” she explained.
With help from Fallen Patriots, Alyssa graduated from The University of Memphis with a degree in Hospitality & Resort Management/ Spanish. “Fallen Patriots allowed me to complete me college education without worry and has now given me a second family who I know will always be there for me.”
Alyssa now serves as a Scholarship Administrator where she is now able to give back and support other students like her. “It’s truly an amazing feeling. Being part of the Fallen Patriots family means I always have a support group and friends who understand what I’ve gone through.” She encourages others who have lost a parent in the line of duty to look back on them fondly and know they would be proud of your perseverance.
“My dad would be most proud of how responsible I am and that I have always done whatever I need to accomplish my goals,” she explained. There are approximately 25,000 children who have lost an active duty parent in the military over the last 35 years.
Madison Roussel is the daughter of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Kenneth Francis Roussel. She was six years old when he passed away, but remembers him being loving, caring, goofy, funny and devoted to his family. “My dad’s military service means so much to me. The fact that he was willing to risk his life for our country and for our freedoms just shows how amazing of a man he was,” she explained.
With help from Fallen Patriots, Madison graduated with a double major in communication and history at University of Kentucky. “I think my dad would be most proud that I graduated college. I’m a first-generation college graduate and I know he would be proud of me for achieving something he and my family worked hard for me to have access to.”
Madison now serves as a Scholarship Administrator at Fallen Patriots because of the impact the foundation had on her during college. “The fact that I can give so many students that same opportunity is so rewarding, and I know I am making a difference in their lives.” Fallen Patriots funded her study abroad trip to London in 2017, which gave her the confidence to push herself socially, academically, and in her career. “If it was not for Fallen Patriots making London a possibility for me financially, I would not be the person I am today.” The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every such child receives all necessary college funding.
Our scholarship administrators are on staff to help navigate costs related to undergraduate education: tuition, room and board, etc. Fallen Patriots also cover various expenses in the form of stipends to prevent students’ having to collect and submit receipts for reimbursement over the course of the semester. We are proud to have many former scholarship recipients on staff who understand the emotions and trials of other children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.