Reston, VA – Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots) is honored to be awarded a noteworthy $1 million grant from The Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund (JMSF) to provide additional scholarships for children of the fallen. This gracious donation will help the growing demands on Fallen Patriots and ensure an education by college-bound children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
The check was presented to Fallen Patriots’ team by MaryEllen Picciuto, President of Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund. Another notable attendee of the patriotic presentation was Hollister K. Petraeus, a founding member of Fallen Patriots Board of Advisors, a former Department of the Army civilian employee and wife of retired four-star General David Petraeus.
Inspired by the death of Colonel John “Johnny Mac” McHugh, who was killed in action in Kabul, Afghanistan on May 18, 2010, the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund is dedicated to helping military families in need. With a mission to give back to those who have given so much, the foundation has successfully raised money to help surviving military families acquire financial stability.
“Loyal support from JMSF is making it possible for more surviving children to make their dreams a reality by attending college affordably. Having known the JMSF namesake, Colonel John McHugh at West Point and having helped two of his children with college through our organization, it’s personally very gratifying to be able to work with the JMSF in support of military families,” shared David Kim, Co-founder and CEO of Fallen Patriots. “We are immensely grateful and honored for our partnership with the Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund.”
Since its inception, Fallen Patriots has provided more than $17 million to support 890 college students. College graduates supported by Fallen Patriots include Colonel John “Johnny Mac” McHugh’s children.
“We’re extremely pleased to partner with Fallen Patriots on this endeavor to give back through education,” said MaryEllen Picciuto, President of Johnny Mac Soldiers Fund. “We believe it is our duty to help children of the fallen realize their college dreams, and it’s the least we can do to honor the service and sacrifice of their parents.”
American military families cope with the loss of their loved ones every day. The need for financial support is significant as government aid does not cover the full cost of college, leaving an average funding gap per student of $32,000 for four years. Nearly 20,000 gold star children across America will need future assistance. Grants and donations make it possible for Fallen Patriots to achieve their mission of helping every child of the fallen.