Reston, VA – Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation (Fallen Patriots) embraces Gold Star Wives Day, held annually on April 5th, as an opportunity to reflect on the ultimate sacrifice that so many soldiers and their families have made. By providing support for surviving military families, Fallen Patriots is making an instrumental investment in the future of America.
Surviving military scholars are led and inspired, often, by their surviving moms. Over 97% of those killed in action are men, leaving mothers, who earn on average less than $50,000 per year, with the financial responsibilities of raising a family. While there are many struggles after a fallen loved one passes, families are comforted knowing there are so many people and organizations like Children of Fallen Patriots who want to help.
Gold Star Wife, Kate Mounsey, fell in love with her husband, Erik Mounsey, in high school. Every decision they made as a couple focused around Erik someday flying in the military. The day Erik graduated from training and came home, their daughter Natasha was born.
Warrant Officer Erik Mounsey did three rotations in Iraq before he died on April 14, 1994 during a high profile mission. Mounsey’s daughter, Natasha, was only 2-years-old when he passed away.
“My life was forever changed that day. It was the one day a military wife always hopes will never happen to her,” explained Kate. “The black staff car drove up to my house, there was a knock at the door as the commanding general and one of the pilots from my husband’s unit stood in the door with tears rolling down his cheek.”
Kate knows that every soldiers fear is what will happen to their family if something happens to them. She explained to Fallen Patriots that every conversation she had with Erik always ended up with, “take care of my baby.”
The success of Fallen Patriots can be told by countless surviving military families, but the need for financial support continues to grow. Nearly 20,000 children from all across America are still in need of future assistance. Fallen Patriots continues to work to honor those who are no longer with us by giving to those they left behind.
About Fallen Patriots
Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation honors the sacrifices of military heroes by ensuring the success of their children through college education. Since 2002, Children of Fallen Patriots has provided more than $15 million in total assistance, including college scholarships, supplemental grants and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. Nearly 20,000 children from all across America will need future assistance. Help today by visiting fallenpatriots.org.