Scholar Highlight: Danielle McClendon

Danielle M. is the daughter of fallen U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Robert M. When asked about her father, Danielle talks about her favorite memories she has with him when they would vacation in New Jersey during the summer. “He used to let us always stop at Kohr’s Brothers Frozen Custard before even having dinner. We would eat our ice cream seated on a bench, look out at the beach, and just talk about any and everything.”

With the help of Children of Fallen Patriots, Danielle graduated from Rutgers University – New Brunswick with her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sports Management in May 2023. While in college, she served as a Peer Student Mentor where she was able to display her leadership skills by assisting incoming freshmen. Danielle also served as an ambassador for the Department of Kinesiology and Health, where she helped create events and opportunities for students.

When asked about how Fallen Patriots impacted her during her time in college, Danielle says,

“Children of Fallen Patriots has made such an impact in my life because I was able attend my dream college and succeed. Children of Fallen Patriots have also helped me step out my comfort zone when it comes to connecting or networking with other individuals who are recipients of the scholarship, or communicating with mentors.”

There are approximately 25,000 children who have lost an active-duty parent in the military over the last 35 years. The vision of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation is to ensure that every such child receives all necessary college funding.