The Dr. Laura Podcast

Episode: Children of Fallen Patriots
Date: December 2, 2025
Host: Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Guest: Melissa Denfrond, scholarship administrator at Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation and surviving spouse of Army Sergeant Jason Denfrond

Overview

In this emotionally resonant episode, Dr. Laura spotlights the Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation, a nonprofit providing college scholarships to families of service members killed in the line of duty. Dr. Laura’s guest, Melissa Denfrond, shares her personal journey as both a beneficiary and now an administrator of the program after losing her husband, Sergeant Jason Denfrond, in Iraq. Their conversation highlights the profound challenges faced by Gold Star families, the burdens of navigating military and VA benefits, and the sense of hope and community fostered by dedicated organizations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Mission of Children of Fallen Patriots ([00:59]–[01:41])

• Dr. Laura: Explains her longstanding commitment to supporting Children of Fallen Patriots through the sale of her artwork, with funds directly aiding college scholarships for Gold Star children.
• Emphasizes the foundation’s integrity: “They don’t have parties and use the money for parties or traveling. The money all goes to the kids.” ([01:41])

Introducing Melissa Denfrond ([01:41]–[03:07])

• Melissa’s Story: Melissa’s husband, Sergeant Jason Denfrond, was killed in action on Christmas Day 2006, leaving her a young widow with two small children—her son only five months old.
• Melissa now works for the same organization that helped her family, guiding other bereaved families through the scholarship process.

Navigating Life After Loss and the Importance of Support ([06:28]–[08:18])

• Melissa recounts that Children of Fallen Patriots reached out when her children were very young and stayed in touch until she was ready to seek help.
• VA benefits are complex and require extensive paperwork and persistence, making the process “tricky” for single parents amidst grief.
• The foundation offered consistency, empathy, and practical support when “navigating that system is very, very hard for just a regular kid going to college. But for us within the VA system, it’s a little bit more trickier.” ([06:28])
• Melissa expresses gratitude for both the VA and the foundation but acknowledges the emotional toll, especially while “trying to remember everything and still have to raise your children and take care of yourself.” ([08:18])

Giving Back: Melissa’s Role Helping Other Families ([08:40]–[10:36])

• Melissa now provides the same support to newly bereaved families that she once received, handling enrollments and offering comfort.
• She describes how recent losses can be especially poignant: “Sometimes I’ll get an enrollment where somebody just passed away. It’s fresh…it’s like taking care of…someone else’s kid, but it’s still my kid at the end of the day, too.” ([08:52])
• Offers hope to grieving parents: “It may not get easier, but it’s a different kind of normal, and you’re not alone.” ([10:14])

The Value of Community and Mutual Respect ([10:36]–[11:41])

• Dr. Laura and Melissa discuss the importance of community—how both the foundation and supporters like Dr. Laura’s listeners make a lasting impact.
• Melissa shares her appreciation for Dr. Laura’s annual holiday art store, and Dr. Laura underscores her confidence in the foundation’s responsible use of donations.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Choosing Children of Fallen Patriots:

“They don’t have parties and use the money for parties or traveling or any of that. The money all goes to the kids.”
— Dr. Laura Schlessinger ([01:41])

On Navigating Benefits After Loss:

“Navigating that system is very, very hard for just a regular kid going to college. But for us within the VA system, it’s a little bit more trickier.”
— Melissa Denfrond ([06:28])

On the Loneliness of Grief:

“Grieving is a lonely business and really takes a toll on you. And trying to remember everything and still have to raise your children and take care of yourself, it’s a really difficult journey to go through.”
— Melissa Denfrond ([08:18])

On Giving Back to New Families:

“It may not get easier, but it’s a different kind of normal, and you’re not alone.”
— Melissa Denfrond ([10:14])

On the Impact of Consistent, Compassionate Support:

“I feel like we’re one of the first organizations that come to mind when someone in my situation needs assistance.”
— Melissa Denfrond ([09:45])

On Community and Respect:

“It was never used and abused and always respected, and so that’s mutual.”
— Dr. Laura Schlessinger ([11:30])

Important Timestamps

• [00:59] – Dr. Laura introduces the charitable connection to Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
• [01:41] – Dr. Laura explains why she chose this organization and introduces Melissa.
• [03:04] – Melissa greets Dr. Laura.
• [06:28] – Melissa details the initial outreach and ongoing contact from the foundation.
• [07:09] – Melissa describes the complexity of accessing VA benefits.
• [08:18] – The loneliness of grief and the challenges of solo parenting highlighted.
• [08:52] – Melissa explains her current role, enrolling new families and providing support.
• [10:14] – Melissa offers encouragement to newly bereaved parents.
• [11:30] – Dr. Laura thanks Melissa and shares mutual appreciation.
• [11:41] – Episode winds down with closing gratitude.

Summary Tone & Takeaway

The episode is heartfelt and honest, blending Dr. Laura’s direct, supportive style with Melissa’s warmth and candor. Listeners are left with a sense of hope and a deeper understanding of the challenges and resilience of families of fallen service members. The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation stands out as a reliable, compassionate resource, thanks in large part to people like Melissa who transform their own loss into meaningful assistance for others.