Children of Fallen Patriots

Summary

---

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.

---

Transcript

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Advertiser]

This is a vacation with Chase Sapphire Reserve. The butler, the spa. This is the Edit a collection of handpicked luxury hotels and a $500 edit credit Chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding.

Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JPMorgan Chase bank and a member FDIC subject to credit approval hi neighbor.

[Birch Lane Advertiser]

Save up to 70% on classic furniture and decor through December 2nd. It's Black Friday at Birch Lane, a Wayfair specialty brand. Find classic style for joyful living and get free shipping on everything. Shop [e-mail] thank you for Listen welcome.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

To my morning monologue brought to you by Golden Crest Metals, a new sponsor I want to welcome to my program. Find out how gold and silver can protect what you have worked so hard to build. Learn [e-mail] Protect Remember, you can hear.

My radio program daily on Sirius XM.

Triumph and connect with me 24 [e-mail].

Now every December I crank up my creativity and sell my art for the sole benefit of a wonderful organization called Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. Over the years you my listeners have helped me raise more than $2 million. How about that? Which uses the money to grant college students scholarships to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. And when I researched them to work with DASH for them, I said find.

Me something military has to do with.

Kids and they don't have parties and use the money for parties or traveling or any of that. The money all goes to the kids. Came up instantly with Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation. Now my guest today is Melissa Denfrond who has had two children benefit from this scholarship program too. Her husband, Sergeant Jason Denfrond, served in the Army Infantry 10th Mountain Division. He was on his third deployment to Iraq when he was killed in action on Christmas Day 2006. At the time they had two very young children. The son was only five months old. Melissa is now a scholarship administrator with Children of Fallen Patriots. It's interesting how many families I have talked to wherein the child and or the wife the mother has joined and volunteers time. It's amazing how help makes more help. So she helps other college bound kids gain access to higher education through the program. So I'd like to welcome you. Clicking you on Melissa, welcome to the program.

[Melissa Denfrond]

Thank you so much. It's an honor and a pleasure to speak with you.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Dr. Laura Pleasure is mine. They sent me photographs of when the kids were very very little. Chokes me up. Especially the one with the little boy in the jeans outfit with a bub, I used to call it in his mouth and Daddy having this so happy look on his face. It breaks my heart to see these pictures, but you certainly have kept the home fires burning brightly. So if you would be so kind as to tell me about the experience and how you got connected with children of fallen patriots, please, I'd like to know how that happened to pass.

[Melissa Denfrond]

Sure.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Advertiser]

This is a vacation with Chase Sapphire Reserve the butler who knows your name. This is the robe, the view, the steam from your morning coffee. This is the complimentary breakfast on the balcony, the beach with no one else on it. This is the Edit, a collection of handpicked luxury hotels you can access with Chase Sapphire Reserve and a $500 Edit credit that gets you closer to all of it. Chase Sapphire Reserve the most rewarding card.

Learn [e-mail] Sapphire Reserve cards issued by JPMorgan Chase bank and a member FDIC.

[Healthy Choice Advertiser]

Subject to credit approval Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to eat out at a pricey restaurant. Healthy Choice simply steamers Grilled Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo is an easy high prote meal with nothing artificial. The steam tray keeps the sauce separate so you get crisp broccoli, creamy Alfredo sauce and tender grilled chicken. That's delicious every time and it's a satisfying meal with 28 grams of protein. You can find it in the frozen aisle. Healthy Choice what having it all tastes.

[Comcast Advertiser]

Like Streaming is changing the way we watch live sports and your Internet connection can be the difference between catching the game, winning touchdown as it happens or hearing about it from your neighbor's cheers. That's why Comcast is building the network of the future using cutting edge AI and edge computing technology. We're bringing fans closer to the action in stunning high definition with ultra low latency. It's not just fast, it's game changing. Learn more at comcastcorporation.com sports the who's.

[Walmart Advertiser]

Down and who Newville were making their list but some didn't know Walmart has the best brands for their gifts.

[Melissa Denfrond]

What about toys? Do they have brands kids have been wanting all year?

[Birch Lane Advertiser]

Yep, Barbie, Tonys and Lego gifts that will make them all cheer.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Do you mean they have all the brands I adore?

[Birch Lane Advertiser]

They have Nintendo, Nespresso, Apple and more.

[Walmart Advertiser]

What about so the who answered questions from friends till they were blue? Each one listened and shouted from Walmart? Who knew? Shop gifts from top brands for everyone on your list in the Walmart app.

[Lowe's Advertiser]

At Lowe's before the holidays is the perfect time for upgrades and upkeep. During Black Friday get up to 50% off, select major appliances and buy more to save more with up to to an additional 25% off when you bundle, select major appliances plus grab select Dewalt 20 volt max drill or impact driver kits for just $99. Lowe's we help you save valid through 12. 3. Selection varies by location while supplies last. See lowe's.com for more details.

[Melissa Denfrond]

Sure. So they reached out to me very, very early on when my children were very little, I think. I think my son was probably not even a year old and just stayed in constant contact with us until I knew who I needed to call on for help. Because 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. And it's. Even though I actively navigating it now and do it as part of my job, it's still a very tricky process.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Why? Why is it so tricky?

[Melissa Denfrond]

I think there's just a lot of paperwork that you have to go through with the VA and knowing what is covered, what might not be covered, situations with housing, situations with tuition. Every school is different on how they expect their tuition to be paid and books. But children of Fallen Patriots was one of the consistent foundations out there where I knew I could turn to them. And it was an easier process compared to the bigger one that we have to deal with through the va.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Yeah, it's a shame. That's true. But how wonderful that we have.

[Melissa Denfrond]

Yeah. I'm so thankful.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

I'm sorry.

[Melissa Denfrond]

Still very thankful for that system, for the VA and the benefits that my husband and others fought for. So I'm very thankful. But it's still something difficult to deal with as a single parent and having a lot of other issues to deal with as well at the same time.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Minimally, the grieving.

[Melissa Denfrond]

Yes, absolutely. And 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.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

I understand what your job is now with them. Do you deal with parents in new situations?

[Melissa Denfrond]

Yeah.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Do you deal with the. Yeah. Tell me about that. How does that work?

[Melissa Denfrond]

It's just such an honor to be able to work with kids like my kids and moms like me. I handle a lot of enrollments, so sometimes I'll get an enrollment where somebody just passed away. It's fresh. It's like 2025 is the date of death, and I'm Just like, oh, my gosh, my heart just goes out to them because I've been in that situation. But to have the ability to know, oh, my gosh, I have to enroll my child in this now. But it also goes to show how consistent we are with providing that support and that help that we do that. I feel like we're one of the first organizations that come to mind when someone in my situation needs assistance. So it. It makes my job very, very meaningful to, you know, be able to help somebody. And I know that, okay, this is someone else's kid, but it's still my kid at the end of the day, too, so. So it's. It's like taking care of, you know, it. I might not know them personally, but I feel like I do because I've been. I've been down that path, and I'm further down that path. And sometimes I will. To moms like me, and I'll say, you know, and they'll ask me, why do you seem so together? And I'm like, oh, I don't. I'm not so together. But I promise you, I am further down the path than you. And I promise you, it may not get easier, but it's a different kind of normal, and you're not alone.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

That's probably the most important thing for you to do that helps people calm down, have a sense of hope. Yeah. Melissa, thank you so much for coming on. I'm so glad to work with the organization, and I'm so glad that all the efforts that go in to support Children of Fallen Patriots foundation is successfully used properly. Makes me happy.

[Melissa Denfrond]

Thank you. I appreciate you.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Have you checked out the store?

[Melissa Denfrond]

I am looking at your holiday design store. I love. I've actually followed you for a while, and I've seen your holiday design store before, so I love homemade things. So I think I'll go on there and get a couple things. And I just want to say thank you so much to you and to your listeners and all the support that you. That you provide for us. It's very, very appreciated.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

I have always felt so. It was never used and abused and always respected, and so that's mutual. Thank you so much, Melissa, for coming on. Lots of hugs.

[Melissa Denfrond]

Thank you, Dr. Laura.

[Dr. Laura Schlessinger]

Bye bye. Yeah, nice lady. Okay. She's gonna buy something. You should, too. Go to drloradesigns.com drloradesigns.com I don't like to say homemade. I like to say handcrafted. Yeah. Okay. Drloradesigns.com all right. My number 1-800-375-2872 if you like this.

Podcast, be sure to rate it on Apple Podcasts or your favorite place to listen to my podcast. Of course, I'd love if you gave me five stars. And be sure to share this podcast with a friend on Facebook or your preferred social media platform.

[Chase Sapphire Reserve Advertiser]

This is a vacation with Chase Sapphire Reserve the Butler the Spa. This is the Edit a collection of handpicked luxury hotels and a $500 Edit Credit Chase Sapphire Reserve now even more rewarding.

Learn [e-mail] SapphireServe cards issued by JPMorgan Chase bank and a member FDIC subject to credit approval.