Goal: To honor service and sacrifice.
The Children of Fallen Heroes Program was initiated in April of 2005. The brainchild of Chairman Wayne A. Reaud, the program awards laptop computers to the children and spouses of United States troops who give the ultimate sacrifice in the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. “This small help is for those who gave so much for us,” notes Chairman Reaud.
The Foundation reached out to and received immediate assistance from Congressman Charles B. Rangel of the 15th U.S. Congressional District of New York to overcome initial obstacles, such as privacy issues and a lack of established protocol in the military for such awards. With the untiring support of Congressman Rangel, the Foundation began direct dialog with all four branches of the military.
To be eligible for the program, a person must be the spouse or child of an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in Iraq or Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. Children must be 18 or younger and must reside in the next of kin’s household. Next of kin includes children of the current spouse, former spouse or stepchildren identified as dependents. Some fallen heroes have eligible dependents in multiple households.
