The children of fallen heroes lose more than a parent. They should never lose a college education.
The Marine Corps - Law Enforcement Foundation provides a $35,000 educational account for every child who loses a parent serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps or as a Federal Law Enforcement Agent.
Our Mission: Educating the Children of Those Who Sacrificed All
Since 1995, we have operated with only one paid employee, relying on a dedicated group of volunteers to run our various events and serve on our board. This volunteerdriven model ensures that the majority of donor funds are used to accomplish our mission of "Educating the Children of Those Who Sacrificed All."
$1,353,400
awarded this year
5,000+
award recipients
$94+ million
awarded since 1995
93%
of donations go directly to children
The Impact of Losing a Parent
The children of fallen heroes lose more than a parent. They should never lose a college education.
Of Kids who lose a parent
between ages 10 and 13
only 20%
are likely to earn a college
degree
Early parental loss
is associated with household poverty
and thwarted education/work plans
Family supports have been shown
to to make all the difference
to children’s long-term mental and
educational outcomes.
The death of a parent
is associated with lower school grades.
“Thank You, MC-LEF”
Supported Organizations
At the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation (MC-LEF), we are dedicated to serving the families of fallen and injured heroes from the United States Marine Corps, Navy Corpsmen, and Federal Law Enforcement Agencies.
We deeply appreciate our corporate sponsors for their unwavering support and commitment to providing educational aid to the children of our fallen heroes.
Corporate Sponsors
"Heroes Among Us"
Medal of Honor Recipient Col. Harvey C. Barnum
Colonel Harvey C. “Barney” Barnum Jr earned the nation’s highest military honor on a chaotic battlefield long ago. Now this U.S. Marine veteran is enjoying the quiet life of small town Virginia. In his latest “Heroes Among Us” segment Greg McQuade introduces us to the man who belongs to one of the most exclusive fraternities where heroism and valor are a must for membership. Colonel Barnum is reflecting on a life well lived.
The 83-year-old Marine Corps veteran who splits his time between Reedville and Reston is one of only 61 living recipients of the Medal of Honor. Colonel Barnum earned his medal in Vietnam when he took control of his company of Marines after an ambush on December 18th, 1965. While under intense fire Colonel Barnum directed counter attacks and made sure wounded and dead Marines were taken off the battlefield. His heroic actions saved dozens of lives. Barney – as his friends call him – received the Medal of Honor two years later. The decorated veteran says the medal is more than just about what he did in Vietnam 59 years ago.