Local News

Fallen Patriot Fund Awards Second N.C. Family

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DALLAS — Carolyn Rochelle "Chelle" Pokorney, 32, of Jacksonville, N.C., has been selected as a grant recipient of the

Fallen Patriot Fund.

The fund, established April 16 by the Mark Cuban Foundation, helps families of U.S. military personnel who were killed or seriously injured during

Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Pokorney's husband, Marine 2nd Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney, 31, was killed near Nasiriya, Iraq, in March. She will receive $8,500 from the foundation to assist with living expenses and the cost of raising her daughter, Taylor, 2.

Frederick Pokorney was assigned to Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 10th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Camp Lejeune, N.C.

"My husband made the ultimate sacrifice for his country," Chelle Pokorney said, "and for people to step up and offer to help my family, along with others who have lost a soldier, represents what America is all about. Our daughter will grow up to understand the honorable legacy of her father and the kindness of those who made this gift possible."

The Mark Cuban Foundation will match donations to the Fallen Patriot Fund, dollar for dollar, up to $1 million.

Over the past few weeks, donations have been received from 48 states and Canada. In addition, the Bank of America Foundation will match its associates' donations, dollar for dollar, from gifts of $25 up to $5,000.

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