Mom Who Lost Son in Afghanistan Never Got Call From Obama, But Look What She Received From Melania

Jill Stephenson is a Gold-Star Mother after losing her son, U.S. Army Ranger Benjamin Kopp, in 2009 in Afghanistan. Kopp died after complications from a gunshot wound to the leg.

As any parent would be, Stephenson is haunted by the memory of her son’s final days. Even nearly a decade later she is only able to find healing through the sharing of her son’s story of bravery. Specifically, Stephenson became part of TAPS, a program helping military families with the grieving process. She continues to help veterans around the country to this day. 

From IJR:

As some of the media keeps bashing President Donald Trump for his comments about Barack Obama not calling families of the fallen, Stephenson shared her experience with Independent Journal Review.

“I never got a call,” Stephenson said, “The Obamas never sent these, either.”

Then she shared a powerful and heartfelt letter she received from First Lady Melania Trump just after Memorial Day:

The letter reads:

Jill Stephenson

St. Petersburg, Florida

Dear Ms. Stephenson,

I wish to offer my heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices you have made and the high price you and your family have paid to help ensure our freedom.

As a mother, you bear the burden of war in a very personal way. I want to take a moment, on Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day, to honor you and your son, Corporal Benjamin Kopp, who laid down his life to protect us, our country, and all we hold dear. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.

I hold you close to my heart and keep you in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Melania Trump