On Christmas Day in 2006, United States Army Sergeant Jason Charles Denfrund was killed in action after being struck by an improvised explosive device in Baghdad, Iraq.

Denfrund was born in Springville, New York, and raised in Cattaraugus, New York. He had a very loving childhood surrounded by his family and he adored his two sisters very much. Denfrund loved all things football and was even captain of the varsity football team at his high school. Following highschool, Denfrund went to SUNY Brockport to continue his athletics and academics. Eventually, Denfrund and his wife, Melissa, met and developed their amazing relationship. 

Denfrund enlisted in the United States Army in June of 2001, assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry Brigade at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany. His wife, Melissa, states that it was a calling for him and where he was meant to go. He served there until he was reassigned in December of 2003 to Fort Drum, New York. Throughout Denfrunds career he was deployed multiple times to Iraq and the Balkans. He loved the routine, adventure, physical challenges, and the friends he made throughout his service. Denfrund had goals of making a career in the military, being the infantryman that he was. He received numerous awards for his acts of service including but not limited to, the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, National Defense Service Medal, Kosovo Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Expert Infantryman Badge.

Currently, Melissa is pursuing a degree in clinical counseling, with dreams of helping others work through grief and trauma. She also would love to become involved in her community when she moves, being a TAPS peer mentor, and helping other widows who have gone through similar experiences. In the future, Melissa is most excited to finish school, to move into her new home, and continue to watch her son grow up. Melissa would like to thank her children, Chloe and Jayden, her in-laws, Diane and Randy, and her sisters-in-law, Merissa and Jamie for being her supporters. She wants people to know that her husband served his country with selflessness and he would want to ensure that his loved ones are cared for and live life to the fullest, for themselves, and for him. She is very grateful for Tunnel to Towers for giving her and her family a legacy for the future 

US Army Sergeant Jason Charles Denfrund is survived by his wife, Melissa, his children, Chloe and Jayden, his parents, Diane and Randy, and his sister, Merissa.