Folds of Honor

Returning home from his second tour of duty in Iraq, Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, became painfully aware of the reality families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled.

As his flight landed, the pilot announced that their plane had carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board.  The pilot then asked all the passengers to respectfully remain seated while his casket was removed from the plane. 

Major Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s active-duty twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag covered casket to meet his family. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s four-year-old son, Jacob. Major Rooney ached as he thought of his own wife and little girls. Seeing the other side of war through the eyes of Jacob was life altering.

Sadly, over half the passengers had disregarded the pilot’s request and deplaned.  Major Rooney decided he had to do something. Not only would he pay tribute to American service-members and their families, but he would also live as a reminder among civilians that it is our duty to honor the sacrifices of those who preserve the freedoms, we so easily take for granted. 

Major Rooney committed to spend his life changing the future of America’s grieving military spouses and children. In 2007, he formed the Folds of Honor Foundation; a 501C-3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational scholarships to the families of these heroic Americans.

One of the ways that Folds of Honor raised awareness and funds is through golf.  Several PGA events throughout the year sponsor Folds of Honor Fridays.  Additionally, many local courses host golf outings throughout the year with the proceeds going to educational scholarships for the children of deceased or disabled military veterans and first responders.

Whether you’re a golfer or not, if you are inspired by the work of this organization, you can get more information from their website on how you can support their mission.  

https://foldsofhonor.org/

Lest we never forget.