Folds of Honor is an organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled military service members. Founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former fighter pilot in the United States Air Force, the nonprofit has positively impacted thousands of lives by providing financial support to the spouses and children of those who have made significant sacrifices for the country. This article will explore how Folds of Honor continues to make a difference, its core values, and the significance of its mission in supporting military families.
The Vision Behind Folds of Honor
The idea for Folds of Honor was born after Major Rooney was flying home from a mission in Iraq in 2007. Upon hearing the news of a fellow service member’s death, he found himself reflecting on the many families who faced a similar loss. He realized that while the country rightly honors fallen heroes through ceremonies, many families are left without the support they need, especially when it comes to education. Major Rooney’s vision was simple yet profound: offer financial assistance to the children and spouses of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. By doing so, Folds of Honor seeks to empower these families, helping them overcome the barriers that might otherwise prevent them from pursuing their dreams.
Since its inception, the organization has awarded thousands of scholarships, providing not only financial relief but also the emotional comfort of knowing that the sacrifices of their loved ones are not forgotten. Folds of Honor’s commitment is precise: to serve the families of heroes who have paid the ultimate price for freedom.
How Folds of Honor Provides Scholarships
Folds of Honor offers scholarships in several different categories, ensuring that families from various backgrounds and life situations have access to the resources they need. Scholarships are available for children, spouses, and even surviving siblings of service members who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty.
The scholarships cover a range of educational expenses, including tuition fees, books, and supplies, and are available for use at both post-secondary institutions and technical schools. This approach ensures that all students, regardless of their academic or career interests, can find a path that suits them. Folds of Honor recognizes the financial burden that the loss of a loved one can place on a family, and its scholarships offer a much-needed lifeline, enabling these individuals to continue their education without the looming worry of educational debt.
Beyond tuition, Folds of Honor’s commitment extends to fostering a community of support for scholarship recipients. The organization offers networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and regular events, connecting recipients with military families across the nation. This fosters a sense of camaraderie, as they realize they are not navigating their academic journeys alone but are part of a larger, supportive network.
Folds of Honor’s Impact on Military Families
Since its founding, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 30,000 scholarships, benefiting families in all 50 states. The impact of these scholarships is far-reaching, extending not only to education but also to providing families with the resources to achieve their long-term goals and aspirations. By removing the financial barrier to higher education, Folds of Honor enables recipients to pursue their dreams without feeling the weight of economic uncertainty.
One of the organization’s greatest successes is the personal stories of the scholarship recipients. Many of these students, who had previously seen education as an unattainable goal due to the financial struggles following their parents’ or spouses’ death or injury, are now thriving in their respective fields. They are becoming doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, and entrepreneurs. The impact of Folds of Honor extends beyond the scholarships themselves to the transformation of lives and futures.
The Role of Community and Partners
Folds of Honor could not fulfill its mission without the help of its supporters. The organization relies heavily on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and organizations that donate to the cause. Fundraising events, such as the annual Patriot Golf Day, have raised millions of dollars to support the scholarships. Additionally, partnerships with various businesses and corporations help ensure that Folds of Honor’s reach continues to expand, providing scholarships to even more families in need.
The partnership between Folds of Honor and the golfing community is a particularly noteworthy example of how the organization has generated both awareness and financial support. Major Rooney’s connection to golf has helped raise the organization’s profile, transforming golf tournaments into major fundraising events. These events not only provide critical funding for scholarships but also serve as an opportunity to honor the service members and families that Folds of Honor supports.
How You Can Get Involved
For those who want to help make a difference, there are numerous ways to get involved with Folds of Honor. Donations, both large and small, are used directly to fund the organization’s scholarships. In addition to financial contributions, volunteering at events, participating in fundraising activities, and spreading awareness about the cause are valuable ways to support it.
Those interested in expanding the reach of Folds of Honor can also become advocates, sharing the organization’s message with friends, family, and social media followers. By raising awareness about the needs of military families and the resources available to them, individuals can help increase support for this vital mission.
The Lasting Legacy of Heroes
Folds of Honor has demonstrated the lasting impact that education can have on a person’s life. By providing scholarships for the families of fallen or disabled service members, the organization ensures that the legacy of those who gave their lives for the country endures through the education and success of their loved ones.
The act of giving to Folds of Honor is an act of gratitude, recognition, and empowerment. It enables the families of military heroes to discover new educational opportunities, build a future that honors their sacrifices, and carry forward the courage and dedication of those who served.