Beyond the Battlefield: Empowering Futures with Folds of Honor

In moments of silence at memorial services, while the flag is carefully folded and handed to a grieving spouse or child, a story begins—not one of the endings, but of legacy. For families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders, that folded flag represents more than loss. It carries honor, sacrifice, and a promise their loved one’s commitment will never be forgotten.

Folds of Honor is the living embodiment of that promise. By offering educational scholarships to the spouses and children of those who have served and sacrificed, this nonprofit organization is transforming sorrow into opportunity and rebuilding futures with the powerful tool of education.

Where Honor Meets Purpose

Folds of Honor began in 2007 with a moment that sparked a movement. Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot, witnessed the body of a fallen soldier being returned home on a commercial flight. Watching the soldier’s family wait on the tarmac in mourning, Rooney was struck by a sense of duty—not just to serve abroad, but to serve those who carry the weight of service at home.

What started as a deeply personal mission soon evolved into a nationwide effort. Rooney founded Folds of Honor with a clear vision: provide educational support to the families of fallen and disabled military members. Over time, that vision expanded to include first responders, acknowledging that the courage to protect and serve exists in many uniforms.

Investing in Potential

Education is more than academic success; it is a pathway to stability, confidence, and self-determination. For the recipients of Folds of Honor scholarships, it can also mean honoring a parent's legacy by reaching the goals they would have supported.

The scholarships cover a range of educational needs—from kindergarten tuition to post-secondary degrees—ensuring children and spouses can access quality education at every stage. Whether the dream is to become a doctor, a teacher, an engineer, or an artist, the support from Folds of Honor helps ensure that the dream is not lost in the aftermath of grief.

Over 52,000 scholarships have been awarded since the organization's founding, a testament to the enduring belief that legacies are best honored by building brighter futures.

A Scholarship, A Story

Each scholarship tells a deeply personal story. There’s the daughter of a firefighter who perished in the line of duty and is now studying to become a trauma nurse. There’s the son of a Marine who lost his life overseas, now earning a degree in international relations, inspired to serve in his way.

These stories are not just examples—they are the lifeblood of Folds of Honor. They remind us that every fallen hero leaves behind loved ones who must continue their lives. They must face the day-to-day challenges of growing up or raising a family without their partner, often carrying emotional and financial burdens few can fully understand.

Folds of Honor steps into that space with compassion and determination. Through its scholarship programs, the organization offers money— hope, recognition, and a lifeline during life’s most challenging moments.

Beyond Education: Building a Community of Support

What makes Folds of Honor unique is the community it fosters. Recipients become part of a broader family connected by resilience, gratitude, and remembrance. This sense of belonging is vital for many who feel isolated by their loss.

Events hosted by the organization, such as Patriot Golf Days and Folds of Honor galas, unite donors, veterans, families, and community leaders in solidarity. These gatherings raise funds and celebrate the lives of those who serve and the families who stand beside them.

The organization’s emphasis on transparency and integrity also means that more than 90% of every dollar donated goes directly to scholarships. Donors know they are making a real difference—and recipients feel seen and supported.

Expanding the Mission

In 2022, Folds of Honor expanded its mission to include the families of first responders—police officers, EMTs, firefighters—often the first on the scene and the last to seek recognition. This inclusion acknowledges that heroism doesn’t only happen on distant battlefields but also in local communities, in moments of crisis, and acts of daily bravery.

This expansion was met with overwhelming support. It reflected a broader understanding that while the uniform may differ, the values of service, sacrifice, and courage remain the same.

By widening its scope, Folds of Honor touches the lives of even more American families, creating educational opportunities for those whose futures were shaken by tragedy.

How You Can Make a Difference

Every person has a role to play in carrying this mission forward. Contributions to Folds of Honor come in many forms: one-time donations, monthly gifts, volunteering, or even attending a fundraising event. Corporate partnerships and sponsorships have also played a massive role in the organization’s growth, with brands like Budweiser and Titleist becoming longstanding allies.

Even small actions—such as purchasing from a brand that donates to Folds of Honor or sharing a recipient’s story on social media—can help amplify the message and bring attention to the cause.

Educators, counselors, and community leaders can also help identify potential applicants and guide them through the scholarship process, ensuring that no eligible family misses out on support.

Carrying the Legacy Forward

In a world where news cycles move quickly, and attention often fades, Folds of Honor is a reminder that some sacrifices must never be forgotten. Each scholarship is a living tribute to a life of service and a testament to a family’s strength.

As children graduate, spouses pursue careers, and families rebuild, they carry the legacy of the ones they lost—and the belief that their country still stands with them.

Through education, Folds of Honor does more than remember—it uplifts, empowers, and prepares the next generation to lead purposefully.