Folds of Honor: Empowering the Families of Fallen Heroes Through Education

The sacrifices made by military personnel are profound, often leaving lasting impacts on the lives of their families. Whether it's the loss of a loved one or the life-altering consequences of a disabling injury, the families of fallen and disabled veterans face challenges that go beyond the battlefield. To help honor the legacies of these brave individuals, Folds of Honor offers educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military heroes. This organization provides an essential pathway for families to rebuild their futures, pursue higher education, and continue their personal and professional journeys.

Founded by Major Dan Rooney, a former fighter pilot who witnessed firsthand the effects of war on families, Folds of Honor has become a leading force in supporting the educational aspirations of military families. Through its scholarships, Folds of Honor ensures that financial constraints do not prevent the spouses and children of military personnel from pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships have been a source of hope and inspiration for thousands of individuals across the nation.

The Vision Behind Folds of Honor

The inception of Folds of Honor came from a simple yet powerful vision: to provide educational opportunities to the families of fallen or disabled veterans. Major Dan Rooney’s personal experience as a fighter pilot and his exposure to the sacrifices made by service members and their families led him to start the organization in 2007. Rooney, driven by a sense of duty and compassion, set out to create a lasting impact by helping those who had given everything for their country.

The organization’s core mission is to offer scholarships that cover the cost of tuition, fees, and books for the children and spouses of military heroes who have lost their lives or been disabled in the line of duty. Folds of Honor’s commitment to these families is rooted in the belief that education is a fundamental tool for achieving success and financial independence. These scholarships serve as a tribute to the sacrifice made by the heroes who served, while simultaneously offering hope for a better future to their families.

Since its establishment, Folds of Honor has awarded over 29,000 scholarships, impacting individuals across all 50 states. The program has evolved, expanding its reach to support a variety of educational paths, including four-year degrees, technical certifications, and graduate programs. Folds of Honor continues to grow, driven by the generosity of donors, corporate sponsors, and partners who share the organization's commitment to supporting military families.

The Power of Education for Military Families

Education holds the key to unlocking opportunities for individuals, and this is especially true for the families of military personnel. When a service member is killed or becomes disabled, the family often faces significant emotional and financial burdens. The loss of income, the challenges of adjusting to a new reality, and the strain of medical expenses can leave little room for academic pursuits.

Folds of Honor’s scholarships help alleviate some of these financial burdens, offering military families the opportunity to pursue higher education without worrying about affording it. These scholarships enable children who have lost parents in the line of duty to follow their dreams and prepare for successful careers. Likewise, spouses who wish to further their education, either to support their families or to pursue a career of their own, are provided with the financial support to do so.

The scholarships provided by Folds of Honor have allowed military families to transform their lives. For children, these scholarships offer the opportunity to build a future that honors the legacy of their fallen parent. At the same time, spouses have the opportunity to achieve personal and financial independence. By making education accessible, Folds of Honor gives these families the tools they need to thrive, even after experiencing significant loss.

Fundraising and Community Support

As a non-profit organization, Folds of Honor relies heavily on the generosity of donors, corporate partners, and volunteers to fund its scholarship program. To raise the necessary funds, Folds of Honor hosts several high-profile events throughout the year, including its signature fundraiser, Patriot Golf Day.

Patriot Golf Day is an annual event held over Labor Day weekend, during which golfers across the country are encouraged to donate a portion of their greens fees to Folds of Honor. This initiative has raised millions of dollars for the organization, helping to fund scholarships for military families. The event has garnered widespread support from both the golfing community and major corporate sponsors, and it continues to gain popularity every year.

In addition to Patriot Golf Day, Folds of Honor partners with businesses, foundations, and individuals who are committed to supporting military families. Corporate sponsors contribute millions of dollars annually, ensuring that the scholarship program remains sustainable and able to serve more families in need. Through these partnerships, Folds of Honor has expanded its reach and assisted an increasing number of recipients.

Donors also play a crucial role in the organization’s success. Folds of Honor encourages individuals to contribute in any way they can, whether through one-time donations, monthly giving, or hosting fundraising events. Every donation, regardless of its size, helps ensure that military families receive the support they need to pursue their education.

Impactful Stories of Scholarship Recipients

The actual impact of Folds of Honor is best understood through the stories of its scholarship recipients. These individuals, each with their unique journey, have used the educational opportunities provided by Folds of Honor to achieve their dreams and honor their fallen or disabled family members.

One such story is that of Amanda, whose father, Army Sergeant First Class Daniel Parker, was killed in action in Iraq. Amanda was just 12 years old when she lost her father. With the help of a Folds of Honor scholarship, Amanda was able to attend college and pursue a degree in psychology. Today, she works as a counselor for veterans’ families, offering the same support and guidance she received after losing her father. Amanda’s success is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact that Folds of Honor’s scholarships have on individuals and families.

Another inspiring story comes from Michael, the son of Marine Corps Captain James Johnson, who was killed in Afghanistan. Michael used his Folds of Honor scholarship to attend an Ivy League university, where he pursued a degree in international relations. Michael's goal is to work in public service and diplomacy, carrying forward the legacy of his father’s commitment to serving his country. Michael’s story, like so many others, illustrates how Folds of Honor is not just helping individuals achieve an education, but also creating a lasting impact on communities and the nation as a whole.