Folds of Honor is a remarkable organization that has dedicated itself to providing educational scholarships to the families of military service members who have been killed or disabled while serving our country. Established in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a veteran and PGA professional, Folds of Honor has made a significant impact on the lives of countless military families. In this article, we will delve into the history, mission, and impact of Folds of Honor, and explore how you can get involved to support this noble cause.
The organization started with a simple idea: to honor the sacrifices made by service members and their families by ensuring that their children receive a quality education. Since its inception, Folds of Honor has awarded thousands of scholarships, helping to alleviate the financial burden on families who have already sacrificed so much. Through various fundraising efforts, community support, and partnerships with businesses and organizations, Folds of Honor has created a sustainable model for providing ongoing support to military families in need.
In this comprehensive article, we will discuss the various programs offered by Folds of Honor, share inspiring stories of scholarship recipients, and outline ways in which individuals and organizations can contribute to this worthy cause. Join us as we explore the vital work of Folds of Honor and its commitment to ensuring that no military family is left behind.
Table of Contents
- History of Folds of Honor
- Mission and Vision
- Types of Scholarships Offered
- Impact on Military Families
- Fundraising Efforts
- How to Get Involved
- Success Stories
- Conclusion
History of Folds of Honor
Folds of Honor was founded in 2007 by Major Dan Rooney after he experienced a profound moment while flying home from a tour of duty in Iraq. He witnessed the flag-draped coffin of a fallen soldier being loaded onto a plane, which motivated him to create a legacy that would honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. The organization began with a single scholarship awarded to the family of a fallen service member, and it has since expanded to provide thousands of scholarships.
Mission and Vision
The mission of Folds of Honor is to provide educational scholarships to the children and spouses of military service members who have been killed or disabled in the line of duty. The vision is to ensure that every military family has access to education, enabling them to pursue their dreams and aspirations despite the challenges they face. Folds of Honor is committed to empowering these families and honoring the sacrifices made by their loved ones.
Types of Scholarships Offered
Folds of Honor offers several types of scholarships to meet the diverse needs of military families:
- Children's Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to children of service members who have been killed or disabled, helping them pursue higher education.
- Spouse Scholarships: Designed for the spouses of service members, these scholarships provide financial assistance for education and career advancement.
- Legacy Scholarships: These are one-time scholarships that honor the memory of fallen service members by supporting their families’ educational goals.
Impact on Military Families
The impact of Folds of Honor on military families cannot be overstated. According to their statistics, the organization has awarded over 35,000 scholarships worth more than $140 million since its inception. These scholarships have enabled countless children and spouses to pursue their educational goals, leading to better job opportunities and improved quality of life.
Statistics and Achievements
- Over 35,000 scholarships awarded.
- More than $140 million distributed in scholarship funds.
- Support for families from all branches of the military.
Fundraising Efforts
Folds of Honor relies on various fundraising efforts to sustain its scholarship programs. These efforts include:
- Golf Tournaments: The organization hosts annual golf tournaments that attract participants from across the country.
- Corporate Partnerships: Folds of Honor collaborates with businesses to create fundraising initiatives and awareness campaigns.
- Community Events: Local events, such as 5k runs and charity auctions, help raise funds and engage communities in supporting military families.
How to Get Involved
There are numerous ways for individuals and organizations to get involved with Folds of Honor and support their mission:
- Make a Donation: Contributions of any size can make a significant difference in the lives of military families.
- Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to help with fundraising events or community outreach.
- Spread the Word: Share information about Folds of Honor on social media and encourage others to support their cause.
Success Stories
Folds of Honor has numerous inspiring success stories that highlight the positive impact of their scholarships. One such story is that of Jessica, a scholarship recipient whose father was killed in action. With the help of a Folds of Honor scholarship, Jessica was able to attend college and pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. Her story is just one of many that illustrate how education can change lives and provide hope for the future.
Conclusion
Folds of Honor plays a vital role in supporting the families of fallen and disabled service members. Through their scholarships and community outreach, they ensure that no military family is left behind. By getting involved, whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, you can contribute to this noble cause and help honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Join the mission of Folds of Honor, and together we can make a difference in the lives of military families.
We invite you to share your thoughts in the comments below, spread the word about Folds of Honor, and explore more articles on our site to learn about other impactful organizations and initiatives.
Thank you for taking the time to read about Folds of Honor. Your support can help change lives and ensure that the sacrifices of our service members are never forgotten.
