A Patriot Starts Patriot Golf Day

PGA professional, Major Dan Rooney is the founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation and Patriot Golf Day. As an F-16 pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, Major Rooney has served three combat tours in Iraq.

A few years ago Major Rooney was on a flight carrying the remains of an Army Corporal who was killed while serving in Iraq. As the plane landed, the pilot spoke. "We have the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board, and his twin brother Corporal Brad Bucklin has accompanied him home from Iraq. As a sign of respect, please remain seated while we honor Corporal Bucklin and his sacrifice," the pilot requested over the intercom.

Rooney was moved to tears when he looked out the window and saw the flag-draped coffin being unloaded from the rear of the plane. The deceased soldier’s family was on hand for the procession to the hearse. Rooney had barely composed himself when he looked back to discover over half the plane had debarked ignoring the pilots simple and respectful request for this hero. It was at that moment that Rooney decided to do something proactive in light of the disrespect he had just witnessed. He started Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization providing scholarships to the spouses and children of military service members disabled or killed in service. Patriot Golf Day is one of the largest fundraisers for the non-profit organization. In partnership with the PGA and USGA, Patriot Golf Day has raised $3 million in donations from golfers across the country. The funds provided over 550 scholarships.
Patriot Golf Day is held on Labor Day weekend (September 4-7). Golfers of all ages are simply asked to add $1 to their greens fees at participating golf courses. The funds will go directly to the scholarships for the spouses and children of service men and women who have been disabled or killed in action.

So even if you don’t golf, drop by a the pro shop at your local golf course on Labor Day weekend and donate a $1.

A big salute to Maj. Dan Rooney who turned his righteous anger over his fellow passengers’ disrespect into something that honors our fallen heroes and helps their families!