by Andrew Chalk
Folds of Honor is a charity dedicated to provide educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled in active duty for the armed forces of the United States. Since its founding in 2007 it has awarded over 20,000 scholarships, including 4,000 in 2018 alone.
The founder is Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 pilot who served three tours of duty in Iraq. The life-changing moment that moved him to found the charity was when he was on a United Airlines flight landing at Oklahoma City. The pilot explained that they were carrying the body of a fallen soldier and his family was waiting on the tarmac to receive the casket. He asked passengers to remain seated as a mark of respect while the casket was deboarded. He was moved by the sight of the fallen soldier’s young son as this process took place. He was also disappointed that, despite the captain’s request, some of the passengers alighted immediately.
Since that date, his tireless fundraising has raised millions from individuals and corporations. Locally, Southwest Airlines is a big supporter. The kickoff party event at the house of Gala honorary co-chairs Monica and Joe Eastin (with co-chairs Catherine and Mike Sweet, and Major Rooney in attendance) is to build momentum for the gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Dallas on Saturday November 9th. Tickets are available here.
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