Folds of Honor Foundation was founded in May 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 Fighter Pilot, PGA Professional, and USGA member. A decorated military pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, Major Rooney has served three combat tours in Iraq. It was after his second tour, while a passenger on a commercial flight, that Major Rooney witnessed an event that would profoundly change his life. As the plane landed, the pilot announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an American hero on board – Corporal Brock Bucklin. And his twin brother, Corporal Brad Bucklin, is accompanying him home from Iraq. As a sign of respect, please remain seated while Corporal Bucklin’s family receives him in his final homecoming.” Major Rooney watched through the window of the plane as the flag-draped casket was lowered. He saw a family waiting for Brock, and a little four-year old boy waiting for his father. This tragic homecoming inspired Major Rooney to create the Folds of Honor Foundation.
Sedan dess har golfspelandet till förmån för militärfamiljerna hållits varje år och hittills har 5,3 miljoner dollar samlats in och 1,163 stipendier delats ut, och i år förärades också den 19 augusti tidigare president George W. Bush med att utnämnas till hedersordförande för The Patriot Golf Day Weekend 2010.
“President Bush led our country through the September 11 attacks and outlined a strategy that has kept our nation safe for nearly a decade,” förklarade fondens skapare Major Dan Rooney. “We were proud to honor his father, George H.W. Bush, with the Patriot Cup Award earlier this year. We are equally proud and honored to have his support to help our military families realize their educational dreams.”
Bush tackade för förmånen och gjorde följande uttalande:
“I am pleased to be associated with the Folds of Honor Foundation, and I encourage all golfers to get out and support this worthy cause,” said President Bush. “Education is the key to a future of hope and opportunity. When our heroes in uniform are killed or wounded in the line of duty, the citizens they protect and defend ought to help the families those heroes leave behind. Patriot Golf Day is a perfect way for people to have fun and support our military families at the same time.”
Här inviger Bush golf-patriot-dagen med ett (eller två) klubbslag, och intervjuas tillsammans med Dan Rooney på Fox News - som vanligt är Bush coolast i världen :)
Se även tidigare inlägg:
Paret Bush gör överraskningsbesök hos USA:s soldater 20100813
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