HONORED TO SERVE: FIRST RESPONDER SCHOLARSHIPS, PAGE 12
THE POWER OF 13: FOLDS OF HONOR, PAGE 20
LT COL DAN ROONEY Founder & CEO, Folds of Honor
Folds of Honor family,
I come to you with a heart overflowing with gratitude for what I’ve witness over the years. The belief that our cause holds the power to bring Americans together has proven true. I hear it time and time again as I travel the country, said many ways, but always at its’ core, “Folds of Honor gives me hope because it unites people and changes lives.”
Adding first responder families to our mission has taken our impact to a whole new level. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and emergency medical technicians – they feel the solidarity and commitment, just as our military families have felt since 2007.
By expanding our mission, the number of deserving applications pouring in has grown exponentially. For many, the answer was a life-changing “yes.” But for thousands more, funding never came, which is a hard reality we cannot ignore. But there’s no group I’d rather face it with than you. Together we will spread the word, recruiting more grateful Americans who will link arms with us, ensuring every family receives the support they deserve.
We take pride in bringing you more “Where They Are Now” recipient stories. These powerful testimonies inspire action, showing how every dollar changes lives and blesses generations through education. This year, new stories are coming, and are ready to be shared far and wide.
OUR RESOLVE IS UNWAVERING BECAUSE THE NEED IS UNENDING.
I salute you for giving your time, money and heart to ensure their educational dreams live on. Please enjoy and share our annual report that highlights a small portion of the sea-to-shining-sea support for Folds of Honor.
Godspeed, Lt Col Dan Rooney
HONOR
Folds of Honor Magazine
FROM SCHOLARSHIP TO SUCCESS: A JOURNEY OF HOPE
Liz Brees was just three years old when her father, Lieutenant Commander Raymond O’Hare died a hero while serving his country. Throughout her life, every milestone has been a reminder of the moments she no longer had with her dad: high school graduation, college graduation, and marriage to her now husband– a U.S. Marine.
YOUR DONATIONS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
During her college studies, she realized she had a deep desire to care for children in a medical capacity. Fulfilling that desire through the military and bringing those two important pieces of her life story together, could only be described as a dream. When she received her Folds of Honor scholarship, she was able to finish college free of debt and immediately swore into the U.S. Air Force, where she will complete medical school. Thanks to the generosity of Americans like you, Liz now gets to “pursue my dream of caring for children in the military and caring for our military families through medicine.”
“The people who I’ve met through Folds of Honor have reminded me how important my dad was, and how he’s still remembered today.”
For Liz, giving back through her service to military families is just one part of the legacy she is proud to continue. She is also passionate about giving back by telling other children and spouses of military service members and first responders that they too can receive what she discovered to be an invaluable gift: not only the funding, but the family of Folds of Honor.
VISIT THE LANDING PAGE FOR MORE STORIES
Lieutenant Commander
Raymond O’Hare
“PUT MORE TRUST IN NOBILITY OF CHARACTER THAN IN AN OATH.”
-Solon
In 2022, we expanded our commitment to include the families of America’s first responders, and in 2023, we were honored to welcome our first recipient class from that community. It was an important milestone for Folds of Honor and a humbling reminder of the responsibility we carry.
From the beginning, this mission has been about standing with families who have given so much in service to others. Today, that promise continues to extend to even more homes across this country, reaching spouses and children who carry both deep pride and real sacrifice. Growth brings added responsibility, and as we expand to serve more families, we remain grounded in the same principles that built this organization: stewardship, integrity, and trust.
We are honored that families entrust us with their futures, and we are equally grateful that you entrust us with your support. Because of that partnership, we are able to award scholarships, open doors, and provide stability in moments that can otherwise feel uncertain. Every scholarship represents more than financial assistance. It represents belief from a grateful nation and a community stepping forward to remind these families that they are not alone.
As we look ahead, we do so with humility, knowing this mission is larger than any one of us. Our commitment remains clear: to serve more families, honor legacies, steward every dollar wisely, and remain worthy of the trust placed in us.
Thank you for standing with us. We are grateful for your support and do not take it for granted.
COL NICK NICHOLS, President
For those who’ve lost a loved one or had their lives turned upside down when a loved one is severely injured or disabled in the line of duty, every single day is a challenge. But the holidays can be an especially painful reminder of everything that’s been lost.
That’s why it was so incredibly rewarding to be able to deliver an unexpected holiday surprise to 920 additional families of our nation’s heroes during December of 2023. That’s 920 more scholarships than we originally planned to award this year, all made possible by your generosity.
As always, your faithfulness humbles and amazes us. Just like the heroes for whom this mission was founded, you never fail to go above and beyond the call of duty. When we send out an ask, you always come back with a resounding yes. Yes, we will go the distance. Yes, we will meet sacrifice with hope. Yes, we will be the voice that tells a nation its heroes will not be forgotten.
Thanks to you, the number of unfunded applications was reduced by one-third in 2023. That’s more than $4 million in funds and 920 lives that will forever be changed. When financial stress is lifted for these deserving families, it makes way for warmer embraces, merrier memories, and lighter spirits all year long. Together, we can continue to make the holiday seasons and thousands of futures so much brighter.
HONORED TO SERVE OUR FIRST RESPONDER
FAMILIES
SCHOLARSHIPS 340
Guided by our unwavering purpose to meet sacrifice with hope we proudly expanded our mission to include the families of America’s first responders. Sacrifice knows no boundaries, and millions of first responders stand ready each day to protect and serve our communities. From the frontlines to the home front, Folds of Honor is here to ensure that America’s heroes and their families are never forgotten.
In our first year of serving these incredible families, 71 qualified applicants stepped forward, and we were deeply honored to award scholarships to every single one. By our second year, that number grew to 269, each one a testament to the dedication of spouses and children committed to carrying forward the legacies of their loved ones. Witnessing their resilience has been profoundly inspiring.
First responders, firefighters, law enforcement officers, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and others selflessly answer the call in moments of crisis, providing safer communities for us all. It is our privilege to stand with you in honoring their commitment by giving back to their families through the transformative gift of education.
HONORED
HONORED TO SERVE
MEET A RECIPIENT FROM THE 2023
CLASS OF THE FIRST RESPONDER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
CARRIE LAWRENCE | LEES SUMMIT, MO
Carrie’s husband, Andrew, dedicated nine years of his life to law enforcement, a career fueled by his passion for serving others. Tragically, Officer Andrew Lawrence passed away on January 31, 2021.
Carrie is honoring his legacy by pursuing a degree in social work at Missouri State University. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, her goal is to educate local agencies and families on preventing suicide among first responders—a mission rooted in hope and the desire to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.
HONORED TO SERVE
“We honor our purpose and remember this immutable truth: we are better together”
YOUR DONATION BECOMES THEIR FUTURE
Life-Changing THE
POWER OF 13
When passion for a cause, love of country, and the power of the human spirit come together, it’s a force for good that can’t be stopped. That’s the power of the Folds of Honor monthly donors: a community of grateful Americans committed to meeting sacrifice with hope. They are the reason we can make a big difference every day in the lives of so many.
With a $13-a-month pledge , these faithful supporters make up the highest-potential, recurring-revenue generator we have.
In fact, data shows 42% more revenue is generated per year with recurring donors, with up to 800% more lifetime revenue from an individual recurring donor.
1200
TOURNAMENTS
300
MARATHONS
In American Dunes’ infancy, Rooney and Nicklaus dreamed of holding a college event at the site. The Folds of Honor Collegiate debuted in 2022 and remains a mainstay televised event on The Golf Channel.
Last year, we reported one of our biggest years of golf participation yet. In 2023 - 2024 the trend continued with courses and individual golfers uniting around our cause, funding thousands of scholarships through the game we love.
Patriot Golf Days, celebrated over Memorial Day weekend, remains the largest grassroots golf fundraiser in the U.S. Along with benefitting Folds of Honor, the nationwide event assisted PGA HOPE.
In 2023 an idea, Folds of Honor Friday took shape with the goal of bringing the National Anthem to professional golf. Adopted by 24 tour events in year 1, Folds of Honor Friday brings players and patrons together to honor our service men and women and celebrate this great country.
AMERICAN INTERIORS AT INVERNESS GOLF CLUB
AMERICAN DUNES
WINGMAN OPEN PA
SUNTRUP AUTOMOTIVE GROUP GOLF CLASSIC
THE GOLF CLUB OF GEORGIA
FRIENDS OF THE FOLDS OPEN
MINNESOTA WINGMAN OPEN
CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY
PATRIOT SHOOTOUT – BATON ROUGE
THE ACCESS OPEN
TREVISO BAY GOLF CLUB
LA CUMBRE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB
EUGENE COUNTRY CLUB
BEAR CREEK GOLF CLUB
SOUTHERN ILLIANA PATRIOTS
JT LOGISTICS CHARITY GOLF OUTING
THE MYRTLE BEACH PATRIOTS
STEVE WHITE MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING
The Collegiate, an NCAA golf tournament sponsored by American Dunes, Folds of Honor, Michigan State, and the Golf Coaches Association of America, was also formed in 2022 with the mission of raising money and support for Folds of Honor and the GCAA Presidential Scholarship Fund. The tournament is broadcasted nationally – taking public awareness of the tournament and both organizations to an incredible new level.
We may be nearly 20 years down the road, but we feel we’re just getting started. With the expansion of our efforts to include our first responder brothers and sisters, the call to duty is larger than ever now. But so is the hope. When we reflect on the number of Americans who have stepped forward and said “yes”, it reminds us all that while we may never meet face to face, we are united in a cause that connects us over thousands of miles and across generations. We have only just begun.
Folds of Honor Chapters are made up of grateful, like-minded patriots committed to growing a cause that connects the hearts of every American. This mission isn’t owned by those of us in the corporate office, it belongs to all of us. Together, we honor the men and women who have sacrificed to protect the very freedoms that allow us to participate in this work.
Each year, the Folds of Honor chapters work together locally to contribute to making a difference nationally. And in 2023, new chapters in Nevada and California joined the momentum – each with their own unique journey to launching.
NEW IN 2024
BOSTON
Established in 2024, the Boston chapter has quickly made a lasting impact, gaining support from notable celebrity donors including Drake May (Patriots Quarterback) and Dani Holmqvist (LPGA).
WISCONSIN
After raising over $1 million through golf outings at The Club at Lac La Belle, Wisconsin officially launched its Folds of Honor Chapter led by Matt Neumann. In 2025, the Chapter will expand to three major events with strong support from sponsors and donors across the state.
IOWA
The Iowa Chapter, led by Captain Jeramie Eginoire, had a strong first year with impactful events like the Ruck of Remembrance, Patriot Prom, and Courage Cup. In year two, they aim to grow their reach and support more families across the state.
OUR SINCERE THANKS GO OUT TO
Your investment of time, energy and dollars is inspiring. Thanks to your tireless commitment to standing in the gap and adding more grateful Americans to our ranks, the future for the heroic families we champion looks immensely brighter.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA NEVADA NEW MEXICO CALIFORNIA
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
ARIZONA
COLORADO PATRIOTS
EVERY CHAPTER IN THE COUNTRY.
CHICAGO
SOUTH DAKOTA
AMERICAN INTERIORS
ST. LOUIS
KANSAS
OKLAHOMA
NORTH TEXAS
CENTRAL TEXAS
SOUTH TEXAS
TENNESSEE
NORTHERN OHIO
EASTERN PA-NJ
WESTERN PA
CENTRAL OHIO WESTERN CAROLINA
GEORGIA PALMETTO STATE INDIANA ALABAMA
NORTH FLORIDA
SOUTHWEST FLORIDA EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA
BOSTON
ANHEUSER-BUSCH
$33 MILLION 6,600 SCHOLARSHIPS
PR/CLYDESDALES EVENTS
• 27 CITIES
• 45 EVENTS
• 43 REPRESENTATIVES AND CURRENT RECIPIENTS ATTENDED EVENTS
Thank you to Anheuser-Busch for their unwavering partnership in carrying the Folds of Honor mission across the country.
This year, their support helped us honor and remember the sacrifice of 6,600 military service members and first responders by providing life-changing scholarships to their dependents.
2023/2024 TOP CORPORATE PARTNERS
INSPIRING IMPACT
We are forever humbled by and grateful for the ongoing support of some of the most recognized brands in the world. These lifetime, loyal partners proudly carry our message forward and make a generational difference for the families of American heroes. It’s our honor to recognize them for their faithful generosity and exemplary commitment.
THE LEGACY CONTINUES AT FREDDY’S
The passion at Freddy’s Frozen Custard runs much deeper than the delicious treats featured on menus across America. What many people may not know is the founder of Freddy’s, Frederick “Freddy” Louis Simon, was a devoted patriot, proud American, and decorated veteran of the United States Army. A recipient of many awards, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, Freddy remained committed to passionate patriotism long after he was honorably discharged from the military in 1945 - frequently speaking to schools and organizations about his time in the service and the price of freedom
In 2021, shortly after Freddy’s death, Freddy’s Frozen Custard became a Folds of Honor partner. When his family requested that donations be made to Folds of Honor in lieu of flowers, it created the foundation for a partnership built on like-minded values and love of country. By 2022, the company contributed $160,000 through a November roundup effort in their stores nationwide, and in 2023 that total jumped to more than $430,000!
We are grateful for the growing partnership with Freddy’s that has enabled us to award scholarships to thousands of deserving Americans. It all began with one man’s faithful commitment to serving his country, and we’re proud to help continue his legacy.
Rinnai U.S.
Cpl. Scott A. McIntosh Mem. Tourn.
Wings of Freedom Foundation
Albertsons
Bill and Connie Schey
Tractor Supply Company Foundation
American Golf Corp.
Arcis Golf
David and Teryl Schawk Family Found.
Jim Glover Auto Family
Monster Energy Company
Stronghold, Ltd.
Robert and Kelly Douglass
Circle K
Capital One
Sallie Mae
Dave North
John and Chris Sapiente
Stan and Janice Pajerski
Paul and Barbara Shelton
Dick and Mimi Lappin
Craig and Mary Hudson
Century Golf Partners
ClubCorp
Doug and Kasia Mastrangeli
Blue Waters Foundation
Family Owned Community Coffee
Truemark Investments
CORT
WW Grainger Inc.
Great Lakes Division | Circle K
AAA-The Auto Club Group
Fore Golf Partners
Foresight Golf Management
GreatLIFE Golf and Fitness
KemperSports
Landscapes Unlimited Co.
McConnell Golf Group
OB Sports
Neil and Lyndsay Shelton
American Interiors
ONEOK
FOLDS OF HONOR IS A LEADING NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS FOR CHILDREN AND SPOUSES OF FALLEN OR DISABLED AMERICAN MILITARY SERVICE MEMBERS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.
SINCE 2007, FOLDS OF HONOR HAS AWARDED OVER 52,000 EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS.
45% OF ALL SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED REPRESENT MINORITY RECIPIENTS. $244M 52,000 45%
91% OF EVERY DOLLAR WE SPEND SUPPORTS OUR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM.
$244M 91% 4-STAR 52,000
OVER 52,000 EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS TOTAL AROUND $244 MILLION IN EDUCATIONAL IMPACT.
4-STAR 91%
FOLDS OF HONOR IS PROUD TO BE RATED 4 OUT OF 4 STARS BY CHARITY NAVIGATOR AND HAVE A PLATINUM RATING ON CANDID.
WEAR THE MISSION
WEAR THE MISSION
THE MISSION WEAR THE MISSION WEAR THE MISSION THE MISSION
Area Executive VP & Senior Director Transportation Practice, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Mission Hills, KS
CHRIS WILLIAMS
Executive Vice President, National Accounts and Customer Development, Southern Glazer’s
BRIAN WHITCOMB
Member & Past President, PGA of America Bend, OR
RYAN LEWELLYN
President, Tall Oak Midstream Oklahoma City, OK
LT COLONEL DAN ROONEY
Founder & CEO, Folds of Honor Owasso, OK
SCOTT MUELLER
Managing Director, Goldman Sachs & Co. Dallas, TX
JACQUELINE ROONEY
Co-Founder, Folds of Honor| Owasso, OK
NANCY LOPEZ
Co-Founder, Nancy Lopez Golf, Nancy Lopez Golf Adventures. World Golf & LPGA Hall of Fame Palm City, FL
STEPHEN HAWORTH
Managing Director & CFO, Flexpoint Ford Chicago, IL
WHY $13?
13 ISN’T JUST A NUMBER.
IT’S A SYMBOL OF PROFOUND
MEANING.
When a flag is folded and presented to a grieving family, it is done with deep reverence. That flag is folded 13 times. Each fold holds meaning. Each fold represents values like life, liberty, sacrifice, and remembrance. It’s one of the most solemn and powerful gestures a nation can offer to those who have lost a loved one in service.
Your monthly gift of $13 carries that same spirit. It transforms a symbol of loss into a commitment to hope. Each fold represents values like life, liberty, sacrifice, and remembrance.
WE REMEMBER. WE HONOR. WE WILL NOT LET YOUR SACRIFICE BE FORGOTTEN.” “
