It began with Lt Col Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled.
As his flight landed, the pilot announced they carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board. Lt Col Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son, Jacob.
Since that night, Lt Col Rooney has committed his life to rallying patriotic Americans and meeting sacrifice with hope through the Folds of Honor. Since 2007, we’ve provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. And now, our mission expands to the families of America’s first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten.
We the people have found what unites us. It’s our honor to empower people from every walk of life through education and the opportunities it creates. Forty-one percent of Folds of Honor scholarships are awarded to minorities, making our recipient family as diverse as the country we call home.
Over 44,000 educational scholarships have been awarded since 2007.
American Dunes Golf Club is a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course that is a tribute to the military and commemorates the birthplace of Folds of Honor. The facility, which is located a few hundred yards from the east shore of Lake Michigan, is a dunes-like course, utilizing the dramatic local topography and sand base that covers the property. The course is a par 72 that measures 7,213 yards and has rolling and generous fairways.
Visit americandunesgolfclub.com to learn more
GCAA Presidential Scholarship Fund
The GCAA Presidential Scholarship Fund provides annual academic support for deserving children and grandchildren of GCAA members. Currently, $10 from each membership goes toward the scholarship fund.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all contributions to the GCAA Presidential Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible. Receipts recognizing contributions will be emailed by the GCAA National Office staff. If you have questions or suggestions regarding any aspect of this initiative, please do not hesitate to give the GCAA National Office a call at (405) 329-4222.
