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, Folds of Honor has provided life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled military and first responders. On our watch, those who protect our freedoms and our families will know they are not forgotten.