Overland Park, Kan. – Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry leader in sports optics and outdoor accessories for 65 years, has announced its 2012 contribution to Folds of Honor Foundation will total $145,000. Since establishing a partnership in 2010, the optics leader has contributed more than $450,000 to Folds of Honor, supporting the spouses and children of disabled or fallen soldiers.
Founded by Major Dan Rooney in 2007, Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of service members disabled or killed during U.S. military service. Major Rooney, a former F-16 pilot who served three tours in Iraq, founded Folds of Honor to ensure that families of fallen servicemen and women are never left behind on the field of battle.
In addition to the contribution, Bushnell has partnered with country music star Craig Morgan on a donation download program benefitting the Folds of Honor. A 10-year veteran of the U.S. Army, Morgan wrote and dedicated a song titled “What Matters Most” to the heroes Folds of Honor supports.
The track, a tribute to the millions of service men and women who defend America’s freedom, parallels the stories of so many who have lost loved ones on the field of battle. For each download of “What Matters Most,” Bushnell will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to Folds of Honor.
“Bushnell continues to be an incredible partner that is willing to put its money and marketing support behind ensuring that no family gets left behind when it comes to education,” said Major Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor president and founder. “Thanks to the generosity from partners like Bushnell, we have now awarded more than 3,800 scholarships to deserving families,” added Rooney.
About Folds of Honor Foundation Major Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional, USGA member and former F-16 military pilot with the Oklahoma Air National Guard, founded the Folds of Honor Foundation in 2007 following his second of three tours of duty in Iraq. While a passenger on a commercial flight, 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. More than one million dependents have been affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of these, 85 percent do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. Individuals interested in contributing to the Folds of Honor, and those applying for scholarships should go to FoldsofHonor.org.
About Bushnell Outdoor Products Bushnell Outdoor Products is a global manufacturer and marketer of branded consumer products based in Overland Park, Kansas. Bushnell Outdoor Products sells its products worldwide under the Bushnell®, Butler Creek®, Final Approach®, Hoppe’s®, Millett®, Night Optics, Primos®, Simmons®, Stoney Point®, Tasco®,Uncle Mike’s®, Uncle Mike’s Law Enforcement®, and the following eyewear brands: Bollé®, Cébé® and Serengeti®. For information about any of these brands or products, please contact Bushnell Public Relations at (913) 752-6105.
