OWASSO, Okla. – Throughout the month of September, participating shooting facilities across the United States will support the Folds of Honor Foundation through Patriot Range Days, an initiative designed to combine love of shooting sports with love of country, while raising funds to provide scholarships to the families of those killed or disabled in service to their country.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of the shooting sports industry in launching the second annual Patriot Range Days,” said Major Dan Rooney, Folds of Honor founder. “With the support of our partners and ranges nationwide, Patriot Range Days can inspire others to give back to our military families and ensure their educational dreams are realized.”
“The NRA is proud to continue our support of our nation’s military families and Folds of Honor,” said NRA Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre. “Shooting sports enthusiasts participating in Patriot Range Day events are truly grateful to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedoms and we are humbled to provide a helping hand to those in need.”
Patriot Range Days is modeled after Patriot Golf Day, a yearlong initiative with a national promotion over Labor Day weekend that is supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association. Since its inception in 2011, PGA Professionals and USGA members have raised more than $17 million for Folds of Honor through their Patriot Golf fundraising efforts. To find participating facilities, or to make a donation online, consumers can go to FoldsofHonor.org.
“NSSF is honored to be a supporter of Folds of Honor and its Patriot Range Day initiative, and we encourage all target shooters to contribute to Folds of Honor when visiting a participating range,” said NSSF President and CEO Steve Sanetti. “I am proud to say that the firearms industry, along with shooters and hunters, are second to none in the admiration of and support for military veterans and their families.”
Since its inception in 2007, Owasso-based Folds of Honor has awarded more than 5,000 immediate and future-use educational scholarships to meet an ongoing need in our country. As of January 2012, more than one million dependents have been affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of these, 87 percent do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. For more information on Patriot Range Days or to make a donation, visit FoldsofHonor.org.
About the 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. Mission partners of Folds of Honor include Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser, Titleist, Pinnacle, Fifth Third Bank, AHEAD Inc., Bushnell, Golf Channel, POLO Golf, Golf Pride, QuikTrip, The Christie Cookie Company, St. Andrews Products, Foot Joy, Bolle, Serengeti, Rocky Boots, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Academy of Country Music (ACM), CORT, and World Class Fireworks.
