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Folds of Honor Commemorates National First Responders Day

On October 28, Americans will unite to celebrate National First Responders Day, a day to honor the bravery and dedication of individuals dedicated to protecting our communities. From police officers and firefighters to EMTs and paramedics, these heroes exemplify extraordinary courage, responding to every emergency call with unwavering commitment.

National First Responders Day serves as a reminder that courage and compassion characterize the spirit of America. Every six seconds, someone in America calls 911, confident that their call will be answered without hesitation. Folds of Honor acknowledges the men and women who take on these critical roles and the families who support them.

According to Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, the founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, ‘In a time when division seems to be ever-present, this day symbolizes unity. Across the nation, Americans express their gratitude for the service and sacrifice of those who keep us safe. They deserve more than just our thanks; they deserve opportunities and ongoing support.’

Since its establishment in 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded transformative scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled U.S. service members, and beginning in 2022, they extended their support to America's first responders as well. To date, the organization has awarded nearly 73,000 educational scholarships, amounting to over $340 million in total impact. Each scholarship is a testament to the commitment to meet sacrifice with hope, ensuring that the families of these heroes receive the educational benefits they are entitled to.

A donation to Folds of Honor not only supports educational scholarships for the families of fallen or disabled first responders, but it also represents a broader commitment to respecting their sacrifices. By funding scholarships, the organization aims to give these families every chance to succeed educationally and in life.

To this day, the scholarships can be used to cover costs for private school tuition or tutoring for K-12 students, college tuition, and technical or trade school expenses, including advanced degrees such as a master’s or professional program. Moreover, funding is available for a second bachelor's degree or certification programs relevant to trade or technical education.

Since its inception, Folds of Honor has reached numerous students, with 43 percent of them identifying as minorities and 57 percent as female. Impressively, 91 percent of funds are directed towards the mission of providing educational scholarships. The organization has received high ratings, achieving a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum ranking on Candid.

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot with three combat tours in Iraq and a PGA Professional, founded the organization, which is recognized for its impactful mission. As the commander of recruiting for the Oklahoma Air Guard, Rooney passionately advocates for the families of the fallen and disabled.

For more information or to contribute to a Folds of Honor scholarship, visit foldsofhonor.org or firstrespondersday.com.

This National First Responders Day is not just about honoring the people who put themselves on the line for our safety but also about uplifting the families who stand behind them. Let us remember to express our gratitude and support for those heroes who always stand ready to answer the call in times of emergency.