Aug. 25, 2008 -- Major Dan Rooney is on a mission -- not exactly a surprise considering the F-16 fighter pilot is set to embark on his third tour of duty in Iraq. But this particular mission involves you, the golfer, and offers a way that all of America can contribute and express their appreciation to the men and women who defend our freedoms overseas.

Major Dan Rooney (with wife Jackie) is the driving force behind Patriot Golf Day. (Photo: Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

Rooney, who is also a PGA Professional, resides in Broken Arrow, Okla., and is co-owner of Grand Haven Golf Club in Michigan. But he may be best known as the founder and spokesman for Patriot Golf Day - an event designed to raise scholarship money for the children of servicemen and women who are wounded or killed in overseas conflicts. Last year's inaugural Patriot Golf Day raised $1.1 million dollars and funded over 200 scholarships for families. This year, the fighter pilot hopes to aim even higher.

Inspired and heartbroken after watching a family receive the body of a fallen soldier on a rainy Michigan tarmac -- and even more, the soldier's young son there to offer a final goodbye -- Rooney dedicated himself to finding a way to honor those whose ultimate sacrifice for their country left their families with financial burdens. His enthusiasm and commitment compelled several partners, from The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association, to sponsors such as TaylorMade-adidas golf and the National Association of Golf Course Owners, to lend their marketing and financial support as well.

The results have been exciting -- as is the potential for growth.

Dan Rooney, pictured with scholarship recipients from the first Patriot Golf Day. (Photo: Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)

In fact, in 2008, Patriot Golf Day is more than a day - it will run the entire Labor Day Weekend from Fri. Aug. 29th to Mon. Sept. 1st. And Dan Rooney and all of the Armed Services of the United States is asking you for help.

So what can you do?

Play golf! Really. It's just that simple.

"I tell people that this is the ultimate pass," says Rooney, "that there should be no mowing the grass this Labor Day weekend, your country needs you."

At a number of golf courses throughout the country, participants will be asked to donate a minimum of $1 as they pay their greens fees which will go to the Folds of Honor Foundation, the charitable organization founded by Rooney that distributes the scholarships. Courses will match the donations they take in and several corporate sponsors will make donations as well. (Those who do not golf can still make a donation via http://www.patriotgolfday.com/.)

And though the Labor Day weekend fast approaches, it is not too late to have your local course sign up to participate. At the very least, for those courses who are not aware of the program, it would be an ideal time to have the management at your facility become aware of this tremendous opportunity for future years to come.

So as the long weekend approaches, it is a good time to celebrate the gifts of family, friendship and opportunities to enjoy great times on the golf course. Even more, it is an ideal time to reflect on the freedoms we have and those who give their all for the greater good of this country. As golfers, we're always looking for a reason to go play. Now we have one - the best one. Happy Labor Day Weekend and Patriot Golf Day! See you on the course.