President George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States, named Honorary Chairman of Patriot Golf Day Weekend 2010

Tulsa, Okla. (August 19, 2010) – The Folds of Honor Foundation today announced it has named George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America, as the Honorary Chairman of Patriot Golf Day Weekend 2010. Patriot Golf Day events, held at thousands of participating golf courses over Labor Day weekend, raise money for scholarships for the families of military members killed or disabled in service to their country. Since its creation in 2007, Patriot Golf Day and its events, supported by The PGA of America and the United States Golf Association (USGA), have raised more than $5.3 million, and the Folds of Honor has awarded 1,163 scholarships and counting. “I am pleased to be associated with the Folds of Honor Foundation, and I encourage all golfers to get out and support this worthy cause,” said President Bush. “Education is the key to a future of hope and opportunity. When our heroes in uniform are killed or wounded in the line of duty, the citizens they protect and defend ought to help the families those heroes leave behind. Patriot Golf Day is a perfect way for people to have fun and support our military families at the same time.” Click here for a video of President Bush expressing his support for Patriot Golf Day. “President Bush led our country through the September 11 attacks and outlined a strategy that has kept our nation safe for nearly a decade,” said Major Dan Rooney, F-16 fighter pilot and founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation. “We were proud to honor his father, George H.W. Bush, with the Patriot Cup Award earlier this year. We are equally proud and honored to have his support to help our military families realize their educational dreams.” On Patriot Golf Day weekend, golfers have the opportunity to make donations to Folds of Honor for its scholarship program. Many courses all around the country ask golfers to add an additional $1 or more to their regular greens fees over Labor Day Weekend, while others host special events. The first Patriot Golf Day, organized in just a few short weeks, raised more than $1 million; last year’s Patriot Golf Day raised more than $2.3 million. Some 1,163 scholarships have been awarded by the Folds of Honor Foundation over the past three years. Rooney also added that President Bush has been a lifelong supporter of the USGA and has had a lifelong passion for the game of golf. About the Folds of Honor Foundation: Folds of Honor Foundation was founded in May 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, an F-16 Fighter Pilot, PGA Professional, and USGA member. A decorated military pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, Major Rooney has served three combat tours in Iraq. It was after his second tour, while a passenger on a commercial flight, that 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.