Folds of Honor, an organization that works with families of disabled or fallen veterans and first responders, has opened up this year’s scholarship application window.

The organization began with Lt Col Dan Rooney’s flight home from his second tour of duty in Iraq. An F-16 fighter pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, he became painfully aware of the realities families face when a loved one in uniform is fallen or disabled. 

As his flight landed, the pilot announced they carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin on board. Rooney watched as Corporal Bucklin’s twin brother walked somberly alongside the flag-covered casket to meet his family on the tarmac. Among them was the deceased Corporal’s young son, Jacob.

Since that night, Lt Col Rooney has committed his life to rallying patriotic Americans through the Folds of Honor. 

The organization, formed in 2007, provides life-changing scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military. Over 44,000 scholarships have been awarded since it began. And this year, the mission expands to the families of America’s first responders who have fallen or are catastrophically injury. 

The scholarships’ application window opened on Feb. 1. The applications must be completed and submitted by March 15; the application window closes on March 31.  Scholarship Award Offer Letters will be emailed on July 15. 

“We ensure that families who’ve sacrificed for our country and communities receive the education and opportunities they deserve,” said Beth Simmons, President for the Eastern PA and NJ Chapter of Folds of Honor established in 2018. “Whether it’s K-12th grade or higher education, we believe these families should not incur any additional burdens in pursuit of their academic dreams.”

The all-volunteer regional chapter, like 31 other chapters across the US, raises awareness and holds fundraisers to support military and first responder families in Eastern PA and NJ.

During 2021, the chapter raised $350,000 toward supporting 122 scholarships for 2022, and raised over $500,000 in 2022 toward 170 scholarships  awarded for 2023.  The dollars raised in this region are subsidized by the national organization to meet the scholarship need for qualified families in Eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

In 2023, our Folds of Honor chapter is planning several events intended to increase their scholarship dollars for applicants in 2024.

Learn more about the important dates for the scholarship and events at Folds of Honor.