The Folds of Honor Foundation, which provides scholarships to the spouses and children of fallen or disabled U.S. service members, has expanded its outreach to America’s first responders including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics. According to a press release, there are over two million first responders in the United States, and this expansion will allow Folds of Honor to help those who have made sacrifices while serving their communities.
The announcement came on the 21st anniversary of the day after the September 11 attacks to honor the heroes who risked their lives that day and in the months that followed. Folds of Honor Founder and CEO, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, stated, “This move reflects our purpose to meet sacrifice with hope. The decision to launch our first responder scholarships is in reverence to those who paid the ultimate price on September 11th, 2001. The following day was a defining moment in our history, as Americans responded to tragedy by putting differences aside, rallying together, and standing as one. It is our hope that the expanded Folds of Honor mission will inspire unity once again. Without question, it will let first responders and their families know that they are not alone.”
Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 44,000 educational scholarships to provide recipients with an opportunity to pursue their “academic dreams.” Like the original ‘Military Scholarships,’ the ‘First Responders Scholarships’ will help relieve some of the burden that may be placed on the families to pay for educational opportunities.
Giving back to the families of those who have sacrificed for our nation and our communities through Folds of Honor is one way we can let them know that they are appreciated, thought of, and cared for. With the compassion, generosity, and gratitude of those who give to Folds of Honor, the spouses and children of our fallen and disabled heroes are given hope for their futures and a heart filled with love from all who have taken the time to say thank you.