Since 2007, Folds of Honor has committed to its mission of aiding the families of injured and fallen soldiers around the country.

Lt. Col. Dan Rooney takes this mission to heart. On a flight from Chicago to Michigan, Lt. Col. Rooney heard the pilot announce that the flight had “an American hero onboard”. He learned that the flight was carrying the remains of Corporal Brock Buckland, and his identical twin, Corporal Brad Buckland, was sitting in first class to bring his sibling home.

The moment had a profound impact on Rooney, who has made it his mission to help those who are left in the wake of losses such as these. For 16 years, his organization has worked to help the families of those who have served in various ways, including handing out nearly 44,000 life-changing scholarships.

Learn more at Folds of Honor.