INDIANAPOLIS – The Folds of Honor Foundation will present educational scholarships to the three children of Indianapolis Fire Captain Gary Henry, a sergeant in the Indiana National Guard who was killed last year while serving in Iraq. The presentation, which ensures funds for their college education, will be made at a ceremony held during the Indiana PGA of America Section meeting on March 9.
Folds of Honor is a legacy foundation that awards scholarships to spouses and dependent children of service members disabled or killed in military service. Folds of Honor founder Maj. Dan Rooney and Executive Director Ed Pulido, a retired Army major, will honor the 34-year-old father’s three children, Shelby (15), Gavin (11) and Ashton (8). They will be joined by Indiana Adjutant General Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, PGA of America President Jim Remy, Indianapolis Fire Chief Brian Sanford and other dignitaries.
“Gary Henry was a true American Hero who served both his country and his community. Folds of Honor is proud to be able to assist his children in this small way thanks to the PGA Professionals in the Indiana section and the 28,000 PGA Professionals across the country,” said Rooney.
The Henry family was introduced to Folds of Honor by Ted Bishop, a PGA Professional and general manager of The Legends of Indiana Country Club. Bishop, who also serves as The PGA of America’s secretary, wanted to assist the family after Henry’s death and worked with Maj. Gen. Umbarger to connect them with Folds of Honor.
“As a member of the Indianapolis community, I was incredibly moved when I read about Sgt. Henry,” said Bishop. “The PGA of America, along with the USGA and others, has worked with Folds of Honor to raise money for educational scholarships for the families of fallen and disabled heroes. On behalf of all PGA Professionals in our section, I am incredibly proud that we can help this family.”
A member of the National Guard’s 38th Military Police Company of Danville, Henry was on a combat operation in southern Baghdad when a roadside bomb hit his vehicle. Henry, a 12-year veteran of the fire department, had been overseeing special operations rescues, specializing as a driver and a paramedic.
Rooney, also a PGA Professional, is an F-16 fighter pilot in the Air National Guard and has served three tours of duty in Iraq. Pulido, the Folds of Honor executive director, lost his left leg in 2004 during combat operations in Iraq due to injuries sustained when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle.
The primary fundraiser for the charity is Patriot Golf Day, a collaborative effort hosted at courses across the nation every Labor Day weekend that is supported by The PGA of America and United States Golf Association. Golfers are asked to add an extra dollar to their greens fee or make a donation throughout the weekend. Since launching in 2007, Patriot Golf Day has generated more than $3 million in donations for Folds of Honor. Last year, 78 facilities in Indiana participated in Patriot Golf Day generating more than $36,000 in donations.
This year, Patriot Golf Day activities will take place at courses across the United States on Sept. 4-7. Participating courses can be found at PatriotGolfDay.com. To make a donation or identify a family who might qualify for a scholarship, visit FoldsofHonor.org.
Contact:
Tammy Boclair, Alday Communications, (615) 791-1535 x26, tammy@aldaycommunications.com
Lisa Chambers, Director of Marketing & Communications, Indiana PGA Section, Cell: 317-626-2211, lchambers@indianagolf.org
