Elizabethton Softball Hosts Annual Folds of Honor Fundraiser
The annual Folds of Honor game took a step beyond the traditional intensity of a softball match this Monday evening in the picturesque city of Elizabethton. The game, played at Elizabethton High School, transcended the realms of sports to become a platform for honoring veterans and gathering contributions for the Folds of Honor scholarship program. Alongside the game, a car show was also hosted around the drop-off section of the school, amassing further funds for the cause.
A Cause Beyond the Game
A unique air of honor and solidarity pervaded the event, with Elizabethton High School alumnus Billy Sampson addressing attendees about the Folds of Honor program. Operational since 2007, the story of Folds of Honor appealed to the patriotic sentiments of those present. Folds of Honor was initiated by Lt. Col Dan Rooney after his second tour of duty in Iraq. Upon witnessing the plight of families wherein a member in uniform was fallen or disabled, Rooney determined to meet sacrifice with hope.
Folds of Honor started with the poignant incident of Corporal Brock Bucklin’s remains being removed from a flight Rooney was on, with Bucklin’s twin brother and young son, Jacob, waiting on the tarmac. It was this sight that moved Rooney to dedicate his life to raising scholarships for the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military personnel, later expanding the program to cover the families of the nation’s first responders as well.
Saluting the Ex-Servicemen
In a display of respect to the veterans, several joined the players for the pre-game. Among them, Veterans Sean Johnson and John Allen had the honor of throwing out the first pitches of the contest. All visitors were allowed free admission to the game and car show, with voluntary donations being accepted for the Folds of Honor program.
The event was sponsored by Horace Mann Insurance and included a tastefully selected display of various makes and models of trucks and cars for the Folds of Honor car show. Spidered around the event, snacks stalls like Dinky Donuts were also set up at the car show, which only added to the lively atmosphere.
On the Field
The game itself saw an energetic display of sportsmanship and skills by the Lady Cyclones who defeated the visiting Lady Warriors by a solid 10-0 score in just five innings. The event turned into an inspiring blend of sports, camaraderie, and patriotism, with an underlying note of community service ringing clear.
