At the beginning of my sophomore year, I sat in a meeting for UNC student-athletes to learn about the outreach opportunities available that year. As they listed off numerous ways we could volunteer in the community—hospital visits, Habitat for Humanity, serving at the SECU House, reading at elementary schools, and more—I couldn’t help but feel like something was missing. I didn’t see any way we could honor or give back to our military.
Growing up, I was taught to deeply appreciate the men and women who valiantly serve our country. Both of my grandfathers served in the military. My mom’s father, Pop Pop, fought in World War II. Sadly, he passed away before I was born, so I never had the chance to witness his patriotism firsthand. My dad’s father, Opa, served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. His deep respect for those who served—both past and present—was always clear. He passed in 2012, but the lessons he taught me continue to shape my life (which I’ll pay tribute to later in my blog). One moment in particular will stay with me forever: saying my final goodbye at his funeral. As the three-volley salute rang out and the perfectly folded American flag was handed to my grandmother, I felt the most helpless sorrow I’d ever known. I thought about the pain loved ones must feel when they see the flag draped over the casket of a soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice.
My grandfather lived a full life and passed at age 73 from lung cancer. While we all wished for more time, I often think about the grief families must bear when their loved ones die young while selflessly protecting our freedoms.
My grandpa, David “Fritz” Walker, during his time in the service.
As I sat in that outreach meeting, that memory came flooding back—and I was filled with a passion to find a way to honor the people who deserve far more than we can ever give. As a Division I athlete, I knew I stood on a unique platform to make a difference.
My first thought was Folds of Honor. The organization provides scholarships for the children and spouses of fallen or disabled service members. I knew they had strong ties to the golf world through partnerships with various companies and tournaments. As a loyal Titleist and FootJoy fan, I always wore my pair of MyJoys with the 13-Fold flag on the heel. It was my first small way of paying tribute to our military.
After doing some research and reaching out to Folds of Honor, I was fortunate to connect with Mr. Tony Biata, VP of Patriot Golf Day. He introduced me to the Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program, which was open to both high school and collegiate golf teams. It felt like the perfect opportunity had landed in my lap.
The Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program allows golf teams to honor a fallen or disabled veteran while raising funds for the organization. Each season, our team carries a special golf bag with the name of the soldier we’re honoring. A different team member carries it at each tournament. It’s always the last bag loaded into the van and the first one taken out—handled with the utmost care and respect.
This year, we’re honoring U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Michael A. Mackey. His daughter, Krista, is also a senior at UNC and a Folds of Honor scholarship recipient. We’ve had the privilege of spending time with her this semester, and we’re looking forward to meeting Sergeant Mackey.
Current team with Krista Mackey, Sergeant Mackey’s daughter.
North Carolina ranks second behind Texas in Folds of Honor fundraising—primarily due to Texas’s size. But as the saying goes: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.” I’m hoping our team can help close that gap and raise even more funds here in North Carolina. One scholarship costs $5,000, and we’re aiming to raise at least that much this year.
I hope this blog gave you a moment to reflect with sincere gratitude for the men and women serving our country. If you feel moved to support our team’s fundraising efforts, you can donate by clicking this [LINK] or by texting UNCFOH to 833-843-1313 to make a credit card donation. Any amount is deeply appreciated.
And if you’re currently serving, in the reserves, or a veteran—I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’m grateful every day for the freedoms we enjoy, and I know it’s because of people like you that America remains what it is. Thank you.
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