Dean's List For Monday, 25 May 2015

Memorial Day: If Unable to Golf, Happy to Report On Major Dan

Pulled up some old schedules to double check and confirmed today's the first time working on this meaningful holiday -- Memorial Day. For what our servicemen and women have done and appreciating the freedom to be able to work in safe conditions, it's the least we can do, right? Traditionally, a golf day with family or friends, instead today in the office and happily reporting on the game of golf.

It's a big day for our friend Major Dan Rooney and the Folds of Honor. If you've not met Major Dan, you should. Accessible, gregarious, disarming and patriotic of course, the former fighter pilot has grown today's golf event into one that is big enough to be carried live nationally on television and lure dozens of the biggest names in and out of golf to Owasso, OK.

Today's Patriot Cup at the Patriot Club Golf Club helps the Folds of Honor Foundation provide scholarships to the families of those who have been killed or disabled while on active duty in the U.S. Military.

The bad weather forced Rooney and Company to cut the tournament to a 9-hole event. The event has been broadcast by The Golf Channel in the past, but not shown on Memorial Day. Fox-Sports 1 carried today's event which is yet another stepping stone for Major Dan and his organization.

Heck, Robert O'Neill even showed this year. With all the appearances Rooney has made on Fox throughout the years and his charismatic personality, it was no surprise to see the Sr. Chief Petty Officer who killed Osama bin Laden was standing right there outside Tulsa on Rooney's terrific layout, promoting the Folds of Honor and the men and women who have served our country on this Memorial Day; a day our family celebrates having had a father who was a proud military man before a life in the ministry.

Rooney's a remarkable recruiter. Next year it wouldn't stun me to see McArthur standing next to Major Dan at next year's event. Maybe next year I'll join our friends in Owasso, but for now, we're happy to be able to brag about them and show them to you tonight on our News9 and NewsOn6 sportscasts at 6 and 10 p.m.

There are not finer men than our friend Dan Rooney. I say that because he has a record to support it and because I mean it -- not because it might help persuade Major Dan to get me in one of his long-promised golf games with President George W. Bush!

Congratulations to Major Dan, the PGA, LPGA, Champions and Legends Tour golfers and participants. Well done, on a day we are fortunate to celebrate -- wherever we may be!