Owasso Golf Course On A Mission To Help Families Of Service Men And Women

By Dan Bewley, The News On 6

OWASSO, OK -- The military is the center of attention for an Owasso golf course. The mission of The Patriot is to help the families of service men and women. 

Giving a helping hand comes as a huge relief for our veterans.

At first glance, Sgt. Derrick Ford looks like your average golfer, but a closer look shows the result of a roadside bomb in Afghanistan.

"Blew apart both of my heels, one was internal injuries and one was severe tissue damage," said Sgt. Derrick Ford, U.S. Army.

His story is a familiar one at The Patriot.

"I got titanium in face, half my face is titanium, 75% of my back is titanium," said Sgt. Charles Eggleston, U.S. Army Ret.

"Wounds all to the left side of my body," said Major Ed Pulido, U.S. Army Ret.

The three men suffered life-changing injuries while serving their country proud. This Memorial Day they're guests of Folds of Honor, a foundation based at Owasso's newest golf club, The Patriot.

"This is just a very ceremonial, but a day of remembrance for all of those that have served our nation," said Pulido.

Folds of Honor helps military men and women through college scholarships, more than 1,000 in the past three years worth $5 million. From Sgt. Ford's 9-month old twins, to Major Ed Pulido's nine and four-year-old daughters, as well as Sgt. Charles Eggleston's teenage children who are preparing for medical school in Maryland.

"It's just great. They're filling the gap that DoD hasn't done. They never thought about the family and when a soldier becomes a wounded warrior and are injured, our whole life stops," said Eggleston.

Each of the men says when they were injured, a thousand things went through their minds, but the first was their family. Now thanks to Folds of Honor they have one less worry.

"This enlightens and it makes it easier for me, my rehab and just all around," said Eggleston.

It's another example of Oklahomans helping veterans, this time, one swing at a time.

Learn more about Folds of Honor and see how a loved one could be eligible for a scholarship.