My name is Major Edward Pulido, U.S Army, (Ret.). I spent 19 years of my life serving the greatest nation in the world. Like many service members my story begins while serving a combat tour in Baquoba, Iraq. It was 17 August 2004. On that fateful day I hit an Improvised Explosive Device (I.E.D.). This particular road side bomb’s wrath would lead to the amputation of my left leg and would change my life and my family’s life forever.
As I struggled to breathe and as my faith in God was tested, I remember a comment that my father once made that had a powerful impact on my life. He told me that when I take the oath to serve my nation, as an officer in the United States Army, I have a duty and responsibility to God, my country, my family and to those men and women who serve under my command. In addition, he explained to me the importance of making sure that as a nation we must always understand that we never leave anyone behind on the field of battle . On that day my Non- Commissioned Officers honored my father’s vision.
Finally, my father concluded by telling me that as a citizen of this great country we have a patriotic duty and responsibility to honor our fallen and take care of our wounded. It is with this vision that I am proud to say that I am a part of one of the country’s most prestigious foundations.
The Folds of Honor Foundation, in collaboration with the PGA, the USGA and so many others, not only fulfills my father’s vision of not leaving anyone behind but supports a vision by its founder, F-16 fighter pilot Dan Rooney, to ensure that families of the fallen and wounded have the right educational foundation. I am proud and honored to say that my family is a recipient of the Folds of Honor Foundation Scholarship. This gift is an investment in the education of my beautiful children, Kaitlin and Kinsley.
In conclusion, I want to thank my good friend and personal hero, Captain Dan Rooney. I also want to thank our patriotic partners and donors of this great nation who are making an investment in so many children’s futures. Together we are making a difference in the lives of the families of our fallen and our wounded. They deserve it and the Folds of Honor Foundation is ready to provide it. Thank you for the wonderful gift and investment.
General Peter Pace once told me at Brooke Army Medical Center, “Always remember that on that day you did not lose a leg. On that day you sacrificed it for your country and for all in this nation to be free.” This was a poignant statement by a passionate leader.
I thank God and my country for the Folds of Honor Foundation.
For more information about Folds of Honor visit www.foldsofhonor.com/
