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Dan Rooney

WSB Exclusive Speaker

Motivational Speaker, Fighter Pilot, Patriotic Philanthropist, PGA Professional, Golf Course Developer, and Author, A Patriot's Calling: Living Life Between Fear and Faith and Fly Into the Wind, How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness On Your Ascent to Greatness

Lt Col Dan Rooney, USAF is founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, a foundation that provides academic scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military service members and first responders. Folds has provided over 51,000 scholarships, 45% to minorities, since its inception in 2007. Lt Col Rooney is a highly-decorated F-16 fighter pilot and has flown three combat tours in Iraq. He served as a motivational speaker for two US Ryder Cup Teams and is the only-ever fighter pilot/PGA Professional. His second book, Fly Into The Wind, is a bestseller and he hosts a Fox TV show by the same name. He is a frequent contributor to Fox News.

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Dan Rooney'S SPEAKING FEE $25K - $40K

Dan Rooney Profile Photo

As an author he has written two bestselling books, A Patriot’s Calling—Living Life between Fear and Faith and Fly Into the Wind, How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness On Your Ascent to Greatness.

From humble beginnings above his garage, Lt Col Rooney started the non-profit Folds of Honor. Its singular mission is to provide educational scholarships to the spouses and children of wounded or killed military service members. In 13 years, Folds of Honor has provided nearly 44,000 life- changing scholarships totaling over $200 million dollars. Among the students served, 41 percent are minorities.

As a PGA Professional, he started Patriot Golf Day to benefit Folds of Honor and founded two nationally ranked golf clubs, The Patriot Golf Club in Tulsa, Oklahoma and American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan in collaboration with Jack Nicklaus.

Lt Col Rooney continues his military service as aggressor pilot as a proud member of the 301st Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB in Destin, Florida. Rooney is a decorated military aviator; he is a two-time recipient of the Top Gun award and was honored with the Spirit of Attack award as a top graduate of F-16 training. He has received many decorations to include the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Medal, Anti-terrorism Medal, Combat Readiness Medal and Air Expeditionary Medal. For his service and patriotism, Rooney was presented the White House’s “Presidential Volunteer Service Award” by President George W. Bush, the Air National Guard’s “Distinguished Service Medal”, the Air National Guard’s “Directors Service Award” and the Ellis Island “Medal of Honor”.

Lt Col Rooney is a Kansas University Distinguished Alumni, Significant Sigma Chi, NCAA Silver Anniversary Award honoree and recipient of the Oklahoma Medal of Freedom. He was honored at the Masters Tournament with the “William D. Richardson Award” for his outstanding contributions to golf and received the PGA of America’s first-ever “Patriot Award”. He has been recognized as one of People Magazine‘s “Heroes of the Year”, Money Magazine’s “Hero of the Year” and ABC World News Tonight‘s “Persons of the Year.” He was a CNN Hero and awarded the Fox Nation Ultimate Patriot Award.

He lives in Owasso, Oklahoma with his wife, five daughters, and three dogs.

Featured Videos

Dan Rooney Profile Photo
Dan Rooney

Lt. Col Dan Rooney says to Go Before You’re Ready

Dan Rooney Profile Photo
Dan Rooney

Lt Col. Dan Rooney on When Things Don’t Go Our Way

Dan Rooney Profile Photo
Dan Rooney

Lt. Col Dan Rooney on Volition

Dan Rooney Profile Photo
Dan Rooney

Lt. Col Dan Rooney on CAVU

Dan Rooney Profile Photo
Dan Rooney

Lt. Col Dan Rooney – Folds of Honor: The Mission 2018

Dan Rooney Profile Photo
Dan Rooney

Lt. Col Dan Rooney – Folds of Honor: The Mission 2018

Lt. Col Dan Rooney says to Go Before You’re Ready

Lt Col. Dan Rooney on When Things Don’t Go Our Way

Lt. Col Dan Rooney on Volition

Lt. Col Dan Rooney on CAVU

Lt. Col Dan Rooney – Folds of Honor: The Mission 2018

Dan Rooney’s Speech Topics

  • CAVU: Live Unlimited

    CAVU offers a daily pathway for clarity of purpose, fulfillment, pressing through life storms, and a deep relationship with God. His keynote incorporates leadership, fighter pilot lessons, Folds of Honor, unlocking talents through faith, and embracing resistance with a resilient spirit. 

What other organizations say about Dan Rooney

In a word, OUTSTANDING! Seriously, the room was completely moved and inspired. The panel that followed had a little trouble getting through their opening because Major Rooney’s remarks were so stirring.

Financial Services

What other organizations say about Dan Rooney

Everything was outstanding. Dan Rooney was great and his speech fit perfectly with my theme. What a great guy!

Financial Services

What other organizations say about Dan Rooney

Major Dan’s remarks made a huge impact on the group. His story is so meaningful and inspirational. He was very well received and so many of our group got a chance to speak with him and thank him for his service. He made us all so proud to be Americans! I believe there are several interested in becoming involved with Folds of Honor as well. He is the best speaker we have had in some time !We are honored to have met him and heard his story.

Utility

What other organizations say about Dan Rooney

The motivational and inspiring speech from Major Rooney last Friday was a memory our employees will never forget. He ran the spectrum from tears to laughter and we were all sitting listening to him and not wanting him to leave. He was an absolutely perfect speaker for our team and I can’t thank you enough for your recommendation and for making it a flawless event.

Food

What other organizations say about Dan Rooney

The time that Major Rooney spent with the team was both emotional and incredibly motivational. I’ve never seen a speaker capture the attention of a Ryder Cup team quite like I witnessed with Dan. I know this will help our team compete at the highest level.

Leisure

What other organizations say about Dan Rooney

Dan Rooney was a huge hit! He’s such a nice guy and gave such a wonderful and uplifting speech he was enjoyed by all and I heard many wonderful comments. He also came out in the main foyer and visited with everyone after the program. What a great guy! Thanks to everyone at WSB for a great job!

Construction

What other organizations say about Dan Rooney

Major Dan Rooney was THE BEST SPEAKER EVER!!!! Our crowd loved him, and many of our members commented that it was the best speaker they’ve ever heard at an industry event. He was a perfect fit for our folks! Thanks again for being so great to work with and for making our meeting such a success!

Telecommunications

What other organizations say about Dan Rooney

Wanted you to know that Major Dan Rooney was fantastic today! He was extremely personable and did a great job! So many great comments about him. Our audience LOVED him!

Education Programs

Works by Dan Rooney

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