Folds of Honor Appoints New Board Members at the 61st PGA Merchandise Show

Anheuser-Busch InBev, QuikTrip, Arthur J. Gallagher executives join foundation’s board

(ORLANDO, Fla.) – The Folds of Honor Foundation appointed three new board members at its meeting during the 61st PGA Merchandise Show, including Chris Williams, vice president of national sales, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Chuck O’Dell, vice president of sales and marketing, QuikTrip, and Larry Pfeiffer, area executive vice president, Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, and president of Gallagher Transportation Services.

“Our board members play a critical role in supporting our mission and allowing us to serve our nation’s military heroes and their families,” said Rooney. “We’re thrilled to have Chris, Chuck and Larry on our board to provide strategic vision and leadership as we continue on our mission to leave no families behind when it comes to education.”

Williams joined Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2001, serving in various lead sales positions before assuming his current role. Prior to joining the company, Williams worked in sales and marketing for the Stroh Brewery, Modelo Importing and Diageo. Williams earned his undergraduate degree at Kent State University and completed a company-sponsored executive MBA program at INSEAD and Wharton.

O’Dell has been with QuikTrip for 34 years, working his way from local assistant manager to vice president of sales and marketing. O’Dell oversees the corporate sales, marketing, production and distributing departments within the organization.

In addition to his position at Arthur J. Gallagher, Pfeiffer currently serves as the president of the Folds of Honor Foundation’s Kansas City Chapter. He also serves on the boards of the Alpha Xi Sigma Chi Educational Foundation and Sigma Chi Fraternity at the University of Kansas, where he earned his degree.

As of January 2014, more than 1.4 million dependents have been affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Of these, 85 percent do not qualify for federal scholarship assistance. To date, Folds of Honor has awarded more than 5,400 educational scholarships to the families of fallen or wounded soldiers. Individuals interested in contributing to the Folds of Honor, and those applying for scholarships should go to FoldsofHonor.org.

About the Folds of Honor Foundation:
Folds of Honor Foundation was founded in May 2007 by Major Dan Rooney, a former F-16 Fighter Pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, PGA Professional, and USGA member. A decorated military pilot in the Oklahoma Air National Guard, Major Rooney has served three combat tours in Iraq. It was after his second tour, while a passenger on a commercial flight, that he witnessed an event that would profoundly change his life. As the plane landed, the pilot announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, we have an American hero on board – Corporal Brock Bucklin. And his twin brother, Corporal Brad Bucklin, is accompanying him home from Iraq. As a sign of respect, please remain seated while Corporal Bucklin’s family receives him in his final homecoming.” Major Rooney watched through the window of the plane as the flag-draped casket was lowered. He saw a family waiting for Brock, and a little four-year old boy waiting for his father. This tragic homecoming inspired Major Rooney to create the Folds of Honor Foundation. That four-year old boy, Jacob, is the first Folds of Honor recipient of a Folds of Honor scholarship.