Howard Bachman, a retired Army colonel and long-time Williamsburg resident, spearheaded an impressive fundraising effort that culminated in a donation of $103,000 to the Folds of Honor charity. This initiative, which aims to support families of fallen military members and first responders, was made possible through the collective efforts of his West Point classmates and a charity golf tournament held at the Golden Horseshoe Golf Course on March 18, 2024.
Bachman has been actively involved in organizing the annual tournament for the past seven years. Over this time, he has worked diligently to raise funds for the Folds of Honor Foundation, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to the spouses and children of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
During the event, nearly three dozen classmates from the West Point Class of 1964, along with some widows of fallen comrades, participated in a special four-day reunion program. Attendees gathered at the Williamsburg Inn to formally present the donation to Allen Wronowski, regional impact officer for Folds of Honor. Wronowski praised the class, describing them as “an amazing group of people” and emphasized that the scholarships funded by their contributions would significantly impact the recipients’ lives.
Before the tournament, the group held a solemn memorial service, honoring their classmates who lost their lives, particularly during the Vietnam War. The service included the reading of names and the playing of “Taps,” creating a poignant moment of remembrance and reflection.
With the support of his classmates, Bachman has been successful in rallying funds over the years. He encouraged his peers to recognize and honor their fallen classmates, which helped solidify the motivation behind this year’s donation.
Bachman expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to give back, stating that his involvement with the tournament was a way to “pay forward for people who have previously helped me, since I can’t pay backward.” He underscored the importance of education, noting that it can be “life-changing” for the students who benefit from the scholarships provided by Folds of Honor.
In addition to the main donation, sponsors and supporters of the tournament raised another $47,000, which will fund at least nine additional scholarships. This collective effort not only illustrates the camaraderie within the West Point community but also highlights the ongoing commitment to support military families in need.
As the event concluded, it was clear that the impact of this gathering would extend well beyond the golf course, providing essential support to those who have sacrificed so much for their country.
