COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The Ohio State women’s golf team has dedicated its season to honoring the legacy of fallen and disabled military members through the Folds of Honor program. The team has been raising money for scholarships and keeping the stories of these heroes alive.
“I think at the end of the day when we look back, we want to know that there was a purpose for them and what we get to do and carry on their legacy and go on another mission with them is pretty tremendous,” said OSU Women’s Golf head coach Lisa Strom.
Strom has participated in the Folds of Honor program throughout her career as a head coach and brought the program to Ohio State. This year, the team honored Technical Sergeant Anthony Campbell. Thomas Oswald, the Ohio State University Golf Club facility manager, knew Sergeant Campbell and his family and reached out to Strom with a heartfelt email about Anthony’s story.
“I remember reading it in the evening at home thinking, ‘Oh my gosh, like how amazing and how special that is. So to be able to do this not only for Emily and their family but also for Thomas has been a huge impact on our program,” said Strom.
Sergeant Campbell was a member of the Ohio National Guard and Air Force Reserve. He died in 2009 while deactivating an enemy device in Afghanistan. “He was credited and honored for saving several soldiers, airmen, and civilian lives,” said Strom.
The Buckeyes have made a lasting impact on Anthony’s family and have dedicated a golf bag in his honor.
“When they wanted to honor him after all this time, it was very humbling,” said Anthony’s widow, Emily. “What they do for fallen heroes and their families is more than words can express. He loved his career and would not have changed a thing. Since receiving the golf bag, my son has wanted to try golf!”
Throughout the season, players took turns carrying “Tony’s” bag, including during the NCAA Championships, as a tribute to his sacrifice. OSU Women’s golf star Kary Hollenbaugh will also carry his bag during the U.S. Women’s Open at Erin Hills. “It just brings so much light to the names. And I think that they’re never going to be forgotten. And soldiers should never be forgotten,” said Hollenbaugh.
Strom plans to auction off “Tony’s bag” to raise money for the “Folds of Honor” program that provides scholarships to the families of fallen or disabled military members. Folds of Honor has awarded nearly 62,000 scholarships across all 50 states and beyond.
The Buckeyes aim to show gratitude to the families of fallen soldiers by honoring those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and educating others about their legacy. “I always try to make sure that they, they know that they’re being remembered and, and thanked for their sacrifice and the sacrifice of their family member,” said Strom.
If you would like to assist in the Buckeye’s mission and buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win Tony’s bag, click here. The proceeds directly benefit Folds of Honor in Ohio. The women’s golf team aims to raise $5,000 for the scholarship. Tickets will be available until July 4th. The OSU men’s golf team also supports Folds of Honor and dedicated a bag to Tony this season.
