Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program
COLUMBUS, Ohio—The Ohio State men’s and women’s golf teams will participate in the Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program this season by carrying golf bags in honor of two fallen soldiers at each tournament throughout the season. At the completion of the 2022 Spring season, the Folds of Honor golf bags will be auctioned off to raise money for the Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to family members of soldiers killed or severely wounded in action. Their mission is to “Honor their sacrifice. Educate their legacy.” Since 2007, Folds of Honor has awarded 29,000 scholarships.
Capt. Nicholas J. Rozanski, 36, was the father of two daughters with his wife Jenny. He will be honored this year by the Ohio State Women’s Golf team.
Army Master Sgt. Shawn T. Hannon, 44, was the father of one son with his wife Jamie. The men’s team will carry a bag in his honor.
The two were assigned to 1st Battalion, 148th Regiment, 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Ohio National Guard, Walbridge, Ohio. They died on April 4, 2012 in Maymamah, Faryab Province, Afghanistan, of wounds caused by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.
“The Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program has become a passion of mine during my coaching career,” Strom said. “Because of the selfless service to our country by Captain Nicholas J. Rozanski, Master SGT Shawn T. Hannon, and their families, we are able to enjoy our freedoms. Our Buckeye Golf family is grateful for the opportunity to honor the sacrifice of these brave soldiers.”
Jay Moseley, head coach of the men’s golf team, said he and the Buckeyes are honored to participate.
“It is truly humbling to partner with the Folds of Honor organization,” Moseley, said. “Their mission of honoring the sacrifices of the men and women who served our country is consistent with our values in Ohio State Golf and Ohio State Athletics. It will be a memorable experience for our athletes to proudly carry a bag each week in memory of Captain Nicholas J. Rozanski and Master SGT Shawn T. Hannon who bravely fought for our freedoms.”
Nicholas’ wife Jenny looks forward to the association with Strom and the Buckeyes this season.
“My daughters, Emma and Anna, and I are very honored and touched that Nick will be honored this year by The Ohio State Women’s Golf team,” Jenny Rozanski, said. “Two of Nick’s favorite things are being a Buckeye and golf so there couldn’t be a more perfect way to honor him. It is important to our family that Nick’s story continues and we want others to know who he was. We are looking forward to meeting the women this fall and sharing stories about our hero, Captain Nicholas Rozanski.”
At the request of Hannon’s wife Jamie, Jeff Jones, who served with Shawn, had this to say about his fellow soldier and friend.
“MSG Shawn Hannon was a passionate and assertive leader, instilling the values of honor and integrity in every Soldier with whom he served,” Jones said. “He embodied selfless service and sacrifice, committing himself to the study of his career and the care of his team, even to the detriment of himself. His intellectual fervor and knowledge helped him impart his wisdom to so many officers and enlisted Soldiers throughout his distinguished years of service. Revered by all who served with him, MSG Hannon demonstrated the highest commitment to the Army, service to the United States, and to all Americans.”
Jamie added she and son Evan know Shawn would be proud to be represented by the men’s golf team.
“It is truly such an honor for one of the Ohio State men’s golfers to carry a bag honoring my late husband, MSG Shawn T. Hannon,” Jamie said. “Shawn was a big Buckeye fan and would be honored as well. Our son, Evan, and I feel special knowing even though it’s been almost 10 years since we lost Shawn, there are still people who care enough to want to honor his legacy.”
The Ohio State men’s golf team gets underway Sept. 5 at the Erin Hills (Wisconsin) Collegiate.
The Ohio State women’s golf team opens the fall season Sept. 13 at the Michigan Invitational at the University of Michigan Golf Course in Ann Arbor.
