Patriot Cup Continues Tradition Of Giving Back To Oklahoma Military Families

Memorial Day is about remembering those who've fought died in their service to our country.

But The Patriot Cup, which tees off on Monday in Owasso does that and so much more.

There may be celebrities like Dierks Bentley, Rickie Fowler, Kid Rock and Bo Van Pelt, but the focus remains on Folds of Honor. Folds of Honor is a nonprofit which gives scholarships to family members of soldiers who've been killed or injured in action.

The red, white and blue flies high above the Patriot Golf Course in Owasso.

No day is more celebrated here than Memorial Day, when military men and women are paired with PGA stars and celebrities to play a scramble to raise money for scholarships.

"Memorial Day weekend is great," Maj. Ed Pulido said. "We get to barbecue. We get to do all of those things, but remember, it is about past, present and future and those that have served."

Scholarships benefit fallen and wounded soldiers like Pulido.

The U.S. Army veteran lost his leg in a blast from an improvised explosive devise in Afghanistan.

His new leg costs $200,000.

To help offset the cost, Pulido's two daughters were awarded scholarships from Folds of Honor, the organization he helped found.

We think that scholarships for education is important because 87 percent of these children and these spouses do not get any educational support from the Veterans Administration," Pulido said.

Folds of Honor has raised tens of millions of dollars -- awarding 9,000 scholarships -- through events like The Patriot Cup.

"This week is about God country and the game of golf," Pulido said.

5/27/2013 Related Story: Owasso Patriot Cup's Fourth Year A Tremendous Success

Veteran and Folds of Honor Executive Director Thomas Tansil says while celebrities like 48-time LPGA winner Nancy Lopez draw a lot of attention to The Patriot Cup, the spotlight stays on soldiers' sacrifice.

"It's about remembering those who've given the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country," Tansil said.

Monday, before teeing-off and after the procession of National Anthem singing, paratroopers falling from the sky, and gun salutes, Pulido says he'll take a moment to honor and remember.

"God bless the United States of America -- the land of the free," he said.

And if you're interested in coming out here, everything starts at 9 a.m.

You can get a ticket at any QuikTrip location for $20.