News Summary
Retired Colonel Howard Bachman successfully organized a donation event in Williamsburg that raised $103,000 for Folds of Honor. The funds will support educational scholarships for the families of fallen military personnel and first responders. A golf tournament followed the donation ceremony, contributing an additional $47,000. The event showcased the camaraderie of Bachman’s United States Military Academy Class of 1964 and their commitment to honoring their fallen peers and supporting their families.
Williamsburg – Retired Colonel Howard Bachman, a resident of the Williamsburg area for the past 20 years, organized a donation event on Monday that resulted in a significant contribution of $103,000 to the Folds of Honor charity. The donation, made in collaboration with members of his United States Military Academy Class of 1964, aims to support scholarships for spouses and children of fallen military personnel and first responders.
The event took place at the Williamsburg Inn, where Bachman, who is 85 years old, presented the donation as part of a long-standing commitment to the cause. Following the donation ceremony, a golf tournament was hosted at the Golden Horseshoe’s Golf Course in Colonial Williamsburg. This tournament, which has been chaired by Bachman for the past seven years, serves as a key fundraising effort for Folds of Honor.
During this year’s event, nearly three dozen classmates and widows attended a special four-day program leading up to the tournament. Together, Bachman and Class Chairman Dan Evans raised the funds over the past few years by reaching out to classmates to honor their fallen peers, reinforcing the class’s strong sense of camaraderie and dedication to the cause.
Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational scholarships to the families of military and first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Allen Wronowski, the regional impact officer for Folds of Honor, commended the Class of 1964 as “an amazing group of people,” emphasizing the profound impact that the scholarships will have on recipients and their families.
In addition to the donation and golf tournament, a memorial service was held prior to the competition for the fallen classmates, primarily those who served during the Vietnam War. This solemn occasion included the reading of names and the playing of “Taps,” creating a poignant moment of remembrance.
Retired Colonel Bachman was invited to chair the local tournament by KemperSports Management of Northbrook, Illinois, who has shown support for Folds of Honor. He accepted this role as a meaningful way to give back to those who assisted him throughout his military and personal journey. Bachman underscored the importance of education, noting its potential to be a transformative force in the lives of students.
In addition to the initial donation, sponsors and supporters of the tournament raised another $47,000, which will be used to fund at least nine more scholarships through Folds of Honor. This generosity reflects the community’s commitment to ensuring that the children and spouses of those who have served the nation receive the educational support they need.
The successful event demonstrated the lasting connections formed during military service and the continuing dedication of these individuals to support their peers and their families. Through collective effort, the Class of 1964 has made a significant impact, helping to secure educational opportunities for those who have endured incredible loss.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Press: Williamsburg Area Vet Raises $100,000
- Wikipedia: Folds of Honor
- Dignity Memorial: James Sexton Obituary
- Google Search: Military Scholarships
- Legacy: Patricia Folds Obituary
- Google Scholar: Scholarships for Military Families
- WY Daily: Ronald John Heim Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Military Families
- Dignity Memorial: Charles Ware Obituary
- Google News: Military Charity Events
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
