Celebrating 21 Years as Barrington’s Signature Magazine
Celebrating 21 Years as Barrington’s Signature Magazine
Folds of Honor was founded in 2007 by Lt. Col. Dan Rooney and provides educational scholarships to the spouses and
children of America’s fallen and disabled military members and first
responders. Headquartered in Owasso, Oklahoma, just outside of Tulsa. The organization has 38 chapters nationwide whose members’ efforts have made it possible for 73,000 scholarships given so far. Connie and Bill Schey have led the Barrington chapter and Bill is an Advisory Board Member for the Chicago chapter and president of the SW Florida Chapter in Sarasota.
“I met them at a Chicago gala,” Lt. Col. Dan Rooney said. “Connie was the initial connection. She participated in a run to support Folds of Honor, and through that effort we became acquainted. I later met Bill, who was a Marine. God connected us on the Folds mission and Bill has been an
unbelievable force, like only a Marine can be, for Folds of Honor.”
Lt. Col. Rooney says that Bill approaches the job like a Marine—full throttle, great passion, and no quit—and that his inspiration is honoring the high school classmates he lost in Vietnam, his commitment is inexhaustible.
“It’s amazing. He is one-of-one in the Folds of Honor nation.”
We asked Lt. Col. Rooney about the importance of the scholarships on families. “Every scholarship we award follows the intended path to
honor that sacrifice,” he said. “Without Folds, you don’t have the
ability to give hope to the families of these heroic people who have given so much. We talk about the scholarship itself so often, but the real ROI is what the recipients go on to do with their lives and their contribution to
society. You would lose that as a result.”
After all these years, why does this mission still matter so deeply to you?
I think it can be summed up in the words of a recent song that we played at the Sarasota event. Folds of Honor’s Mission is to be there on their toughest days.
When we run out they run in
Give us a chance to begin again
But who’s there for them
When times get tough
Their family’s stuck
They pay the price
To save our lives
Make us proud to be American
Together we stand
Can you share some of your life before Folds of Honor?
My parents divorced when I was very young. My stepfather was a WWII Marine Corps Veteran who was shot in the neck on Iwo Jima and later served as a Chicago Police Officer. I grew up moving around Chicago and at times in Wood Dale with my father, also a WWII Marine Corps/Army Veteran. His father was a WWI Marine Corps Veteran and later a Chicago Fireman. The moves resulted in five grammar schools and three high schools. After college I enlisted in the Marine Corps. Raised by Marines, Firemen, and Police Officers probably explains a lot. Good and bad.
How did you and Connie meet?
Connie worked for one of my builders who every year had a luncheon for his prime contractors. We were at the same table, and I knew I liked her and her Irish accent that day. Her being from Ireland, I thought I would pique her interest by dropping off a book by Leon Uris about Ireland at her office. Surprisingly, I never heard from her.
Two years later I saw her being interviewed for a position in my company. I walked by not saying anything. After she left, I told my CFO to hire her, interviews were over. Now she was trapped in my world. All kidding aside, I truly believe she was sent from Heaven at just the right time. She has made me a better person. Not perfect yet, but better.
We have one son Nick, married to Allie, who lives in Barrington Hills with our three awesome grandchildren. Nick went to Saint Anne School, Saint Viator High School, and the University of Chicago. He recently joined Barrington Hills Country Club.
What is your philosophy of giving back?
I consider us very fortunate. We have helped where we can. Still here when a lot of friends are gone.
Can you tell us about the Florida Folds event?
It’s in Sarasota at the Laurel Oak Golf Club in April. It’s a 36-hole course and it sells out every year. Another very generous and Patriotic Community.
How did you first become involved with Folds of Honor?
Fourteen years ago, a classmate and Vietnam Vet called to tell me there was a plaque being dedicated for nine of our friends and classmates killed in Vietnam. I was surprised it was not well attended and I knew no one there. I realized they had missed Daniel Lynch. Danny and I were in Cub Scouts together in 3rd and 4th grade, then met up in high school years later. Our class organized a second dedication adding L. Cpl. Daniel Michael Lynch USMC to the plaque. Great attendance, many veterans, and Danny’s surviving family. Very emotional and many tears.
This time I took Connie with me. Walking out she said, “We need to do something for soldiers.” Thus, our journey began with Folds of Honor.
What was it about the organization’s mission that spoke to you personally?
The sacrifice of my friends both directly killed in Vietnam and those who suffered for years. Some gave up.
At what point did you realize this would become more than a one-time volunteer effort?
The night at the Folds Gala we met several recipient families that had lost their husband or father. We also met the very inspirational Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney (Folds of Honor founder) who has since become a good friend. That was the night the hook was set.
What do you remember about the very first Folds of Honor event you organized?
The first was a dinner at our house and the Kuesis’s. It’s when I realized we were not alone in our feeling of duty to honor our Fallen Warriors. The second was a house that was donated by contractors, suppliers, and tradesmen. Without seed money from the Pajerski, Hudson, and Lappin families, I might not have attempted it. As it turned out it, the donated home raised over $400,000.
What inspired you to bring Folds of Honor to Barrington?
It’s where we live and the community has supported our Military and First Responder Families for the past 13 years. Barrington Hills and Biltmore Country Clubs, along with their members, have been extremely supportive. While the event is held in Barrington, we also have support from many outside the local community.
Why do you think the Barrington community has embraced the cause so enthusiastically?
Good people do good things. We enjoy our freedoms and safe communities because of those willing to serve and sacrifice.
What challenges did you face in your early years?
Thirteen years ago, virtually no one had heard of Folds of Honor. They were and still are a grassroots organization. We had to sell the mission. Now I believe it’s a household name in Barrington. At every event we hand out shirts and hats with Folds of Honor clearly displayed on them. They are proudly worn everywhere.
How do you divide responsibilities?
I push out the information. Connie organizes the volunteers. Connie is beautiful inside and out. Everyone loves her. Most of the ladies come out every year to help. They are awesome and help make the event run smoothly.
What keeps you motivated year after year?
Knowing what we do helps families at the hardest time in their lives and the support so many in our communities have shown.
Can you share a moment from a Folds of Honor event that you’ll never forget?
Meeting the recipients and their children—every time. Some have become friends over the years.
Have there been stories from scholarship recipients that changed your perspective on service or sacrifice?
It hasn’t changed my perspective, only reinforced it. For example, Bonnie Barrington, a local resident recipient family that lost her husband to severe PTSD, shared her story at our event last year. Three of her children are Folds of Honor recipients.
What do you wish every attendee understood when they arrive at the event?
That their attendance and support make a difference. Servicemen appreciate knowing should they fall in combat someone will be there for their family. Thanks to their support, Folds has awarded 73,000 scholarships to date.
What emotions do you feel when the event concludes each year?
It’s always emotional as we listen to recipients tell their stories. I think about my friends who died before their 21st birthday and all they and their families sacrificed. There by the grace of God….
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, what does patriotism mean to you?
Supporting our Country and those that both serve in the Military and our First Responders.
What gives you hope for the next generation?
We face difficulties, but a bright spot is the number of enlistments are once again increasing. Now we need to appreciate and support our First Responders.
What are your hopes for the future of the Barrington Folds of Honor event?
Biltmore member David Zorzy and Barrington Hills member Terry Younger are joining me this year organizing and growing Barrington Patriot Day 2026. With their help and fresh ideas, we will make it better each year.
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If you would like to help support the families, join us for Patriot’s Golf Day on September 14, 2026, contact billschey@gmail.com.
When I was growing up, my parents worked hard and put a lot of time into building a company. Saturdays and Sundays were workdays. That had an influential effect on me, and I was able to see firsthand what it takes to achieve the American Dream. Despite all that work and all the accomplishments that they had, I knew that my parents would trade it all in for me, if it came down to it. As I have matured, I have come to feel the same way for my children. Additionally, all the people that I’ve met over the years who have known my parents have always said very kind things about them, and that has reinforced in me the importance of being honest, fair, and compassionate. I’m very focused on expanding upon their legacy in any way that I can.
My dad has a rooted connection with the military and his fellow Veterans, having served in the Marine Corps during Vietnam. I often wish that I could share that connection with my dad and Veterans, but I took a different path. They have raised millions of dollars over for families who truly need it; they have set the bar high for the Schey family. As their son, I have a personal expectation that I will need to find a way to contribute to the world in my own way.
After all these years, why does this mission still matter so deeply to you? People who serve and protect us deserve help when they need it. It’s just such a good way to give back to those who sacrificed so much. Can you share some of your life before Folds of Honor? Bill and I met through work. We make a good team. My husband is very dedicated, and we feel very strongly about veterans and first responders. How did you first become involved with Folds of Honor? I went to a memorial for my husband’s friends; it moved me deeply. They played Taps, Amazing Grace, and told stories about Bill’s fallen friends. This encouraged me to raise funds for such an important cause. At what point did you realize this would be more than a one-time volunteer effort? After we attended our first gala and met some of the recipient’s families.
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