Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Christian Meza. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Christian, thanks for joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?
When I think about the nicest thing that’s ever happened to me, my mind goes straight to a really important time in my life, all thanks to Folds of Honor. This story starts when things were pretty tough. I was just getting ready to finish high school and head into college, right after losing my dad. He was an amazing serviceman, Chief Master Sergeant William N. Kendall, who served in the Air Force for 30 years and went on 7 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. Losing him so suddenly really shook our whole family.
I was looking for scholarships to help me get to college when I found Folds of Honor. They have a mission to help families like mine—families who’ve lost someone or have someone hurt while serving our county. They gave me a scholarship which made it possible for me to go to college. But that was just the start of their kindness.
Folds of Honor really made me feel like I was part of their family. They gave me a chance to travel and speak about my dad’s story and how Folds of Honor helped us. I got to meet lots of people and keep my dad’s memory alive. It was a really healing experience and gave me a sense of purpose when I really needed it most.
Then, something even more amazing happened. A few years later, Folds of Honor gave me a job working on their golf team as a Golf Regional Impact Officer. It wasn’t just any job—it felt like it was meant for me. It let me combine my love for golf with the work Folds of Honor does, continuing what my dad believed in.
The way Folds of Honor helped me isn’t just about the scholarship or the job. It’s about feeling like you’re part of a community, having a purpose, and knowing they’re there for you every step of the way. It shows how much they care about honoring those who served and their families, making sure we don’t forget their sacrifices. My whole experience with Folds of Honor, from getting help for college to being a big part of what they do, is the kindest thing anyone’s ever done for me. It really shows how powerful kindness, community, and caring can be.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
At its core, Folds of Honor is about providing educational scholarships to the families of service members who have fallen or been disabled while on duty. It’s our way of saying “thank you” and ensuring the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten, and their families are taken care of.
What really makes Folds of Honor stand out is our commitment to creating a supportive community for military & first responder families. It’s not just about financial aid; it’s about offering a network of support, hope, and the chance for a brighter future through education. This commitment addresses a vital need for many families facing educational and financial challenges.
I take immense pride in the real, positive changes we’ve made in the lives of our scholarship recipients. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how each scholarship helps fulfill a dream and honors the sacrifice of a service member.
For anyone new to our mission, I want you to know that Folds of Honor is a movement fueled by respect, gratitude, and the belief in the power of education. Joining us or supporting our cause means becoming part of a community that’s dedicated to lifting up families and keeping the legacy of our nation’s heroes alive through education. Honor Their Sacrifice, Educate Their Legacy.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
“Fly Into The Wind” by Lt. Colonel Dan Rooney has been a game-changer for me. Dan’s not just the founder of Folds of Honor and a fighter pilot, but also someone who’s been through a lot and has some real wisdom to share. His book is like a guide for getting through tough times and coming out stronger.
The idea of CAVU, which stands for “ceiling and visibility unlimited,” really stuck with me me. It’s all about seeing life’s challenges as chances to grow, kind of like how a jet needs to head into the wind resistance to take off. This book taught me to face problems head-on, instead of running from them.
Dan’s stories, especially about overcoming his own doubts after a scary moment flying his F-16, showed me that it’s okay to have tough times. What matters is how you deal with them. He lays out a step-by-step approach to tackling each day with purpose, which has been super helpful for staying focused and positive.
What I love most about the book is how it ties into what we do at Folds of Honor. It’s all about making a difference and lifting each other up, which is exactly what we’re about. Dan’s lessons aren’t just for pilots or leaders; they’re for anyone looking to make their life a bit better and help others along the way.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
What truly helped me build my reputation in the field of supporting military families through education, specifically within the golf environment, is a combination of genuine passion, personal experience, and a commitment to service.
Transitioning from a beneficiary of the organization’s support to becoming a Regional Impact Officer on the national golf team has given me a unique perspective. Sharing my own story at various events and through different platforms has not only helped in raising awareness but also in connecting on a personal level with donors, supporters, and the families we assist. This personal connection and authenticity in communication have been key in building trust and credibility within our community.
In essence, my reputation has been built on the foundation of my personal journey, the stories I share, and the genuine passion I have for the mission of Folds of Honor. It’s about more than just doing a job; it’s about honoring a legacy, supporting our military and first responder families, and making a tangible difference through the power of education.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.FoldsofHonor.org
- Instagram: @ChristianMeza
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-meza-919456207/