Oklahoma Senate and House Committee on Appropriations and Budget 2300 N Lincoln Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73105 Dear Senate Pro Tempore Paxton, Speaker Hilbert, Chairman Hall, Chairman Caldwell and Appropriations and Budget Committee members, Freedom isn’t free. It is paid for by the selfless sacrifice of the men and women who fought for our nation. As a fighter pilot with three combat tours in Iraq, I’ve seen firsthand the cost of liberty. As the founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, a non-profit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of America’s fallen or disabled military and first responders, I have dedicated my life to ensuring that those sacrifices are never forgotten. Since its inception in 2007, Folds of Honor has provided over 62,000 scholarships, totaling approximately $290 million. Through this mission, I have seen the profound impact that honoring and supporting those who serve has – not only on their families but on our entire nation. When we step up, we reaffirm our deepest values and responsibilities as Americans. The USS Batfish is more than a relic of World War II – it is a living testament to the bravery of those who served and a reminder of the sacrifices made to defend our freedoms. This submarine made history, sinking three enemy submarines in just three days, and today, it stands as a powerful symbol of our nation’s military history. Before the devastating floods in 2019, more than 50,000 visitors walked its decks each year, connecting to our past and to the warriors who shaped our future.

Now, this American landmark is at risk of being lost forever. But we have an opportunity to write a different ending – to relocate and restore the Batfish to Three Forks Harbor as part of the Oklahoma War Memorial & Museum.

This goes beyond preserving a submarine; it is about passing down the legacy of service, sacrifice and honor to the next generation. It is about giving veterans and families a place to reflect, to remember and to heal. It is about ensuring that history is never forgotten.

I’ve seen firsthand through my military service and at Folds of Honor that when you step up to support service members, you honor valor, instill patriotism and inspire future generations to serve our nation. This responsibility belongs to all of us. Now is the time for Oklahoma to set up and ensure the Batfish and the heroes it represents endure for generations to come.

I urge you to support the restoration and relocation of the Batfish. With your help, we can ensure that its legacy and the sacrifices it represents will never be forgotten.

Godspeed, Lt Col Dan Rooney CEO and Founder Folds of Honor