It’s no small feat to grow from a soldier’s selfless request to “Help those back home” in 2005 to now surpassing $18 million in total grants to veteran service organizations. Over the past 20 years, Tee It Up for the Troops has proudly supported critical programs that serve the unique needs of our nation’s veterans — helping them heal, rebuild, and thrive.
“Thanks to the unwavering dedication of hundreds of extraordinary volunteers, Tee It Up for the Troops has now proudly surpassed $18 million in grants to our trusted nonprofit partners. But this milestone is far more than a number—it’s a powerful reflection of our deep and lasting commitment to those who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation’s freedoms. These funds support critical programs that assist our veterans and their families as they transition from the battlefront to the homefront, helping them heal and ‘get back on course’ from the visible and invisible wounds of war.”
— Tim Wegscheid, President & Executive Director
Grant Recipient Spotlight: Leashes of Valor
Helping Post-9/11 Veterans and Rescue Dogs Heal Together
One of our most recent national grant recipients, Leashes of Valor, trains service dogs for post-9/11 veterans with PTSD and other service-connected injuries. Whenever possible, they rescue dogs from shelters — giving a second chance to both the veteran and the dog. Veterans like Xander Hernandez are finding hope and healing through these life-changing partnerships.
“The moment I saw her, and the leash went in my hand, I knew — this is it.”
— Xander Hernandez
Xander was a senior in high school on 9/11. The attack set him on a path to enlist in the Army immediately through the delayed-entry program. He deployed to Iraq as a radio communications specialist, determined to serve. But war left its mark. Xander suffered spinal and leg injuries during two deployments and later received a diagnosis of PTSD. He spent over a decade searching — unsuccessfully — for a service dog. After years of disappointment and even being scammed by a fake nonprofit, Xander nearly gave up. That’s when his wife discovered Leashes of Valor, and everything changed.
“When I got to training and saw Red, it was instant. She’s been the perfect match ever since.”
With his service dog Ruby Red by his side, Xander is now embracing a new life — one with greater freedom, independence, and peace of mind.
Where Your Support Goes
Because of your generosity, we’re able to fund trusted partners like Leashes of Valor, as well as many other organizations (See just a few our beneficiaries here.) that support our mission providing services around our six core pillars:
- Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
- Suicide Prevention
- Housing & homelessness
- Employment
- Family & caregiver support
- Golf & sports rehabilitation
What’s Next? Onward to $20 Million
We’re not done yet. With your continued support, we look forward to growing our impact and reaching the next milestone — together.
