Extraordinary Woman, Notre Dame Alumnus, and Tee It Up for the Troops Combat Veteran

When Tee It Up for the Troops combat veteran Danielle Green was growing up on the south side of Chicago, Danielle Green’s grandmother always encouraged her to “get out and be somebody.” At first, it seemed like basketball would be the way she’d accomplish that mission. After earning a basketball scholarship to the University of Notre Dame and becoming the 17th-leading scorer in program history, she had certainly gotten out and become somebody. However, after graduating with a degree in psychology from Notre Dame, Danielle felt she could do more to serve others, so she joined the U.S. Army as a military police officer.

Danielle Green.

 

In 2004, while patrolling on a 115-degree rooftop in Baghdad, Iraq, she was injured by a rocket-propelled grenade causing her to lose her dominant left arm.  She was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. She had to re-learn how to do almost everything, reinvent herself, and find a new purpose.  After eight months of occupational therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Danielle returned to Chicago to complete a master’s degree in counseling from Saint Xavier University.  She embarked on a career with the Chicago Board of Education and continued with a career with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs for 12 years.

Her passion for serving others has led her to help countless people over the last 19 years, including her support as a Tee It Up for the Troops combat veteran.  She’s counseled warriors in mental health, aided in veterans’ transition to civilian life, and now travels the country to share her powerful story as a spokesperson with the Wounded Warrior Project in the hope that more veterans will reach out for the help they need.  Danielle was recognized for her service when she received the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2015 ESPY Awards. Danielle resides in St Petersburg, FL with her nine-year-old son Daniel, and her life partner Robert.

U.S. veteran Danielle Green.

Veterans Give Back Hat Collection

Imperial, the premier headwear brand in the golf industry, has launched a special Veterans Give Back Hat Collection, in partnership with Tee It Up for the Troops.  Each unique style in this collection was hand-selected by a U.S. veteran, and embroidered with their name, nickname, or call sign in their honor. A portion of proceeds from this collection is given back to Tee It Up for the Troops to go towards veteran services.

The D-Smooth – A tonal camo knit performance cap is named for U.S. veteran Danielle Green.

The D-Smooth cap in honor of U.S. veteran Danielle Green.Support our troops by buying one of these personalized hats HERE.

Small Donations Make a Huge Difference for Military Families!

More Than a Lemonade Stand – Small donations make a huge difference for military families!

Just ask Cole and Noah Dingels who got patriotic and creative with their lemonade stand and raised $1,817 for military veterans! Watch the video below showing these amazing boys in action!

Small donations make a huge difference and  can have a significant impact on people’s lives. Even the seemingly small contribution – like buying a glass of lemonade or donating $20 – can improve the life of a veteran and military family. When numerous individuals rally behind a cause, the collective impact multiplies exponentially.

Noah, age 9, and Cole, age 6 raised $1,817 for Tee It Up for the Troops by selling one cup of lemonade at a time! Noah and Cole are two incredible young men dedicated to our mission for three years in a row with a lemonade stand at our Olympic Hills Golf Club event in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

Cole and Noah Dingels get patriotic and creative with their lemonade stand and raise $1,817 for military veterans! 

The boys do it in honor of CW5 “Papa Gene,” the grandpa they never had the opportunity to meet, who served our country for over 30 years as a helicopter pilot. This year, Noah had the idea to clean and sell golf balls to help make even more of an impact!

Noah & Cole’s parents ensure their boys understand the sacrifices our military makes and how important it is to support our veterans. Mom, Angela, said, “Each year this event invites important conversation with our kids about our great country and the incredible service men and women who sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms.”   Small donations make a huge difference when families like this support our veterans.

Thank you to Noah and Cole for making a difference! Additionally, thank you to their parents, Brian and Angela, for teaching their kids about the roles and sacrifices of military personnel, which can help kids understand and appreciate the freedoms and security they enjoy.

The Longest Day of Golf for the Troops

Golfing Under the Midnight Sun – Alaska’s Longest Day of Golf for the Troops

 

For the first time in Tee It Up for the Troops’ history, a Longest Day of Golf for the Troops Event took place in the state of Alaska!  As part of the 2024 Longest Day of Golf for the Troops, one combat Marine veteran in Alaska played through the longest day yet!

Last month on June 6 marked the 80th Anniversary of D-Day and the US-led Allied invasion of Normandy in 1944, marking a deadly, yet pivotal day in world history.  This day marked the “beginning of the end of WWII” and is often referred to as “The Longest Day. Also a famous book and movie (starring John Wayne), “The Longest Day” honored those who fought for our freedom on D-Day. Thus, on the longest days of the year near the summer solstice, our Longest Day of Golf for the Troops event provides a unique opportunity to honor all those who have served and continue to sacrifice for our freedom.

Brian Schiller’s Longest Day Challenge on June 20th, took advantage of Alaska’s 20-plus hours of daylight so he could play as many holes as possible that day to raise awareness and funds to support the ongoing issues that many of our nation’s veterans and military families face.  Issues like homelessness, PTSD, employment, suicide prevention, and other invisible wounds of war.  Brian played 81 holes of golf during his Longest Day Challenge at Moose Run Golf Course on the Joint Military Base Elmendorf-Richardson, near Anchorage, Alaska. The Marine veteran dedicated the first 80 holes to the 80th Anniversary of “The Longest Day” D-Day Landing.  The 81st hole was dedicated to Chesty Puller, the most decorated U.S.  Marine in the history of the Corps. 

Combat Marine veteran Brian Schiller swinging his way through the Longest Day of Golf for the Troops in Alaska. 

Golfing under the midnight sun is one of the unique things you can only do in Alaska as it is daylight from 4 a.m. to midnight.  As you play a round…and another round… and another round, it’s easy to forget it’s midnight as it’s so bright outside. Brian describes the Alaskan golf course as having “stunning landscapes and chances for wildlife spotting.”  And sure enough, a bear encounter took place on the 12th hole of his second round.  See the picture below. 

A black bear showed up to cheer on Brian at Moose Run Golf Course, Alaska during the Longest Day for the Troops.
What a golf course looks like during the midnight sun in Alaska. Photo credit anchoragegolfcourse.com

 

“I have supported Tee It Up for the Troops for over 10 years due to my exposure to the outstanding work they do to support our nation’s heroes and their families,” said Marine veteran Brian Schiller.  “I have been able to witness and take part in many different activities and treatments that are designed to help promote healing and overcoming the physical and mental obstacles that are a result of selfless service to our country. Using golf as a platform is unique and extremely effective, therefore I am proud to support Tee It Up for the Troops. Having 20 hours of daylight provided the perfect opportunity for me to continue to support an organization I am proud of while experiencing the amazing and unique nature that is Alaska.”

“I  couldn’t have accomplished this without the support, logistical assistance, and camaraderie of the State Director of Alaska Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Bryan Fisher.  Director Fisher who is also a Marine. Director Fisher started and ended the day with me, golfing 45 of the 81 holes and was also the BEST caddie a guy could ask for,” added Brian.

Other Longest Day of Golf for the Troops Events Around the Country

This year there were several Longest Day of Golf for the Troops events held across the country. The Tee It Up for the Troops Bunker Hills Longest Day of Golf Event in Coon Rapids, Minnesota was held on June 21 and has been running for 11 consecutive years.  Several golfers played more than 100 holes with most of them starting at 4:15 a.m. and finishing around 9:45 p.m. Pat Reis, Event Chair of the Bunker Hills Longest Day of Golf for the Troops said, “Considering the weather forecast, the fact we had 33 golfers who played more than 2,100 holes and some sturdy golfers who played non-stop-from-4:15 a.m. to full darkness at almost 10 p.m., is remarkable.”  

Some of the golfers in the Bunker Hills Longest Day of Golf for the Troops.

 

Earlier this summer the Tee It Up for the Troops – Northern Bay Wisconsin Longest Day of Golf for the Troops event was held on June 10. Northern Bay Resort has been participating in the Longest Day event for five years.

Northern Bay Wisconsin – Longest Day of Golf for the Troops.

How to Get Involved in the Longest Day of Golf for the Troops

To participate in the Longest Day of Golf for the Troops golf fundraiser, each participant collects donations/pledges from friends, family, co-workers, club members, etc., and then plays as many holes of golf as possible on their chosen day to honor all those who serve(d).

Click here to learn more about this event and register for your Longest Day of Golf Marathon.

Warrior Canine Connection’s Moondog is Named in Honor of United States Marine Corps Colonel Derek Donovan (Ret)

Meet Moondog!  He is a 11-week-old lab puppy and Warrior Canine Connection’s Moondog is named in honor of United States Marine Corps Colonel Derek Donovan (Ret), friend and supporter of Tee It Up for the Troops and Warrior Canine Connection.

 

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is a pioneering organization that utilizes its Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to help wounded warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other.

One of the unique ways Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) honors veterans is through its namesake program. All future service dogs are named after service members and veterans who have made significant contributions to our nation. It is with tremendous pride that Tee It Up for the Troops, along with WCC, name Moondog in honor of United States Marine Corps Colonel Derek Donovan (Ret). Derek was a great friend and supporter of both non-profit organizations. 

USMC Colonel Derek Donovan (Ret) embodied inspirational leadership that spanned 27 years of military service. Trained as a UH-1N (Huey) helicopter pilot, USMC COL Derek Donovan’s (Ret) distinguished career included over 3500 flight hours, visits to over 70 countries, and living aboard U.S. Naval vessels for more than four years of his life. His extensive operational background included deployments with the Gunrunners, Golden Eagles, Blue Knights, Warriors, Ugly Angels, and Black Knights.  His callsign, “Moondog” was awarded in recognition of an irreverent sense of humor and a great appreciation for a well-conceived practical joke.

United States Marine Corps Colonel Derek Donovan

 

COL Donovan holds the distinction of being the first Marine selected as the aide-de-camp to the Secretary of the Navy. As the Commanding Officer of the Marine Corps Air Facility in Quantico, Virginia, he provided critical Presidential helicopter mission support, showcasing his leadership in high-stakes situations. His last assignment on active duty was with the Presidential Commission for the Care of America’s Returning Wounded Warriors co-chaired by Bob Dole and Donna Shalala. Following military retirement, Derek continued to serve military members and their families while working for the Fisher House Foundation.

Rooted in a family tradition of service, with his father’s 30-year career in the United States Air Force and his mother’s service in the Army Nurse Corps, his commitment to duty runs deep. His exceptional career and post-military contributions stand as a testament to the values of the United States Marine Corps.

The namesake program has a profound impact on those being honored as well as their family and friends. COL Donovan was nominated by Tee It Up for the Troops with the blessing of Derek’s wife, Kathryn.  Colonel Derek “Moondog” Donovan, USMC (Retired) completed his last flight and passed away on February 11, 2024, after an aggressive dogfight with esophageal cancer.  Recently, Kathryn had the opportunity to see some pictures of Moondog and virtually meet the service dog named in honor of Derek.

Derek and Kathryn Donovan

 

“Our Service dogs have an important mission—to carry on the legacies of heroes like Col. Derek Donovan while helping recovering Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” said Rick Yount, Founder and Executive Director, of Warrior Canine Connection. “We feel it’s important that those Veterans have their stories told and their lives honored through our namesake program. We believe when a Veteran’s name is spoken, they are always remembered.”

Another distinctive aspect of WCC’s program is that it enlists service members and veterans to help train the service dogs for others. This No-Fail Mission aligns with the warrior ethos of caring for your brother and sister-in-arms. The veterans and service members doing the training know their hard work will contribute to helping a fellow veteran or service member in need, while also receiving therapeutic benefits themselves.

WCC’s volunteer-based, animal-assisted therapy involves service members and veterans in training future service dogs. Besides knowing the dog will one day go on to help a fellow veteran, many warriors involved cite their own benefits, including enhanced communication, confidence, accountability, emotional regulation, and patience. Photo Credit: WCC

 

It is with tremendous pride that we name WCC’s Moondog in honor of United States Marine Corps Colonel Derek Donovan (Ret).

Check out the link to their website for more information about this wonderful organization- Warrior Canine Connection.

 

Tee It Up for the Troops and The Warrior’s Journey are Excited About a New Continuum of Care Program

Tee It Up for the Troops and The Warrior’s Journey are excited about a new Continuum of Care Program. This new collaboration will provide continuing services and programs to Tee It Up for the Troops’ REUNION warriors and their families. 

REUNION is a multi-day event where combat veterans and their comrades discuss their days of service, injuries, and post-military struggles in a supportive environment surrounded by support networks and partner resource organizations. The physical and psychological injuries sustained during combat can affect multiple aspects of a veteran’s transition from the military to civilian life. The invisible wounds often lead to isolation, addiction, and suicide. REUNION connects and reunites combat veterans who use their common bonds to work through post-military challenges.

One of our vital partner resource organizations that has been active in providing group learning and discussion sessions and other support at REUNION is The Warrior’s Journey. The Warrior’s Journey provides warrior-to-warrior intervention and preventative resources to care for the invisible wounds of war and helps equip veterans with the tools they need to tackle the problems life throws at them.

Oftentimes, the REUNION event opens emotional doors that have not been opened for quite some time – some good and some bad – and further processing and support are needed when veterans return home. The REUNION experience has now come full circle with opportunities for customized after-care provided to warriors and their families by The Warrior’s Journey. That’s why Tee It Up for the Troops and The Warrior’s Journey are excited about a new continuum of care program.  

Kevin Weaver, President/CEO and Co-Founder of The Warrior’s Journey speaks to a group of REUNION warriors.
Kevin Weaver, President/CEO and Co-Founder of The Warrior’s Journey speaks to a group of REUNION warriors.

 

“Serving in the military comes with unique challenges that most people do not fully understand,” said Kevin Weaver, President/CEO and Co-Founder of The Warrior’s Journey. “The invisible wounds that veterans carry are a testament to the sacrifices they made. The Warrior’s Journey, along with Tee It Up for the Troops, wanted to make sure there is support that follows the veteran and family after they attend the REUNION event.” Kevin is a US Air Force veteran. He served in the USAF Security Forces and the Office of Special Investigations from 1983-1987. 

Tee It Up for the Troops and The Warrior’s Journey are excited to continue ongoing services and programs to assist our warriors on their journey. Some of the challenges faced include PTS, financial difficulty, family brokenness, addiction, suicide, loss, isolation, and more.  Staff from The Warriors Journey coordinate reach-out messaging, intake, connection to resources, case management, and follow-up. The Warrior’s Journey has built a team of veterans, called “warrior connectors,” to provide real-time crisis intervention. They respond within 24 hours (always warrior-to-warrior and 100% confidential) to provide community support, resources, and referrals. The individualized approach to intervention is focused on navigating the available help and resources provided by over 70 partner organizations. 

Through this new continuum of care program, veterans now have a new “Battle Buddy,” and a personal advocate through The Warrior’s Journey organization, who can help them navigate many post-military issues and offer support whenever they need it. No warrior should have to navigate alone. Together we are helping veterans heal and strengthening families.

On behalf of our Tee It Up for the Troops warriors and families, we want to thank The Warrior’s Journey for all they are doing for the men and women who served our country!  We are so thankful for this expanded partnership that is helping warriors and families live in wholeness and navigate the unique issues of military life!

Tee It Up for the Troops and Veteran-Owned Legendary Golf Apparel Partnership

Tee It Up for the Troops and veteran-owned Legendary Golf Apparel partnership will promote and support each other’s objectives through the sale of custom merchandise and support at golf events.

Legendary Golf Apparel is veteran-owned, family-operated, and passionate about the sport of golf, helping veterans, and growing the game they love. Through this new partnership, Legendary Golf Apparel is making custom Tee It Up for the Troops branded merchandise which is available online or for sale at many of our charity events. In addition, Legendary Golf Apparel has selected Tee It Up for the Troops as one of its non-profit partners and will donate a portion of its profits to Tee It Up for the Troops.

Brock Ruiz, CEO and Founder, of Legendary Golf Apparel and Army veteran, said, The life lessons the military has taught me have changed my life forever. Honor, integrity, selfless service, and respect are what I will always represent. I’ve always had a passion for golf, and I knew I could somehow use that to help serve. That’s why we founded Legendary Golf Apparel. We donate a portion of all proceeds to Tee It Up for the Troops to help all the veterans we can.”

Brock was an Army Infantryman. He served eight years and was stationed at Fort Hood, TX. In his time in the military, he was deployed two times to Afghanistan. During his second deployment, he was wounded in action ending his military career. During deployment, he witnessed a lot of brothers who did not make it out. He knew when he left the military, he wanted to still help serve our great nation in any possible way. That’s why Brock founded Legendary Golf Apparel in 2022.

Legendary Golf Apparel is based in Minnesota and besides being veteran-owned, the company is family-operated, which sets them apart from other golf brands. Brock’s cousin, Brooks Hitchcock, is the CMO and Co-Founder. The two cousins have been working side by side pursuing the American dream of starting a business while giving back to those who fought and served for our freedom.

Brock Ruiz, Army veteran and CEO (left) and Brooks Hitchcock CMO (right), cousins and founders of Legendary Golf Apparel.
Brock Ruiz, Army veteran and CEO (left), and Brooks Hitchcock CMO (right), cousins and founders of Legendary Golf Apparel.

 

“Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed greatly in service to our country, and our organization takes the responsibility of supporting them very seriously,” said Tim Wegscheid, President and Executive Director of Tee It Up for the Troops. “This new partnership with Legendary Golf Apparel not only supports a disabled veteran-owned business but also provides high-quality custom-branded golf apparel for our tournament participants. This collaboration results in a double win.”

More and more golfers are searching for more fashion-forward apparel for the course and they’re in luck with Legendary Golf Apparel. Their apparel is designed to make golf fun, stylish, and unique while providing a comfortable and lightweight fit.

Whether you’re looking for patriotic polos, hats, or pullovers at an affordable price, the Tee It Up for the Troops and veteran-owned Legendary Golf Apparel partnership has you covered. Your purchase not only helps this veteran-owned business, but it also helps veterans across the country connect with needed services through Tee It Up for the Troops. Shop today and show your appreciation for American heroes.

SHOP NOW HERE!

 

 

IMPERIAL VETERAN GIVE BACK HAT – THE NICK BRADLEY

This Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat, in partnership with Tee It Up for the Troops, is named for U.S. Veteran Nick Bradley.  

Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Nicholas B. Bradley, USAF, served in the United States Air Force for 8 years on active duty. SSgt. Bradley would serve three combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). 

SSgt. Bradley deployed to Balad AB, Iraq, where he served with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces and flew more than 200 Surveillance Missions for troops outside the wire. He returned to the U.S. and completed several training courses over the next few years.  

In April 2008, he deployed to Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan, where he served on a Personal Security Detail for five General Officers. Staff Sergeant Bradley conducted numerous Protective Missions outside the wire, including Motorcade Operations, Fly Away Missions, and Advance Team Missions. On August 3, 2008, while on a Protective Services Mission, his vehicle was struck by 20 pounds of anti-tank mine IED. Bradley sustained multiple injuries from the blast including every bone in his face and right arm being broken, partial amputations on both hands, and fractured right hip, knee, and foot. 

Staff Sergeant Nick Bradley in Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Nick Bradley in Afghanistan.

 

Staff Sergeant Bradley has had 22 surgeries and continues to attend occupational and physical therapy. He was medically retired from active duty on May 29, 2009. Staff Sergeant Bradley has been awarded numerous honors, including Airman of the Year and the Purple Heart. He graduated from the University of North Texas with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice. 

Staff Sgt. Nick Bradley received both the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Medal from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D. C. in 2008.
Staff Sgt. Nick Bradley received both the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Medal from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D. C. in 2008.

 

More About the Nick Bradley Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat 

  • Performance polyester fabric
  • 6 Panel structured mid-crown profile
  • Woven rope along the base of front panels
  • Adjustable plastic snap closure

Explore the Give Back Hat Collection and say “thank you” to a veteran while sporting a hero’s hat. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will benefit Tee It Up for the Troops. There were 12 Tee It Up for the Troops combat veterans selected for this project who designed an Imperial golf hat in honor of their service. You can browse the collection, read these hero stories, and see their hat styles here: 

Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection 

 

IMPERIAL VETERAN GIVE BACK HAT – THE JEN TREGARTHEN

This Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat, in partnership with Tee It Up for the Troops, is named for U.S. Veteran Jen Tregarthen.

Specialist Tregarthen enlisted in the Army from 2000-2004 as a Mental Health Counselor. Her first duty station was at Camp Casey in Korea, where she delivered support to the 2nd Infantry Division from 2001-2002. Her primary responsibility was to assist with the management and treatment of inpatient and outpatient mental health. It is here that she met her future husband, Mark. In 2003 she and Mark married and were deployed to Iraq.

Spec. Tregarthen served the 4th Infantry Division at Camp Packhorse in Tikrit where she offered debrief support for combat units and care for soldiers with post-traumatic stress.  In August of 2003, while at Camp Ironhorse, housed at one of Saddam Hussein’s Tikrit Palaces, she was involved in an attack on the compound and shot. Due to her injuries, she was airlifted to a nearby CASH and then to Germany. A few months later, she returned to complete her tour with the 4th FSB. Specialist Tregarthen was awarded the prestigious Purple Heart. 

Veteran Jen Tregarthen stands with a fellow veteran during a Tee It Up for the Troops opening ceremony.

 

More About the Jen Tregarthen Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat 

The Jen Tregarthen is an original small-fit performance cap from the Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat Collection.

This Hero’s Hat features:

  • Performance Polyester Fabric
  • Lightweight, Breathable, and Moisture Wicking
  • Small Fit Cap, Fits Sizes 6 3/4 – 7 1/8
  • Micro-Velcro Elastic Loop Closure with Garage Tuck- In

Explore the Give Back Hat Collection and say “thank you” to a veteran while sporting a hero’s hat. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will benefit Tee It Up for the Troops. There were 12 Tee It Up for the Troops combat veterans selected for this project who designed an Imperial golf hat in honor of their service. You can browse the collection, read these hero stories, and see their hat styles here: 

Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congressional Medal of Honor Society Partnership

Tee It Up for the Troops is proud of a deepening partnership with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and its Foundation. Our partnership allows us to make an impact across all sectors, military and civilian, ultimately helping bring greater awareness to the issues of active duty and veteran suicide.

Recently, Tee It Up for the Troops was recognized as a core partner of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and its Foundation. What a tremendous honor! The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is perhaps the most exclusive military organization in our country so it’s a profound tribute to partner with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.  

About The Medal of Honor

The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The Recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Its small membership knows no boundaries of ethnicity, social, or economic levels.

Photo of US Medal of Honor recipient John Denny, 1900.
Photo of US Medal of Honor Recipient John Denny, 1900.

 

The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Since its origins in 1891, only 3,517  people have been awarded the medal, and there is currently only 63 living Medal of Honor Recipients.

About The Congressional Medal of Honor Society 

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is perhaps the most exclusive organization in our country so it’s an honor to partner with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.  Members range in age from 31 to 97 and live across our country. No amount of money, power, or influence can buy one’s rite of passage into this exclusive circle, and unlike almost any other organization, this group’s members hope that there will be no more inductees.

The Society’s membership is comprised of those who wear the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award for valor. Through the Society’s Outreach, Education, and History initiatives, the Medal of Honor Recipients continue their service across the nation.

Additionally, every year, the Society conducts a nationwide search to select five United States citizens and one organization to receive the Citizen Honors Awards to recognize that ordinary people can do extraordinary things– whether they happen in a single instance of bravery or through continued service to others.  The finalists are selected by the Recipients themselves.  They believe ordinary people can do extraordinary things – whether it’s a single act of bravery or community service.

Medal of Honor Recipients

Today, Medal of Honor Recipients are meeting in classrooms and boardrooms with veterans and neighbors, to uphold American values of courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism. They are sharing their experiences of valor and resilience to inspire the next generation of heroes: people doing extraordinary things every day in our hometowns. They are honoring and preserving the lessons and legacies of those who have gone before them.

Medal of Honor recipients being honored at a Tee It Up for the Troops golf event.
Medal of Honor Recipients being honored at a Tee It Up for the Troops golf event.

 

A Partnership To Help Our Nation’s Veterans

The Congressional Medal of Honor Society relies solely on private philanthropy – gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations – and receives no government funding. Tee It Up for the Troops was honored to present a grant to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society in 2023 to help them address veterans’ wellness and resiliency.  What an honor to partner with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

“Tee It Up for the Troops has a superb reputation of philanthropy and of helping so many veteran and military nonprofits, especially in this time of uncertainty and competing resources,” explained retired Army Lt. Col. John Falkenbury, Executive Director, for the Society, “Many Medal of Honor Recipients have fond memories of taking part in previous events and are now excited to team up with Tee It Up for the Troops.  Two great organizations working to help our fellow veterans and first responders. – it does not get any better”

Veterans of all wars and combat face challenges. However, the more than two million service members in the global war on terrorism waged primarily in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, experience significant and unique challenges resulting from their multiple, frequent deployments.

An Honor to Partner with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society

“We are honored and grateful to partner with one of the most prestigious organizations in the United States,” says Tim Wegscheid, President & Executive Director of Tee It Up for the Troops. “The Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Tee It Up for the Troops share a strong commitment to our nation’s veterans. We look forward to a deepening relationship as both our organizations look for the best ways to support service members, veterans, and their families when they are struggling with invisible wounds of war.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat Is Named for U.S Veteran Frank Armenta

This Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat, in partnership with Tee It Up for the Troops, is named for U.S. Veteran Frank Armenta. Frank served 27 years on active duty. During that time, he had seven  Combat tours which included Bosnia, Panama, Somalia, Afghanistan, and three tours in Iraq. Frank is the recipient of two Purple Hearts which he received after being hit by a sniper in Fallujah, Iraq in July 2003 and second after being hit by an IED in Jalalabad, Afghanistan in August 2007. Frank is also the recipient of two Bronze Stars. He received many other awards during his career including eight Army Achievement Medals, nine Army Commendation Medals, seven Meritorious Service Medals, and one Legion of Merit.

U.S. Army Medic Frank Armenta
U.S. Army Medic Frank Armenta

 

Frank Armenta is a lifelong member of the prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club. His last and most fulfilling assignment before retirement was as 1SG of the Warrior Transition Unit assisting wounded warriors as they transitioned out of the Army. Since retiring, Frank has spent countless hours helping other veterans through non-profit organizations like Tee It Up for the Troops and Combat Veterans to Careers.

Check out this video of Frank teeing it up on the course with his namesake golf hat HERE!

Video of U.S. Veteran Frank Armenta sporting his hat on the course

 

More About the Frank Armenta Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat 

The Frank Armenta is an X210R from the Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat Collection. This Alter Ego Patterned Performance Cap is named for U.S. veteran Frank Armenta.

This Hero’s Hat features:

  • Performance polyester fabric with a sublimated pattern
  • Lightweight, breathable, and moisture-wicking
  • Unstructured low-sweep profile
  • Micro hook & loop elastic loop closure with garage tuck-in
  • Repeating patterns will not always be the same from cap to cap

Explore the Give Back Hat Collection and say “thank you” to a veteran while sporting a hero’s hat. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will benefit Tee It Up for the Troops. There were 12 Tee It Up for the Troops combat veterans selected for this project who designed an Imperial golf hat in honor of their service. You can browse the collection, read these hero stories, and see their hat styles here: 

Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection