The 9/11 attacks prompted the U.S. to declare a global “War on Terror” on September 20, 2001. Many patriots were prepared to serve and defend their country and their fellow Americans, no matter the risk. Two of those patriots, John Wilson and Ben Ransom, share their moving story of how a few days at Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION changed and shaped their future.

John Wilson, US Marine Corps

John Wilson joined the Marine Corps before 9/11 in 1999.  As John puts it, “I was going nowhere in life.” John’s little brother was looking to join the military and his dad said he should join the Marine Corps too. “I can’t let my little brother do something I can’t do so I joined up,” said John.  Both brothers were stationed at Camp Hansen in Okinawa, Japan, where they linked up for the next year.

Ben Ranson, US Marine Corps

Ben’s older brother joined the service in 1999 and was in the Marine Corps Air Wing.  Ben took this as a challenge and decided to do a “harder job” and joined the Marine Corps Infantry Division in 2001.  Ben and his brother were also both stationed in Okinawa, Japan.  However, Ben arrived just two weeks after his brother departed the country. Ben spent a year in Okinawa as his last peacetime deployment before Iraq.

It would not be their bloodline brothers these two men would find themselves with during the fight of their life, but each other.

Brothers in Service  

Both John and Ben found themselves back in the United States at Twentynine Palms, California, for buildup and deployment to Iraq. John had left the service in 2003, however, he volunteered to be recalled to active duty under a Presidential recall in 2004.   As a Scout Team Leader, John was placed in the same active-duty unit, the 3rd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, as Ben. Together they went through all the pre-deployment training in preparation for Iraq.

Ben and John deployed only one time together to Iraq from June to November 2004, yet their time together will last a lifetime. During these five months, they fought together in Fallujah, Iraq during Operation Phantom Fury in one of the biggest urban battles since Hue City Vietnam.

 

Firefight with the Enemy

On November 15, 2004, Ben & John’s unit was conducting a foot patrol in a small town near the Euphrates Peninsula just outside of Fallujah. On the way back to their vehicles, they found themselves in the heart of the action, taking fire and rocket-propelled grenades (RPG’s) from all directions. They immediately requested permission to assault. Ben yelled out, “I see them, I see them.” Regrettably, during the intense firefight and confusion, a misjudgment was made. The Marines moved down an alleyway that had six-foot walls on each side and no way out. That is when they got ambushed.  John took one shot in the calf. Ben sustained five rounds including to his thigh, through his flak jacket, foot, buttocks, and one that grazed his hip. With adrenaline rushing, all they could do was tell Ben to play dead and stop moving until there was a lull in the fire. While lying there, Ben got shot in the foot and decided his best chance at survival was to try crawling to the corner and get back to his fellow soldiers. While still under heavy fire, his comrades were able to pull Ben to a side of a building and check out his injuries. Ultimately, they were all removed from the firefight by a light armored vehicle.

Both Marines were ground medevaced back to Al Taqaddum Air Base in Iraq, where they rapidly parted ways. Ben was flown by Black Hawk helicopter to a mobile surgical hospital where he underwent his first surgery.  He was then flown to Germany for more surgeries before being sent to San Diego to recover. John stayed at the base medical unit recuperating until the end of the month. He then met up with his unit and finished out his deployment until he was honorably discharged in 2005.

 

Battle Brothers on a Mission to Reunite

The two battle-brothers, who had not seen each other or spoken in person for 10 years, were on a path to be part of the Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION outreach program – a mission to reunite combat veterans and use their common bonds to work through post-military struggles after combat action.

Since the early years of the war on terrorism, Tee It Up for the Troops has been helping post-9/11 military veterans, and veterans from all other conflicts, and their families through the REUNION outreach program. The REUNION program reunites wounded and injured service members who have been separated due to battlefield injuries or other reasons beyond their control. Through these reunions, participating veterans and their caregivers can enhance their transition process into civilian lifestyles and enjoy therapeutic time on the golf course and participate in some educational, healing breakout sessions.

REUNION Outreach Program – Finding Each Other and Themselves 

“Ben is the only battle buddy I tried to stay in contact with,” said John. “When I had the opportunity to attend REUNION in 2016, I was like ‘WOW’…this would be pretty cool to see how he’s doing in person.”

“When I got the call from John about attending REUNION, I was pretty shocked,” Ben said.  “Because some of my injuries were bone and nerve-related, I was on pain medication for the better part of a decade, and I was getting very discouraged. I had withdrawn from a lot of things and hadn’t had a lot of people, especially Marines, to talk to. I was also going through my second divorce at the time. It was a big morale booster to have John reach out to me about REUNION.”

In January 2016, at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida, Ben and John finally got a chance to see each other again at the REUNION Event, after the traumatic firefight 10 years earlier and the quick evacuation that took them in different directions for recovery and life after war.

With life in disarray, Ben came to REUNION very introverted and guarded. “Being at REUNION, made me realize that my isolation was self-imposed,” said Ben. “If I put out a little effort to connect with others, I could find a few resources to help with coping that were healthier than the ways I had chosen. REUNION was enormously beneficial.”

John added, “Seeing Ben at REUNION was super emotional for me. It was an extremely positive experience for both of us.”  Both veterans will tell you that there is a certain level of comfort and familiarity being back with someone at REUNION that you shared a life-altering experience with.   

 

REUNION Changes Lives

After REUNION and getting off controlled pain medication, Ben had an inspiring transformation. He describes it as a “domino effect.” He was able to file for and be awarded custody of his youngest daughter, Serena, 10, who now lives with him in the state of Washington. Ben enrolled in college computer information system courses and now has a job providing IT services and accounting for a livestock auction business.

Before REUNION, John went through months in a downward spiral where he was drinking heavily. It took a family friend taking him to dinner and intervening for John to see a therapist.  His friend paid for ten therapy sessions and went with him to the first one. Now, John pays it forward and tells other vets to see and talk to a therapist. Through this process, he learned about Tee It Up for the Troops and the REUNION outreach program.  Since 2007, John has been performing executive protection for Microsoft Corporation.  He currently lives in Washington state with his wife Shannon, and two sons, Benjamin, 10, and Aiden, 8.

Now living in the same area, these brothers in arms meet up every few months and stay connected by messaging and Zoom. Due to the type of bonds and experiences they built while serving in the military, and reuniting at REUNION, they now realize that being connected is an essential quality of life marker.

 

Show Veterans You Will Not Forget!

Frustrated with the line, “We will never forget,” Ben’s experience once he returned home from Iraq, was that people did forget all the veterans who risked everything.  “Being at REUNION showed me that there are a lot of dedicated people actively spending enormous amounts of time and resources to help you reconnect and help with PTSD and other situations caused by war. It was just huge in my overall recovery.”

2022 will mark the 10^th Anniversary of the first REUNION outreach program held by Tee It Up for the Troops. The organization plans on commemorating the event by hosting a “Reunion of REUNIONS” and bringing together battle buddies again like Ben and John to continue their journey to recovery.

Tee It Up for the Troops relies on corporate sponsors and golfers to assist us in reuniting combat veterans and to help them transition from the battlefront to the home front. This includes help for the hidden wounds of war like anxiety, depression, isolation, and suicide.

Our sponsorship packages offer businesses, foundations, and foursomes an opportunity to gain exposure as outstanding supporters of combat veterans and their caregivers. We have developed sponsorships for differing budgets and commitment levels. You can also contact us to see if we can create a specialized sponsorship opportunity for you!  Learn more about REUNION Sponsorship Opportunities.

Your Sponsorship Gets Veterans Back on Course!!

 

 

Each year, participants of the Tee It Up for the Troops  Longest Day of Golf at Bunker Hills Golf Course in Minnesota raise pledges from friends and family and tee off at the crack of dawn to golf as many holes as they can in a day. Backs and arms were sore the next day with 1,795 holes of golf played by 25 dedicated individuals during this year’s 2021 Longest Day of Golf for the Troops at Bunker Hills Golf Course on June 11^th.

Barstool Sports and Veteran Hereos Tee It Up

New this year, the event welcomed combat veteran and motivational speaker, John Kriesel and Barstool Sports personality and blogger, Uncle Chaps, a Marine and Purple Heart recipient who hosts the military popular podcast “Zero Blog Thirty.”  Kriesel, Chaps, and the rest of the dedicated team members golfed from sunup to sundown, fundraising to assist disabled veterans and their families.

In 2007, Chaps McNealy was a Marine serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Chaps was a bomb-dog handler who focused on clearing IEDs with his four-legged partner, Csika. Chaps was medically retired due to injuries sustained from a gunshot wound and multiple concussions near Fallujah, Iraq. After years of struggling without answers, Chaps says that he finally became proactive in his medical care and sought treatment for PTSD and TBI. “Having PTSD and brain issues doesn’t make one weak,” Chaps says. “Recognizing that you need help and seeking that help makes you strong.” It’s the hidden scars – the mental ones of war – that Chaps is now fighting and trying to bring to light.

 

Chaps, who flew in from San Antonio for the event, has most recently used his social media to send out messages to his fan base to donate funds to our cause at Tee It Up for the Troops. Chaps’ show and Barstool Sports as a whole have been doing this sort of thing for a few years. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy accepted Chaps’ challenge on a previous pledge drive for mental health care for veterans and it matched Chaps’ fundraising efforts which led to a total of over $200K. Chaps and his fans are thrilled to help causes like these in any way they can.

Watch Chaps and the other veteran heroes and participants in the Longest Day of Golf.

Heroes On and Off the Course

Chaps spent much of the day golfing and raising funds alongside Kriesel and Tim Nelson. Kriesel and Nelson were in the same vehicle on December 2, 2006, when a roadside bomb near Fallujah, Iraq, cost Kriesel his legs, injured Nelson, and killed two fellow soldiers and friends.

 

John Kriesel, a Purple Heart recipient and retired National Guard Staff Sergeant, is currently a Director of Veteran Services in the Twin Cities. He is also a part-time contributor on KFAN Sports Radio and a former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Kriesel’s drive and motivation were heightened that day in 2006 when he was nearly blown to shreds by a 200-pound roadside bomb in the parched sands of Iraq. He lost both legs and suffered numerous other major injuries. He is the author of “STILL STANDING: The Story of SSG John Kriesel,” winner of eight national book awards.

 

Former National Guard Staff Sergeant, Tim Nelson, who was Kriesel’s roommate and squad leader in Iraq, was in the Humvee seat behind him when it ran over the IED and was also injured. Nelson flew with Kriesel to the military hospital in Balad, Iraq, and held his hand when Kriesel’s survival was in doubt. Nelson received the Purple Heart from this attack.

 

Dedicated Patriots Participate Each Year

Many other veterans were not as “lucky” as Kriesel, Nelson, Chaps and others. “Those veterans are the reason for the “Longest Day of Golf” and why patriots participate each year knowing their efforts are helping to make a positive difference in the lives of veterans who need it,” said Pat Reis, Tournament Director.

This year’s event reached an all-time high in fundraising. Team “Johnny D” led by John Deedrick, whose family has served in the military in past generations and worked in the defense industry, was the leaderboard winner for fundraising. Robert McGinty’s team conquered the most holes played for the day at 132. Many other devoted Longest Day Golfers reinforced the day’s success. Over the last eight years, the Longest Day of Golf for the Troops at Bunker Hills has raised over $165,000.

Wounds After War

Tee It Up for the Troops is a nonprofit that helps veterans heal from the visible and invisible wounds of war that have impacted veteran and their families. “This is a great organization and a great cause,” Chaps tweeted.  “After getting wounded myself, my close Marine friends were a lifeline. That doesn’t stop after service.”

Thank you to all who participated and for your efforts to make this event a huge success in support of America’s veterans!

 

September 3, 2021, will mark the 15^th anniversary of the Tee It Up for the Troops Crystal Springs Golf Resort Event in Sussex County, New Jersey. Besides being a commemorative year of the event’s start, it will also be a remembrance of many special veterans lost, including Retired Brigadier General Elie Younes who has a special connection to this military fundraiser.

Meet This Charity Event Team With A Special Mission

Robbie Younes is the Chief Operating Officer at Crystal Springs Golf Resort and a loyal and generous supporter of this military veterans fundraising event held here each year. He is also the son of  Retired Brigadier General Elie Younes who died unexpectedly just three months ago on March 22, 2021. Brigadier General Younes was a Lebanese Army Pilot trained in the United States at Maxwell Air Force Base and a decorated hero to his country and family. As Allies, the United States and Lebanese Armed Forces forge together to confront the dangers threatening us, particularly the danger of terrorism. Brigadier General Younes will be honored at this Tee It Up for the Troops event as an ally who risked his life for freedom.

 

Brigadier General Younes’s legacy lives on in his son, Robby, whose dedication and loyalty to our military and veterans is steadfast. Robby is a dynamic, accomplished senior hospitality executive and oversees six properties including two luxury hotels, six golf courses, and multiple food and beverage outlets at Crystal Springs Golf Resort. Younes experienced many hardships in his youth when Lebanon went through a period of turmoil. He came to understand what could be achieved through hard work and ambition.

Robby delivers this same ambition and dedication to helping our American heroes get back on course at this military charity golf tournament. Mediterranean culture and the art of honoring your guests have been passed down through his family for generations and Robby ensures guests have hotel rooms, disabled veterans are catered to and respect is shown to all who served. Robby is proud to support our veterans and active military and we are most fortunate to have him closely connected with this highly successful event.

When reflecting on this year’s military fundraiser that will pay tribute to his father, Robby said, “This golf fundraiser is a major event here at the resort due to my highest respect for the troops and the sacrifices they make. I am the person I am today because of my father who was full of integrity and a fair leader. That is how I run this resort and regard this event.”

There is no better way to bring passion and skill to a charity event than the famous saying “two heads are better than one” Hence, meet Michael Guidice, Event Chair, for the Tee It Up for the Troops Event at Crystal Springs Golf Resort. “As a long-time Vietnam Veteran, I deal with the uncertain effects of PTSD,” Michael explained. “Working to aid others in the same or worse condition helps me with my personal challenges.”

 

 

When Michael and co-founder, Debby Campbell, fielded their first military fundraising event fifteen years ago, they had 80 players. Now they average 200 players and even during last year’s COVID slowdown they had 170 participants. Tee It Up for the Troops has been successful in its efforts in New Jersey through the efforts of its organizers, sponsors and wonderful, generous participants.

 

 

Impactful Military Fundraising Ideas and Support

To raise more funds and awareness over the years for this veteran charity, the committee has added military fundraising ideas such as auctions, raffles, Master’s memorabilia, course games and a unique meet and greet featuring decorated warriors. “If you have a chance to start one of these military fundraisers or get involved, do it! You will be rewarded by meeting our wounded heroes and spending a round of golf with someone who lost part of themselves for our freedom and our flag,” added Michael.

Proceeds from this local charity tournament in Sussex County, NJ will support critical areas of need, including suicide prevention, veteran employment, PTSD and traumatic brain Injury rehabilitation, family and caregiver support, housing and homelessness, golf and sports rehabilitation, and the Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION that reunites combat veterans with their comrades from the battlefield.

 

Hosting a First Class Golf Fundraiser For Veterans

This event is held at Crystal Springs Resort, a spectacular NJ vacation destination, acclaimed as the New York Metro area’s most unique four-season resort. Located in the rolling farmland of the Garden State’s picturesque northwest, this world-class NJ resort is just an hour from New York City.  For more information on this September 3^rd event click HERE.

Rest in Peace Retired Brigadier General Elie Younes as we prepare to honor you and your life of military service at this 15th-anniversary charity event. Your son and all the dedicated people associated with this Tee It Up for the Troops event will carry on the mission!

 

 

When people donate to a veterans charity organization, they want to make sure their hard-earned money is making a difference. Tee It Up for the Troops works hard to be a good steward of the funds entrusted to us. One of the best ways to know your donation to Tee It Up for the Troops is making an impact is to review third-party endorsers (nonprofit watchdogs). They provide transparency – so you know that your support is making a positive difference.

Tee It Up for the Troops has received perfect ratings from three national charity evaluators:

• Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator, provides ratings of financial health and accountability.
• GreatNonprofits, trusted reviews based on clients, donors, and volunteers.
• GuideStar, a Gold Seal status for non-profit transparency and accountability from the world’s largest source of non-profit information.

“We are honored to receive these awards and humbled by the generosity of those who support Tee It Up for the Troops,” says Tim Wegscheid, President & Executive Director for Tee It Up for the Troops. “We vow to continue to be fiscally responsible with every dollar donated.”

Learn More About These Non-Profit Review Organizations

Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator rates organizations on financial health, accountability, and

transparency. Charity Navigator helps highlight what percentage of a monetary donation is going directly to the support of the nonprofit’s mission. Charity Navigator has given Tee It Up for the Troops an Encompass Rating of 100 out of 100! A score of 75 or above indicates that a nonprofit is effective and transparent based on Charity Navigator’s criteria. This means you can give with confidence!

GuideStar

GuideStar provides information on spending and income by providing access to Form 990, which is the basic Internal Revenue Service filing document. We are proud to have received GuideStar’s Gold Rating! Again, you can give with confidence knowing that your donation contributes substantially to our mission to support veterans and their families.

GreatNonprofits

GreatNonprofits is the leading platform for community-sourced stories about nonprofits. These are the stories submitted by people who have first-hand knowledge and experience with the non-profit: veterans, military family members, sponsors, donors, volunteers, and supporters. We were named a “2020 Top-Rated Nonprofit” and received a five-star rating. There are over 57 current stories regarding Tee It Up for the Troops on their website. We invite you to read through a few of these uplifting stories. You can give with confidence.

We are a veterans charity organization here to help our military veterans with the support and services they so desperately need, and we maximize the value of our resources. Learn more about how we do that here.

Our role is two-fold. One, we are providing critically needed services to veterans and their families to help them achieve a quality of life that they have earned and deserve. That is priority number one. To make that happen, we have to do our absolute best to be fiscally responsible with every dollar entrusted to our organization. Six cents on the dollar takes focus and effort, but without a doubt, our military veterans and their families are worth every bit of effort that we can provide.   – Tim Wegscheid President and Executive Director, Tee It Up for the Troops

Contribute to Our Mission Today

We are very proud of the efficiencies at Tee It Up for the Troops and hope that gives you confidence. Your hard-earned money is making a difference and going to programs that make an impact on veterans and their families.  Contribute to our veteran’s charity organization today online, or take some time to find a local Tee It Up for the Troops event near you to contribute through. We promise to do our absolute best to be good stewards of your support!

Thousands of employers nationwide offer employees the opportunity to match their charitable gifts. Matching gift programs are one of the wisest ways to increase the value of your donation.Matching gifts are corporate philanthropy programs that reward employees’ charitable donations. Many corporations have matching gift programs and will match your donation to Tee It Up for the Troops, a military veteran support organization. It’s an easy way to double or even triple the impact of your contribution! Gifts from spouses and retirees may also qualify for an employer match.  

These matches can add up for veteran support organizations if you know how to check if your company participates—especially considering that over 18 million individuals work for companies with matching gift programs. 

See if your employer will match your donation by searching for your company name here in our Matching Gifts Tools.    

How Do I Apply For a Matching Gift? 

The process is quite simple and quick. To make a matching gift, first, go to the Matching Gifts Tools and search to find your employer. If the company is in our database, select it and you will see the specific instructions and charity donation eligible amounts for your company’s matching gifts process. Next, you make the initial donation. Then you submit a matching gift request, usually through an online giving portal for your company. It takes a few minutes to request the matching gift from your employer. 

Why Do Companies Match Donations? 

More and more companies are offering corporate matching gift programs to prioritize corporate social responsibility or CSR. Companies of all sizes match donations their employees make to local charities because it’s an easy, structured way for them to support good work in their communities. Here are a few more reasons companies participate in matching programs:  

• To support employee and retiree investments in charitable organizations
• To empower employees and retirees
• To enhances the economic vitality of communities

Why Are Employee Matching Programs Important? 

The program is a win-win-win situation for everyone involved. You get to see your donation go twice as far. Veteran support organizations like Tee It Up for the Troops receive twice as many donations for military veterans without asking for another contribution. Your company helps out veteran support organizations like Tee It Up for the Troops that you are passionate about. Through these matching programs, businesses match an employee’s donation to double, or sometimes even triple, the impact. 

Don’t Miss a Matching Gift Opportunity 

Many employees are not aware that their companies offer matching gift programs. Over 75% of eligible donors don’t know that they work for companies with matching gift programs. Unfortunately, only 7% of donors who work for matching gift companies successfully submit a matching gift request. This means that $4-7 billion in matching gift revenue goes unclaimed each year. That kind of money could make a monumental difference for disabled American Veterans. Imagine the impact you could make for veteran support organizations! 

How To Start Multiplying  Your Donation Today! 

Please take a moment to see if your company matches gifts HERE.  A few minutes can double the donation you’ve already made and make a big difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Your donation brings vital services -mental health, suicide prevention, employment, recreation, housing, and family and caregiver support -to military veterans who urgently need support. 

Tee It Up for the Troops is grateful for all donations, large and small. We appreciate your generosity! 

 

In the military, giving back is a lifestyle. It’s the ultimate act of service. For our volunteers at Tee It Up for the Troops, being surrounded by military members — whether veterans or active duty — can bring about a sense of patriotism and desire to serve. While not everyone can join the service, volunteering with a military fundraiser organization like Tee It Up for the Troops allows you to give back to the military community in big ways.

Volunteers are the heart of who we are and what we do! We could not do what we do for our veterans and their families if not for the support of our volunteer family!

“I volunteered with this amazing organization for over 8 years!! It was an honor to capture the event through my lens. The staff and volunteers are the absolute best!!! It was an honoring meeting our veterans and seeing what they’ve done to enable them to still be active even with severe disabilities. Many of my favorite photos are from these events!!!!” – Volunteer

Why volunteer for a military fundraiser? Here are a few reasons:

• Support Veterans in Need- The statistics surrounding veteran suicide, homelessness, and employment show how in need they are of support. Many of these issues feed into each other, meaning veterans need multifaceted help. When you volunteer with Tee It Up for the Troops, you’re supporting our mission to provide comprehensive, well-rounded aid.
• Connect with Others- Volunteering with a Tee It Up for the Troops event allows you to connect with others who have a passion for helping others and supporting veterans. Make long-term connections with others in your community while supporting a great cause!
• Have a Direct Impact on Your Community- 50% of the proceeds from a Tee It Up for the Troops event are directed back to the community where the event was held.
• Grow Your Skills & Learn New Ones- Tee It Up for the Troops events are a great opportunity to grow your intrapersonal and teamwork skills or develop new ones. You can help others while attaining personal growth which you can then parlay into other areas of your life.
• Act on Your Convictions- You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who would say they don’t appreciate the sacrifices those in the armed service have made. But how many people act on those sentiments? Volunteering with a Tee It Up for the Troops event allows you to have a real impact on veterans in your community and nationally. What better way to express your appreciation than by acting?

“I’ve been involved with Tee It Up the Troops for over eight years. I have seen first-hand how their events have honored many veterans from the WWII era through today’s younger veterans. I have seen first-hand the heart-felt recognition of Gold Star family members. There is more, suffice it to say that very few veteran focused non-profits have a broader reach or impact. And given the high level of volunteer involvement they do it in an incredible level of financial efficiency.” – Volunteer

Tee It Up for the Troops is always looking for dedicated, friendly, and talented volunteers who are interested in supporting our mission and making a difference. By volunteering, you can help support veterans and their families when they need it most. Volunteer assistance can be provided in a variety of ways including:

• Organize a military fundraiser event in your community or at your club.
• Support an existing event by helping with marketing, operations, sponsorship, golf logistics, volunteer coordination, public relations, auction/raffle, or fundraising just to name a few.

We encourage you to help us serve our mission on behalf of America’s heroes and their families. To learn more or to get involved as a volunteer, click here.

“Tee It Up for the Troops is a great organization to work with. Their passion, dedication and hard work show in every event across the nation to honor our servicemen and women! This is one nonprofit that every community could benefit from!” – Volunteer

To all our event leaders, committee members, volunteers- we thank you for your kind and generous support in helping us make a difference in the lives of so many American heroes and military families.

We want to recognize the contributions of our AMAZING volunteers across the country. Our dedicated volunteers have devoted over 14,300 volunteer hours – helping us continue to be great stewards of all donations received! Because of our amazing volunteers, we have surpassed 560 events across the country since inception helping to deliver impactful support for military families and connecting veterans to their communities. THANK YOU for giving back and doing good for America’s heroes!

 

“Great organization dedicated to helping veterans through the great game of golf! Well run at local and national levels.” – Volunteer

Veterans and their families have sacrificed so much protecting our country; now it’s our turn to protect them. You have the power to make a difference for veterans in your community. Click here to get involved in a Tee It Up for the Troops military fundraiser today!

Attention all golfers and golfing families…“Introducing our fully revamped online Patriot Pro Shop!”

Let’s be honest: One of the many fun aspects of playing golf is the dress code. White belts, white shoes, chartreuse shirts, and wild shorts make for some serious peacock strutting down the fairways. Golf attire is often loud and fun, as it should be.

This year, along with wearing the loud, we want to encourage you to wear the proud.

Are you wondering what to wear to this year’s Tee It Up for the Troops golf tournaments? Or do you need some patriotic clothing for Memorial Day, July Fourth, or for the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits Golf Club?

You’re in luck! We have made it easy for you to get your red, white, and blue on with our new brands available now through our online store, the Patriot Pro Shop.

We have fully revamped our Patriot Pro Shop to include the Tee It Up for the Troops brands you’ve been asking for! We now have outerwear (rain jackets, vests, and more), expanded headwear (Bora Bora hats, bucket hats, visors, and more), youth apparel, additional accessories (golf balls, coolers, tote bags, and more), and we’re also proud to offer a new line of American-made products.

When you purchase your golf attire and accessories through our Patriot Pro Shop, you are directly supporting U.S. veterans and their families. You can also purchase confidently, knowing that 94 cents out of every dollar donated goes directly to supporting our programs, while just six cents on the dollar goes to administrative costs!

When you purchase our Tee It Up for the Troops brand golf wear, you’re helping us advertise and promote one of the most respected charities in the nation. By wearing our brand merchandise, you are creating and promoting awareness of the daily issues that our veterans face. You never know; one day, you might have the perfect volunteer for our organization in your foursome, and he or she might not even be aware of Tee It Up for the Troops and what we do. Branding and marketing matter. And our veterans matter even more.

Yes, our merchandise is about golf attire and accessories, but it’s also about so much more. You can help simply by stylin’ and profilin’ our brands the next time you are out on the links.

And here’s more great news! Our Patriot Pro Shop has e-gift cards! You can purchase the electronic gift card and have it sent to your email address for easy printing and/or forwarding to the recipient of your choice. Then, the receiver of the e-gift card can pick out whatever he or she wants from our Patriot Pro Shop.

You can also purchase your e-gift cards right here at the Patriot Pro Shop. Enjoy free shipping for orders over $75. Orders under $75 dollars are shipped for just $5.95.

We hope you’ll enjoy our all-new Patriot Pro Shop. We’re excited to help you get all your red, white, and blue as well as stars-and-stripes golf gear to make you look great on the course—all the while helping to create awareness of the needs of our military veterans and families.

We can’t wait to see you at our tournaments this year, and thank you for your continued support! Shop here: Patriot Pro Shop

Are you looking ahead to which charity events you might want to participate in this year? What causes will you or your company support and give back to society? Unfortunately, COVID-19 didn’t go away with the coming of a new year. Social distancing recommendations are still in place, and many charitable organizations are rethinking their giving strategies. The ongoing pandemic will prevent the usual in-person galas and other indoor fundraising events for the near future. However, there is one fundraising activity that offers a safe, healthy, socially distanced, outdoor activity during these days of COVID-19 and that is GOLF.

A Good Year for Charity Golf Events

Golf—a naturally social distant sport is the perfect fundraising event for 2021! We have learned through our many events held across the country in 2020 that we can bring golfers, sponsors, and volunteers safely together. Ask any combat veteran and they will tell you—innovation is often the key to survival and to carry out the mission at hand. Their mission being, keeping us safe and free. These days, it is our turn to be innovative and carry out our mission; to honor, remember, respect, and support all those who serve(d) in the Armed Forces of this great nation.

Golf is booming; people want and need to get outdoors. Golfers are ready to play, and sponsors are ready to advertise-so a Tee It Up for the Troops Charity Event is a WIN-WIN for all! We host quality charity events across the nation, held at great golf courses and for a good cause-benefiting our military veterans and their families.

Why Our Golf Events Are a Win-Win

94 cents out of every dollar raised at our Tee It Up for the Troops golf events is invested directly to supporting our veterans. Our pillars of support address every aspect of a veteran’s life.

• Family and Care Giver Support
• PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
• Suicide Prevention
• Housing and Homelessness
• Employment
• Golf and Sports Rehabilitation.

Other Reasons to Participate in Our Golf Events

• Our charity events give you the opportunity to meet veterans and hear their stories in a safe, naturally distanced environment.
• Our charity events can boost the morale of your employees and organization by offering a patriotic cause to support and give back.

• Playing golf and being outdoors is a great exercise.

• Golf is accessible to all ages. Everyone can participate, and your participation absolutely makes a difference in the lives of our veterans and their families.

As you plan how you and your company are going to give in 2021, we ask that you please consider joining or sponsoring a Tee It Up for the Troops Golf Event. Most of our events sold out quickly last year, so plan now for sponsorship and attendance or find a local event now.

Whether or not you’re a golfer, you can make a commitment to supporting those who have fought to protect our freedoms. Please consider standing alongside our esteemed list of sponsors. Click here to become a charity sponsor or donate today!

We have high hopes for 2021. Humanity is resilient, strong, innovative, hopeful, and generous. We thank you for your generous contribution and the positive impact you will be making this year.

With COVID restrictions and a threat of nasty tropical weather, yet an unwavering mission to surpass goals and remain innovative, the Dataw Island Community in South Carolina adjusted, adapted, and achieved during their full Veterans Week of charity fundraising golf events to support disabled veterans!! Due to their perseverance and creativity, Tee It Up for the Troops would like to announce that Dataw Island is the 2020 WINNER of the #StepItUp4Heroes Challenge! This challenge was issued at the on-set of the COVID pandemic when many events were canceled causing the loss of critical fundraising dollars for our American heroes. Congratulations Dataw Island for making a positive difference for our disabled military veterans and their families who STEPPED UP for our freedom!

Dataw initiated a new event this year-The Big Break Dataw Golf Challenge-which had holes set up a little differently and offering unique challenges on two of their courses, the Cotton Dike and Morgan River. With hole names such as “Maintenance Forgot Their Tools” and “Alligator Hole” players’ skills were surely challenged! The Big Break Challenge was a fun and innovative way to bring some new excitement to this fundraising classic!

The week-long event kicked off with the One-Man Marathon Golf Tournament and was proclaimed by the Governor as “Tee It Up for the Troops Day” across the state of South Carolina. Hundreds of people showed up or donated in support of veterans who are wounded or disabled and was led by Dataw Island’s Head Golf Pro, Chris Fearn, who completed the one-man golf marathon in one long day. Chris teed off at 3:30 am and played until dark in order to raise money for veterans through Tee It Up for the Troops.

Last year, Fearn played an amazing 251 holes of golf before raising over $35,000. This year, once all pledges are collected, Fearn will raise more than $40,000 bringing his seven-year total to $200,000! Fearn was able to complete an astounding number of holes (253) with great strokes (55 birdies and 2 eagles) to break his record!

Supporters, primarily members of the private gated community of Dataw Island where Fearn works, pledge their choice of a per-hole amount or a flat amount, with the per-hole serving to encourage Fearn to complete as many holes as his body and daylight can allow. Each birdie and eagle he makes also increases the take, so playing fast and accurately are both goals.

“I have to admit,” said Fearn, “Waking up at 2:45 am and knowing that I’m about to play golf for 14 hours straight, with the first three-plus hours in the dark, is a little daunting, but it’s still a lot of fun since I know it’s for a great cause. Having members and veterans there cheering me on is really what keeps me going. Although it takes me a few days to recover afterward, it’s a small sacrifice that I’m happy to make in the make of Tee It Up for the Troops.”

In years without COVID restrictions, the Dataw Island’s Veterans Week celebrations are more complete with activities such as the flag brigade, a veteran’s march & rally, a veteran’s breakfast, and veterans’ lunch, and guest bartenders. However, this did not hold them back from modifying and “Marching On!” Since this year’s guest of honor was unable to speak in person, a wonderful video was shared. From Roy Brown, Jr. (AKA “JR”) of Ridgeland, SC about his passion for helping veterans.

Event Coordinator, Col. Glenn Blackburn, Ret. US Army, says that the Dataw Island partnership with Tee It Up for the Troops has made this charity event a nationally recognized fundraiser. “The support that Dataw Island shows each year for local and national non-profit service organizations is tremendous. Through sponsoring golf holes at our Veterans Classic, Head Golf Pro Chris Fearn’s golf marathon, and the raffle, residents show amazing support for our wounded and disabled veterans.”

Tim Wegscheid, President and Executive Director of Tee It Up for the Troops, said “Dataw Island’s Veterans Week traditions, take hard work, imagination, and dedication and we are so grateful for the folks in the Dataw community and local supporters who back our veterans and country. Each year, this wonderful community puts on an amazing display of patriotism and fun golf events! Thank you for your loyal support of our disabled veterans and their families!”

Tee It Up for the Troops salutes event leader Col. Glenn Blackburn, Ret. US Army, Head Golf Pro, Chris Fearn, and the residents and staff of Dataw Island for making Veterans Week 2020 a huge success! Your ability to persevere during COVID and press on given any obstacle in your way to help military veterans and families is astonishing!