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 Journeyare 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.
“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!
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
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:
This ImperialVeteran 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
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
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:
Give a Gift to Thank Veterans and Honor America’s Veterans and Military Families
November is a perfect month to honor America’s veterans and military families and thank those who served our nation in uniform. November 11 is Veterans Day, a day when we honor and give thanks to those who have served our country in war or peace. November is also Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month, which is a great opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and contributions military families make that many times go unnoticed.
As we commemorate our veterans and their families, we honor the individuals who have served our country for generations — those who served out of honor, duty, and love for their country, and some who made the ultimate sacrifice.
If you would like to make a donation in honor of America’s veterans and military families, click HERE FOR EASY WAYS TO DONATE.
Give the Gift of Reuniting Veterans
What could be better than interacting with some of America’s combat veterans while helping them to heal and get back on course? What if we throw in playing golf on signature courses designed by three of golf’s greatest legends: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer?
Tee It Up for the Troops relies on corporate sponsors and donors to assist us in reuniting combat veterans who were separated due to battlefield situations. The game of golf serves as the backdrop for our signature REUNION event, January 10-14, 2024, at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.
We have developed multiple sponsorship options for differing budgets and commitment levels to help you honor America’s veterans and military families You can also contact us to see if we can create a specialized sponsorship opportunity for you!
Please click HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT REUNION SPONSORSHIP.
During the Vietnam War, a special group of all-American women stepped forward to serve their country in extraordinary ways. Known as “Angels from Heaven,” these dedicated individuals were not drafted; they volunteered.
They were the nurses of the Vietnam War, and their bravery, skill, and compassion saved countless lives on and off the battlefield.
Tee It Up for the Troops paid tribute to a group of Vietnam War nurses at the 2023 Tee It Up for the Troops Event at Mendakota Country Club.
In attendance, honored and pictured left to right were: Mary Lu Ostergern- Brunner, Army Nurse Corps, 71st Evacuation Hospital, Pleiku, 1968-1969; Pam Barrows, Army Nurse Corps, 71st Evacuation Hospital, Pleiku, 1966-1967; Mary Breed, Army Nurse Corps, 95th Evacuation Hospital, Da Nang, 18th Surgical Hospital, Quang Tri, 1970-1971; Kay Bauer, Navy Nurse Corps, Vietnamese Provincial Hospital, Rach Gia, 1966-1967; Jeanne Mahaffey, Navy Nurse Corps, USS Sanctuary, Vietnam, 1971 – 1974; Lynn Bower, Army Nurse Corps, 24th Evacuation Hospital, Long Binh, Vietnam 1971.
Army Nurses in Vietnam: Stories of Courage and Commitment
Pam Barrows – Army Nurse Corps
“My best friend from nursing school and I entered the service together and we were supposed to be assigned to the same unit after basic but we weren’t,” said Army nurse Pam Barrows.
“We talked to those in charge and said ‘you promised’ we would be assigned together, and then they reassigned us both to Ft. Polk, which had the reputation for being the armpit of the Army. Hearing that we said we might as well go to Vietnam but had no clue what we were asking for!”
Nurses in Vietnam did whatever was asked of them. They often worked round the clock in massive casualty situations, directing triage, assisting with emergency tracheotomies and amputations, inserting tubes to assist surgeons, and removing damaged tissue and shrapnel from wounds.
Pam said they were called “Pluckers” because they plucked out shrapnel from wounded soldiers.
“Our shifts were 12 hours, 6 days a week and our incoming came by helicopter,” said Pam who worked in the Surgical ICU at the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku, Vietnam.
“It would be called a ‘PUSH’ and the wounded were triaged in the ER. Often when working day shifts, we might have to crawl to safety if under a rocket attack.”
Pam said there was a high mental stress side of military nursing. “We never knew what was happening outside of our compound.”
“We would hear groundfire close by when working nights and during blackouts. I worried about my fiancé who was a Company Commander of a Mechanized Infantry Unit with the 4th Division on the other side of Pleiku. I worried about rats coming into our ‘hootch’ or living quarters and rocket attacks.”
Mary Breed – Army Nurse Corps
“My brother was wounded in Vietnam and my friend from church, as well as my girlfriend’s brother, were both killed in Vietnam,” said Mary Breed.
“That is why I volunteered as a nurse to serve in the Army. I graduated from nursing school at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis in 1969 and arrived in Bien Hoa, Vietnam, on September 5, 1970.”
She worked as an OR nurse at the 95th Evac Hospital in DaNang and the 18th Surgical Hospital in Quang Tri.
“You can never prepare for war. You do not understand a war until you are there and in it,” Mary described.
“I still cry when I think of Vietnam and certain instances. Everybody that goes to war goes through PTSD because war is just not normal.”
Mary vividly remembers her 24th birthday in Vietnam: “I was cutting a birthday cake the cook had made when we heard a radio call that Hill 950, west of Quang Tri Provence, was getting run over with mortars.”
“Our hospital sent two ‘Dust Offs’ or Medevac helicopters. The fighting was intense and they could only get in with one helicopter that only evacuated one of three Americans. One soldier was later deemed missing in action and the other a POW,” Mary recalled.
“Back at the hospital, we awaited the chopper to return, which was tenuous because the chopper was being shot at and had to make an emergency landing at Khe Sahn. It turned out to be a good birthday because our two crews made it home safe.”
Support the mission to honor and assist veterans like Mary by considering a donation.
Kay Bauer – Navy Nurse Corps
Kay Bauer grew up in St. Paul with 13 brothers and sisters. Kay was a U.S. Navy Nurse for 35 years. She was one of two women in a forward surgical team of 7 people who worked in a provincial hospital in South Vietnam in 1966.
“The hospital had no running water, no electricity, and we had a generator in the operating room,” said Bauer in an interview.
Even the walk to work from her quarters became dangerous. At one point, she witnessed a U.S. helicopter getting shot down with bullets coming perilously close.
“The bullets went past, whoosh, whoosh. I will move a little bit faster here,” Kay said.
Despite the danger, Kay likes to remember the good times, like christening a boat in a nearby harbor or immunizing local children. “The other things are just too hard,” she said.
Shortly after returning home, Kay received an invitation to lunch at the White House where she was honored by President Johnson. He signed legislation allowing women to achieve higher military ranks, such as General or Admiral.
Kay retired as a Captain in the Navy Nurse Corps and still keeps in touch with the awesome women who served.
Watch an interview with Kay Bauuer that was part of Veteran Day news coverage from North Metro TV in Blaine, MN. Kay’s story begins at the .48-second mark in the segment.
This group of American nurses in the Vietnam War played a significant role in the war zone, providing high levels of care under extremely difficult conditions.
Despite their vital contributions, many nurses during the Vietnam War returned home only to encounter the same unfriendly reception as male veterans, compounded by the psychological trauma of their experiences.
Today, the nurses of the Vietnam War are still among the least recognized of American military veterans. Popular films and media often overlook their stories, but their legacy lives on through the gratitude of those they healed and the memories they helped preserve.
Learn more about how Tee It Up for the Troops honors veterans like these nurses: Tee It Up for the Troops.
How Many Women Served in Vietnam?
Nearly 10,000 American women served in Vietnam during the war. Of those, approximately 7,000 were nurses, many of whom were barely out of nursing school when they were sent overseas.
How Many Nurses Died in Vietnam?
Tragically, 9 American army nurses in Vietnam and 1 Air Force nurse lost their lives while serving, according to the Army Nurse Corps Association:
Captain Eleanor Alexander
Second Lieutenant Carol Drazba
First Lieutenant Pamela Donovan
Lieutenant Colonel Annie Graham
Second Lieutenant Elizabeth Jones
First Lieutenant Sharon Lane
First Lieutenant Jerome Olmsted
Second Lieutenant Hedwig Orlowski
First Lieutenant Kenneth Shoemaker
Captain Mary Klinker, USAF
Honoring the Hospital Vietnam War Nurses
The group of hospital Vietnam War nurses honored by Tee It Up for the Troops originally met through a support group at the VA in Minnesota. Today, they continue to support one another through annual potluck lunches and support.
Two of these remarkable women, Pam Barrows and Mary Lu Ostergern-Brunner, both served at the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku, Vietnam, an area known for heavy combat.
Although they worked at the same facility—Pam in the ICU and Mary Lu in the OR—they never connected while in Vietnam.
Once back in Minnesota, they met through the Veteran Home where Mary Lu was a board member and Pam was an Administrator at the Veteran Home in Luverne, MN.
A Lasting Legacy of Compassion and Courage
The nurses of the Vietnam War remain a symbol of unwavering dedication and courage. Tee It Up for the Troops is deeply honored to have recognized their invaluable service and sacrifice. Their stories remind us of the profound contributions made by women in times of war, often under the most challenging circumstances imaginable.
After serving in the military, many veterans find it difficult to transition back to civilian life. They may feel isolated and disconnected from the civilian population, as they may have experienced traumatic events or formed close bonds with fellow servicemen and women while on active duty. Thus, veteran reunions or small group interactions are a critical part of healing.
The Bonds of Combat
The bonds of combat and brotherhood are forever. As many combat veterans will tell you, you may not have a blood brother or sister, but you can call on a military friend in any situation and they will be there to help. That’s what five Marine veterans, with shared hardships, found out recently when they were brought together through a reunion held at Operation Patriot Forward Operating Base (OPFOB).
Jeffrey Monssen served 30 years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps and retired as a Sergeant Major. His deployments include the Western Pacific, 2 deployments in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope, Kuwait, 2 deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan. A highly decorated Marine, Jeff also conducted multiple anti-drug Joint Task Force operations across the US and South America.
After 30 years of service, Jeff retired from the Marine Corps in 2018. He continues to serve veterans and their families as a member of the National Board of Directors for Tee It Up for the Troops. While attending the 2022 Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION, veteran reunions that reunite combat veterans with their battle buddies with golf as the backdrop, Jeff had an idea. “Golf is awesome, but some people don’t golf,” Jeff said. “Perhaps we could bring a smaller group of combat veterans together by connecting them through other outdoor activities and the shared sense of military struggles they have in common,” added Jeff. So, he set out on a mission to do so and investigate the concept.
Connecting Through The Great Outdoors
That’s when Jeff learned about Operation Patriots FOB (Forward Operating Base.) Operation Patriots FOB (OPFOB) is a non-profit, operating on 268 acres in Ridgeland, South Carolina, with a mission to create and foster positive experiences for veterans by connecting through outdoor and recreational activities. A place where peers can engage in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
OPFOB- a place for veterans come together, relax and have a good time with their brothers and sisters.
The Tee It Up for the Troops signature REUNION program is held annually at Reunion Resort & Golf Club in Kissimmee, Florida, bringing together about 60 combat veterans and their spouses or caregivers collectively who break up into small group discussions throughout their days together. Small group interaction is highly effective in getting veterans to open up with each other. The event at OPFOB, with just five in attendance, was the first small group reunion organized by Tee It Up for the Troops to further analyze small group interaction of combat veterans.
Monssen pulled together five Marines that had fought with him during some of the deadliest periods of combat in Kuwait, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan to share their incredible experience and unbreakable brotherly love. The friends have known each other for 30 years, but the last time they had been together as a group was 10 years ago at a wedding. OPFOB was an opportunity for the comrades to get together for several days by themselves to talk, relax, take deep breaths, and feel comfortable with trusted buddies.
On April 19, 2023, the brothers in arms, now scattered in different parts of the country, reunited to reconnect, regroup, and refocus. They arrived to spend four days together at the OPFOB sanctuary and playground. They were now face to face, could wrap arms around one another, and share hardships and happy times too.
Combat Marines reunited. Pictured left to right are: Patrick Holland, Ron Rowe, Paul Malley, Jeff Hoffman, and Jeff Monssen.
“Bringing veterans to a place they know, like this wonderful outdoor recreational setting, makes us feel confident and comfortable,” said Jeff. “To hunt, fish, shoot, sit by a fire with those who understand you the most…nothing can compare.”
The property is a beautifully rustic and peaceful space. There is a barn, a bunkhouse, a rifle and pistol range, skeet shoot, and stocked ponds. On the property and throughout the local community are opportunities for veterans and first responders to access both fresh and saltwater fishing. Attendees can participate in various hunting sports including pheasant, dove, quail, deer, turkey, and hog.
Jeff’s group spent time on the gun range, drove ATV vehicles, and went hog hunting. Their fishing trip was canceled due to weather, but they made the most out of that day by going to a nearby air show and touring Parris Island, the famous Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina.
The band of brothers visited a nearby air show.
Yet, it was the fireside chats each evening that brought them the closest and brought about the unvarnished truth. The straightforward truth about how they were shot at and lost battle buddies to combat. And how they have come back, and some parts of their lives are very tough due to all the trauma they experienced and they’re still losing friends to suicide. And how they deal with it in the privacy of their own lives.
The fire pit talks helped this group of Marines to let down their guard and open up.
Sitting around the campfire provided a sense of security, warmth, and comfort for this group of Marines to let their guard down. Being around the fire and staring into the dancing flames put them into a relaxed trance where they just started talking, remembering, and healing. It was also a time to remember those they had lost and a chance to raise a glass and toast to them.
Reuniting Veterans with Small Group Interactions is Healing
Many veterans returning from recent conflicts and prior service eras continue to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other invisible wounds of war. Studies have shown that veterans benefit from small group interaction and support, including social support, purpose and meaning, normalization of symptoms and hope, and therapeutic benefits. Reuniting veterans together in small group interactions is highly effective and offers the opportunity to normalize PTSD symptoms by engaging with other individuals who have experienced similar trauma symptoms.
Conversely, the unvarnished truth is not all doom and gloom. This band of brothers also talked about the happy times in their lives. The days always ended on a high note, and everyone gets recharged.
Veterans need each other to heal. They also need a safe, comfortable place for the unvarnished truth to be told to help that healing. “Reunions and small group interactions for combat veterans positively impact the rest of their lives,” Monssen concluded.
There are many opportunities for small group interactions and healing at veteran reunions.
Please Help a Veteran Refocus at a REUNION
There are zero out-of-pocket costs to our participants who attend our reunions thanks to our generous donors. Tee It Up for the Troops is inspired to see how businesses are recognizing the importance of supporting our nation’s veterans. If you would like to open the door to a fresh new mindset and outlook on life for our country’s veterans, PLEASE Donate Today Here.
16 Years Later: Army Battle Buddies Finally Reunited
Rob and Richard enjoying time together at the 2023 REUNION.
Ever since he was a kid, Rob Murafsky from Metuchen, New Jersey dreamed of joining the Army. In 2002, right after high school, he enlisted as an infantryman. A year later, Richard Ranno, who grew up in New England, joined the Army infantry as well.
An American Bradley Fighting Vehicle.
The two became fast friends while serving in Alpha Company, 1st Armored Division, in Baumholder, Germany. Off duty, Rob and Richard were inseparable—traveling around Europe, working out, and making memories that would last a lifetime.
In January 2006, both soldiers deployed to Iraq. Rob was a squad automatic weapon (SAW) gunner while Richard served as a rifleman and driver. Even with conflicting schedules, they carved out time to hang out, watch movies, and hit the gym.
That summer, Richard’s squad was sent into the dangerous city of Hīt, Iraq, for a three-day surveillance mission. What unfolded would change both of their lives forever.
A Harrowing Day in Hīt
On the third day of their mission, Richard’s unit watched from a second-story building as an Abrams tank was struck by an anti-tank mine. The blast killed the driver instantly and injured the rest of the crew.
What came next was unthinkable. Hundreds of locals flooded the street, celebrating and desecrating the remains of fallen soldiers. Richard and his men were ordered to stay hidden and observe, unable to intervene.
Moments later, a U.S. Quick Reaction Force arrived, including Rob. As the soldiers engaged in heavy combat, Richard’s team provided support fire from above. In the chaos, a sniper’s bullet struck Rob in the face.
Separated by War Wounds
Rob was medevacked out of Iraq, ultimately losing his right eye and suffering major facial injuries. Richard’s squad later evacuated the building, only to learn that his friend had been airlifted and would never return to duty.
That day haunted them both. Rob struggled with PTSD, isolation, and depression, while Richard carried guilt for following orders instead of rescuing bodies sooner. For 16 years, the battle buddies who had once been inseparable lost all contact.
Reunited at Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION
Warriors Rob and Richard attended REUNION 2023 with their service dogs Monsoon and Jersey.
In 2023, Rob and Richard finally reunited through Tee It Up for the Troops’ REUNION program, a therapeutic event that brings combat veterans back together in a safe, healing environment.
Over several days, they reconnected while attending breakout sessions, sharing their stories, and playing golf alongside fellow veterans. Both men brought their service dogs—Monsoon and Jersey—who are part of their daily healing.
“Talking face to face with Richard was the biggest help for me,” Rob said. “We’ve both suffered from PTSD, but now we can share what’s worked for us and support each other.”
Veteran Richard Ranno participating in a REUNION breakout session and group chat.
Richard agreed, adding: “The group chats were powerful. Sharing our stories not only helps us heal but also helps civilians understand what service members go through.”
Though the scars of war remain, Rob and Richard now have each other again and the tools from REUNION to keep moving forward. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, healing, and veteran support.
Support Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION
Tee It Up for the Troops depends on sponsors, golfers, and donors to help reunite combat veterans like Rob and Richard. Your support helps veterans heal from the hidden wounds of war—PTSD, anxiety, depression, and isolation—and transition from the battlefront to the homefront.
When it comes to charitable giving, we know it’s important that you, as a donor or supporter, know you are giving to a top-rated charity- one where you trust the mission, integrity, and financial responsibility of the organization. Tee It Up for the Troops is proud to announce that it has once again received a coveted Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator.
Charity Navigator rates organizations on four key beacons: impact and results, accountability and finance, leadership and adaptability, and culture and community. As a top-rated charity, Tee It Up for the Troops earned a 100% for the Accountability & Finance beacon, leadership and adaptability, and culture and community. Charity Navigator has not yet developed an algorithm to estimate Tee It Up for the Troop’s programmatic impact.
According to Charity Navigator, receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that an organization adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way.
Check out our top-rated charity profile on Charity Navigator HERE.
Charity Navigator helps highlight what percentage of a monetary donation is going directly to the support of a top-rated charity and 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!
In addition to Charity Navigator, top-rated charity Tee It Up for the Troops, has received the highest level of recognition offered by highly regarded “non-profit watchdogs” including GreatNonprofits and GuideStar.
This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Tee It Up for the Troops and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust. As a valued supporter, you can have trust and confidence that we will be excellent stewards of your money.
For the past 11 years, Tee It Up for the Troops has hosted REUNION, a veteran outreach initiative where wounded vets find healing and hope on and off the golf course. REUNION reunites battle buddies who were separated due to battlefield injuries. Through REUNION, combat warriors reconnect with those they trust most, experience healing, and develop new relationships and support networks, helping them with their ongoing transition from the battlefield to the home front.
Hometown, High School, and Warrior Buddies – Dan Thiesfeld, and Nick Kimmel – Reunite at REUNION
“I almost teared up just giving him a hug because I haven’t seen him in forever. It meant so much. Just to be here at this event, to see all these people and hear all their stories is just amazing,” said one warrior attendee.
Click below to watch the emotional video of how our 2023 wounded vets find healing and hope on and off the golf course at REUNION.
Many valued non-profit partners “stepped up to the tee” at REUNION by participating in the Non-Profit Partner Resource Expo. Throughout REUNION, our non-profit partners each bring unique resources that are introduced and available for veterans and their families.
Non-Profit Partners Expo at REUNION.
Most of these partners also send combat veterans to experience the healing and hope that comes from attending REUNION. These wounded vets find healing and hope on and off the golf course
Below is a list of the wonderful non-profit partners who brought support to REUNION and links to their organizations.
