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Supporting Invisible Wounds – PTSD Awareness Month

                       June is PTSD Awareness Month:
                 Supporting the Invisible Wounds of War

Every June, communities across the country recognize PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), reducing stigma, and encouraging those who are struggling to seek help.

PTSD affects millions of Americans, including many of our nation's veterans.

While PTSD can develop after any traumatic event—including sexual assault, serious accidents, natural disasters, or violence—military veterans often face unique challenges because of the experiences they encountered during service. The effects can impact relationships, employment, physical health, and overall quality of life. 

At Tee It Up for the Troops, we recognize that when a service member returns home, they often face challenges that extend far beyond their military service. That is why our mission focuses on six critical pillars of support designed to help veterans and their families thrive after service. 

Six Pillars of Support


One of those pillars is PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment. These invisible wounds of war often go untreated due to stigma, shame, or misdiagnosis. Yet their impact can be profound—not only for veterans, but also for their spouses, children, caregivers, and communities. Through our grants and partnerships with organizations across the country, Tee It Up for the Troops helps provide access to programs and services that support veterans coping with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
PTSD Coach App

One of the most important messages of PTSD Awareness Month is simple: treatment works.

Many veterans and survivors believe they should simply "push through" their symptoms or handle them alone. The truth is that evidence-based treatments can significantly reduce PTSD symptoms and improve quality of life. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of strength.  For veterans looking for additional support, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a free mobile application called PTSD Coach.

Designed for veterans, service members, survivors, and their families, the app provides reliable information about PTSD, self-assessment tools, coping strategies, and resources for finding professional support. 

  • PTSD COACH APP FEATURES:
  • Learn about PTSD and its symptoms
  • Track symptoms over time
  • Access coping tools for stress, anxiety, anger, and sleep
  • Connect with support resources
  • Create a personalized support network

While the app is not intended to replace professional care, it can be a valuable companion alongside treatment and recovery efforts. Family members and friends can also use the app to better understand PTSD and learn ways to support loved ones. 

Veterans can learn more and download the PTSD Coach app through the Department of Veterans Affairs website. 

June 2026 events

Join Tee It Up for the Troops this PTSD Awareness Month and make a difference for veterans living with the invisible wounds of war.

This month, six Tee It Up for the Troops events are taking place across the country, providing opportunities to honor and support those affected by PTSD.

June 8 - Tee It Up for the Troops - Olympic Hills Golf Club - MN
June 8 - Congressional Charity Golf Classic - Army/Navy Country Club - VA
June 19 - Longest Day of Golf - Bunker Hills - MN
June 22 - Longest Day of Golf - Northern Bay Golf Resort - WI
June 29 - Tee It Up for the Troops - Carrollwood Country Club - FL
June 29 - Tee It Up for the Troops - Country Club of Missouri - MO

     Click on an event logo to learn more and get involved.

Every participant, volunteer, sponsor, and donor helps fund programs that provide critical PTSD treatment, recovery resources, and hope for veterans and their families. Together, we can ensure that no veteran has to face these challenges alone.If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD, remember: help is available, treatment works, and recovery is possible.

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Eden Prairie Brothers Host 5th Annual Lemonade Stand Benefiting Tee It Up for the Troops

Eden Prairie, MN — May 26, 2026 

What began as two young boys wanting to say “thank you” to veterans has grown into a beloved community tradition with a powerful impact.

Brothers Noah and Cole Dingels will host their 5th Annual Lemonade Stand benefiting Tee It Up for the Troops during the upcoming Tee It Up for the Troops event at Olympic Hills Golf Club in Eden Prairie on June 8. Located alongside hole 5, the stand has become a meaningful stop for golfers, families, veterans, and community members throughout the tournament.

Over the past five years, the lemonade stand has evolved from a simple backyard idea into a youth-led fundraiser centered around entrepreneurship, hard work, gratitude, and giving back. With support from local businesses, sponsors, neighbors, and volunteers, Noah and Cole raised more than $33,000 in 2025 alone to support veterans and military families through Tee It Up for the Troops. Their efforts were also featured by WCCO-TV last year.

“What Noah and Cole are doing is a powerful example of patriotism in action,” said Tom Groom, National Board Member and Event Chair for Tee It Up for the Troops. “They’re learning at a young age that serving others and supporting those who have served our country is something that can bring an entire community together.”

“At its heart, this has always been about teaching them to serve others, work hard, and appreciate the sacrifices veterans and military families have made,” said their mother, Angela Dingels. “Watching the community rally around them year after year has been incredibly meaningful for our family.”

This year’s event marks a milestone as the boys celebrate their fifth year supporting the organization. Community sponsors and local businesses once again are stepping forward to help support the stand, with all proceeds directly benefiting Tee It Up for the Troops.

Tee It Up for the Troops is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and military families through critical programs and services focused on health care, housing, employment, and overall well-being.

The lemonade stand will be open during the Tee It Up for the Troops event at Olympic Hills Golf Club in Eden Prairie on June 8. Community members are encouraged to stop by, support the cause, and help celebrate five years of growing up giving back.

For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact:

Tom Groom, Board Member & Event Chair
tom.groom@healthnexuscorp.com
(651) 269-2323

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How Many Hours Did Our Volunteers Donate in 2025?

In 2025, something powerful happened across Tee It Up for the Troops.

It wasn’t tied to one single event.
And it didn’t come from one person.
It came from thousands of moments—donated by YOU!

In 2025, our volunteers donated 20,764 hours of volunteer service!

How much is 20,764 volunteer hours? It’s the equivalent of:

  • ~10 full-time staff members worth of time
  • ~865 full days of service
  • ~2.4 years of continuous, nonstop work
  • Over $650,000 in value given back to the mission

Behind every hour is a person who chose to show up. Someone who:

  • Checked in golfers before sunrise
  • Stayed late to clean up after an event
  • Helped plan, organize, and execute tournaments
  • Gave up weekends to serve something bigger than themselves

What 20,764 Hours Made Possible

Because of our volunteers, we changed lives. Those hours helped fuel programs and support services that provided:

  • Service dogs for veterans navigating PTSD and daily life challenges
  • Critical home repairs for injured veterans, making their spaces safe and accessible
  • Emergency financial assistance when veterans and families needed it most
  • Support to prevent homelessness, ensuring stability during difficult transitions
  • Community and connection through events that remind veterans they are not alone

To Our Volunteers
YOU are the reason this mission moves forward.
YOU are the energy behind every event.
The hands that make the work possible.
The heart behind every impact we celebrate.
Because of you, we are not just supporting veterans. We are building a community that stands beside them.

Thank you.

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Honoring Service, Fueling Support: The Ripple Effect of Your Giving

Every year, Tee It Up for the Troops is reminded of the incredible ripple effect your generosity creates. Since launching our grant program in 2006, we’ve proudly awarded over $18,000,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations nationwide—ensuring that veterans and their families, whether in small hometowns or large cities, can access the resources they need not just to survive, but to thrive.

Map showing the locations of nonprofit organizations

For the 2025 grant cycle, we received over 240 applications—each one representing a veteran, a family, or a community seeking hope, healing, and support. Guided by Tee It Up for the Troops’ six core pillars of care, our team carefully reviewed each request, committed to honoring your trust and ensuring every donated dollar fuels programs that make a lasting impact. Whether it’s helping veterans heal from invisible wounds, preventing suicide, supporting employment and housing, or strengthening families and caregivers, your generosity is driving real change where it’s needed most.

We are proud to spotlight a few of the organizations you’ve helped empower to create meaningful change. These stories go beyond grants—they’re about you. They reflect the impact your support has when it reaches those working on the front lines of veteran care. And they serve as a powerful reminder that together, we’re building more than just events. We’re building hope, healing, and a legacy of gratitude.

Guest House | Chicago, IL

Guest House is deeply grateful for Tee It Up for the Troops’ support. The grant received supported our Road Home program, which is essential to improving access to mental health treatment for U.S. military veterans.

With your help, Guest House provided 3,090 nights of no-cost lodging and support services for 265 veterans while they received care for military traumas at the Road Home Intensive Outpatient Program at Rush University Medical Center. The Road Home program delivered two weeks of day-long treatment to veterans striving to overcome the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and related mental health conditions, while Guest House provided veteran-focused lodging and supportive care.

Home For Our Troops | Taunton, MA

Home For Our Troops has had an exciting year. Thanks to your support, in 2025 we delivered 12 homes to severely injured veterans, broke ground on 10 construction projects, including our first in Wyoming, and welcomed 18 new veterans into the HFOT family. All of this fulfills our mission to build homes and rebuild lives.

“This home is a game changer. There is no longer this looming question of what if. The question now becomes, what’s next? This home will provide Ed with full independence and a place to completely decompress. Our lives changed when we heard, ‘Welcome to the family.’”

— Stephany Bonfiglio, wife of HM3 Ed Bonfiglio

Imprints of Honor | Phoenix, AZ

Thank you so much for supporting our mission with a grant for our After-School Chapter Program, which creates a platform for veterans to share their service experiences and connect with their communities. Your support provides the gift of knowledge, appreciation, honor, and legacy.

Although our name has changed from Veterans Heritage Project to Imprints of Honor, our mission remains the same. Our program continues to recognize the importance of veterans’ service while helping students learn about history, citizenship, and leadership. We are now in our 21st year of students interviewing veterans and preserving their legacies by writing and publishing service stories, engaging in civic activities, and planning community events to honor veterans.

Meaningful connections are made between veterans and students. Storytelling from one generation to the next shares experience, imparts lessons, preserves legacy, and inspires youth. Beyond the emotional healing veterans experience, many deepen their conversations with family members and build mentor relationships with their student interviewers, inspiring young people to lead lives of honor through examples of courage and perseverance.

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Chipping Marshmallows, Supporting Heroes

AMP Employees Support Tee It Up for the Troops by hosting a Longest Marshmallow Chipping Contest!

As the weather begins to cool, marshmallows usually make us think of gooey s’mores by the fire. But as our friends at AMP showed us, marshmallows can serve another purpose too, becoming the perfect stand-in for golf balls during a Longest Marshmallow Chipping Contest that brought out plenty of fun, teamwork, and generosity.

Check Out their LinkedIn post!

Thanks to their efforts, AMP employees raised more than $1,000 for Tee It Up for the Troops. These funds will directly help us serve veterans and their families, providing opportunities for healing, connection, and growth through golf events and community programs.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the employees of AMP and their Fun Committee for hosting such a unique and meaningful event. Their creativity and generosity remind us that even something as lighthearted as chipping marshmallows can make a lasting difference when it’s done in support of those who have sacrificed so much.

If your company or community would like to get involved, consider hosting your own creative fundraiser or supporting our mission with a donation. Together, we can continue to honor and support our nation’s veterans and their families.Learn More about Hosting an Event

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Give Your Golf Clubs a Second Life and Support Veterans

As our outdoor golf season winds down, many of us start thinking about upgrading our golf clubs. Perhaps you’ve caught yourself saying things like,

Donate your golf clubs

“If only I had used new clubs, I would have definitely golfed better.” 

“End-of-season sales mean I can finally get that new driver.”

“I swear my putter has a personal grudge against me.”

“Clearly my handicap is the club’s fault, not mine.”

But then comes the inevitable question:   What do I do with my old clubs?

     Instead of letting them collect dust in the garage, consider giving your golf gear a new mission, one that supports a cause close to home. Through our partnership with 2nd Swing, you can donate your gently used golf clubs to benefit Tee It Up for the Troops, a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring and supporting veterans and their families.

Donating is easy with two convenient options:

Option 1: Bring your clubs to any 2nd Swing location and let them know you’d like to donate them to Tee It Up for the Troops.

Option 2: Mail them in—shipping is on us! To mail your clubs:

  • Gather clubs – Collect your gently used, name-brand golf clubs.
  • Check value – Use the 2nd Swing Value Guide to get an estimated value, plus a free shipping label.
  • Pack & label – Box up your clubs and attach the shipping label.
  • Ship – Drop the package at any FedEx location. A donation receipt will be sent within 6–8 weeks.
Important note: Please DO NOT send golf clubs or equipment directly to the Tee It Up for the Troops office, as we are unable to process them or provide donation receipts.

Click here to Get Started

Whether it’s a driver, putter, or full set, your donation helps fund programs that support veterans and their families.

It’s a small gesture that can make a big difference in the lives of those who’ve served. Thank you for helping Tee It Up for the Troops honor, remember, respect, and support our veterans, one club at a time.

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A Milestone Worth Celebrating: $18 Million Granted to Help Our Veterans

$18 million in total grants to veteran service organizationsIt’s no small feat to grow from a soldier’s selfless request to “Help those back home” in 2005 to now surpassing $18 million in total grants to veteran service organizations. Over the past 20 years, Tee It Up for the Troops has proudly supported critical programs that serve the unique needs of our nation’s veterans — helping them heal, rebuild, and thrive.

“Thanks to the unwavering dedication of hundreds of extraordinary volunteers, Tee It Up for the Troops has now proudly surpassed $18 million in grants to our trusted nonprofit partners. But this milestone is far more than a number—it’s a powerful reflection of our deep and lasting commitment to those who have served and sacrificed to protect our nation’s freedoms. These funds support critical programs that assist our veterans and their families as they transition from the battlefront to the homefront, helping them heal and ‘get back on course’ from the visible and invisible wounds of war.”

— Tim Wegscheid, President & Executive Director

Grant Recipient Spotlight: Leashes of Valor

leashes of valor

Helping Post-9/11 Veterans and Rescue Dogs Heal TogetherPost-911 Veteran and Rescue Dog

One of our most recent national grant recipients, Leashes of Valor, trains service dogs for post-9/11 veterans with PTSD and other service-connected injuries. Whenever possible, they rescue dogs from shelters — giving a second chance to both the veteran and the dog. Veterans like Xander Hernandez are finding hope and healing through these life-changing partnerships.

“The moment I saw her, and the leash went in my hand, I knew — this is it.”
— Xander Hernandez

Xander was a senior in high school on 9/11. The attack set him on a path to enlist in the Army immediately through the delayed-entry program. He deployed to Iraq as a radio communications specialist, determined to serve. But war left its mark. Xander suffered spinal and leg injuries during two deployments and later received a diagnosis of PTSD. He spent over a decade searching — unsuccessfully — for a service dog. After years of disappointment and even being scammed by a fake nonprofit, Xander nearly gave up. That’s when his wife discovered Leashes of Valor, and everything changed.

“When I got to training and saw Red, it was instant. She’s been the perfect match ever since.”

With his service dog Ruby Red by his side, Xander is now embracing a new life — one with greater freedom, independence, and peace of mind.

Where Your Support Goes

Because of your generosity, we’re able to fund trusted partners like Leashes of Valor, as well as many other organizations (See just a few our beneficiaries here.) that support our mission providing services around our six core pillars:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury Treatment
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Housing & homelessness
  • Employment
  • Family & caregiver support
  • Golf & sports rehabilitation

What’s Next? Onward to $20 Million

We’re not done yet. With your continued support, we look forward to growing our impact and reaching the next milestone — together.

Want to help us get there? Donate here or Get Involved

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Vehicles For Veterans Donates $325,676 to Tee It Up for the Troops

Vehicles For Veterans reaches significant donation milestone to support veteran charity Tee It Up for the Troops.

Vehicles For Veterans

APRIL, 2025 — Vehicles For Veterans is proud to announce a remarkable donation milestone, contributing $325,676 to “Tee It Up for the Troops.” This veteran-centered organization benefits from proceeds of car donations collected nationwide.

Tee It Up for the Troops is a fiercely passionate charity committed to helping veterans and their families successfully transition from the battlefront to the home front. Founded in 2005, the organization utilizes golf events to increase awareness and invest funds to provide vital support to veterans for rehabilitative programs, family assistance, and community reintegration services.

“We are thrilled to contribute to the exceptional work being done by Tee It Up for the Troops,” said Randy Heiligman, Executive Director and Co-Founder of National Fundraising Management, the marketing arm of Vehicles for Veterans. “Our partnership has a meaningful impact on veterans and their families, and we are committed to continuing our support.”

All the funds Vehicles For Veterans has donated to Tee It Up for the Troops came from generous vehicle donations across the U.S.A. In the hands of Vehicles For Veterans, an unwanted vehicle can make a big impact on those who have served our country through great charity recipients like Tee It Up for the Troops.

“We are deeply grateful for the generous support from Vehicles For Veterans,” said Tim Wegscheid, President, Tee It Up for the Troops. “Their substantial donations will significantly enhance our ability to provide services to veterans and their families. Together, we are making a profound difference in the lives of those who have bravely served our country.”

Car Donation Foundation d/b/a Vehicles For Veterans, a non-profit 501(c)(3) vehicle donation organization, aids veteran charities across the U.S. Donors enjoy free towing and receive a tax-deductible receipt. Car Donation Foundation has successfully donated over $171 million, continuously making a difference in veteran communities.

Learn More about Vehicles for Veterans

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Small Donations Make a Huge Difference for Military Families!

donations 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 Dingel

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.

Cole and Noah Dingels and parents

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.

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The Longest Day of Golf for the Troops

Longest Day of Golf for the Troops event in Alaska

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

Combat Marine veteran Brian Schiller

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 asThe 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.

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

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. 

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. 

black bear at Moose Run Golf Course, Alaska
A black bear showed up to cheer on Brian at Moose Run Golf Course, Alaska during the Longest Day for the Troops.

“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.”  

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

 

 

 

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

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