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.
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
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,
“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.
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.
Vehicles For Veterans reaches significant donation milestone to support veteran charity Tee It Up for the Troops.
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.
Tee It Up for the Troops and veteran-owned Legendary Golf Apparel partnership will promote and support each other’s objectives through the sale of custom merchandise and support at golf events.
Legendary Golf Apparel is veteran-owned, family-operated, and passionate about the sport of golf, helping veterans, and growing the game they love. Through this new partnership, Legendary Golf Apparel is making custom Tee It Up for the Troops branded merchandise which is available online or for sale at many of our charity events. In addition, Legendary Golf Apparel has selected Tee It Up for the Troops as one of its non-profit partners and will donate a portion of its profits to Tee It Up for the Troops.
Brock Ruiz, CEO and Founder, of Legendary Golf Apparel and Army veteran, said, “The life lessons the military has taught me have changed my life forever. Honor, integrity, selfless service, and respect are what I will always represent. I’ve always had a passion for golf, and I knew I could somehow use that to help serve. That’s why we founded Legendary Golf Apparel. We donate a portion of all proceeds to Tee It Up for the Troops to help all the veterans we can.”
Brock was an Army Infantryman. He served eight years and was stationed at Fort Hood, TX. In his time in the military, he was deployed two times to Afghanistan. During his second deployment, he was wounded in action ending his military career. During deployment, he witnessed a lot of brothers who did not make it out. He knew when he left the military, he wanted to still help serve our great nation in any possible way. That’s why Brock founded Legendary Golf Apparel in 2022.
Legendary Golf Apparel is based in Minnesota and besides being veteran-owned, the company is family-operated, which sets them apart from other golf brands. Brock’s cousin, Brooks Hitchcock, is the CMO and Co-Founder. The two cousins have been working side by side pursuing the American dream of starting a business while giving back to those who fought and served for our freedom.
Brock Ruiz, Army veteran and CEO (left), and Brooks Hitchcock CMO (right), cousins and founders of Legendary Golf Apparel.
“Our nation’s veterans have sacrificed greatly in service to our country, and our organization takes the responsibility of supporting them very seriously,” said Tim Wegscheid, President and Executive Director of Tee It Up for the Troops. “This new partnership with Legendary Golf Apparel not only supports a disabled veteran-owned business but also provides high-quality custom-branded golf apparel for our tournament participants. This collaboration results in a double win.”
More and more golfers are searching for more fashion-forward apparel for the course and they’re in luck with Legendary Golf Apparel. Their apparel is designed to make golf fun, stylish, and unique while providing a comfortable and lightweight fit.
Whether you’re looking for patriotic polos, hats, or pullovers at an affordable price, the Tee It Up for the Troops and veteran-owned Legendary Golf Apparel partnership has you covered. Your purchase not only helps this veteran-owned business, but it also helps veterans across the country connect with needed services through Tee It Up for the Troops. Shop today and show your appreciation for American heroes.
Recently, Tee It Up for the Troops was recognized as a core partner of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and its Foundation. What a tremendous honor! The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is perhaps the most exclusive military organization in our country so it’s a profound tribute to partner with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
About The Medal of Honor
The Medal of Honor was created during the American Civil War and is the highest military decoration presented by the United States government to a member of its armed forces. The Recipient must have distinguished themselves at the risk of their own life above and beyond the call of duty in action against an enemy of the United States. Its small membership knows no boundaries of ethnicity, social, or economic levels.
Photo of US Medal of Honor Recipient John Denny, 1900.
The Medal of Honor is the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed upon an individual serving in the Armed Services of the United States. Since its origins in 1891, only 3,517 people have been awarded the medal, and there is currently only 63 living Medal of Honor Recipients.
About The Congressional Medal of Honor Society
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society is perhaps the most exclusive organization in our country so it’s an honor to partner with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Members range in age from 31 to 97 and live across our country. No amount of money, power, or influence can buy one’s rite of passage into this exclusive circle, and unlike almost any other organization, this group’s members hope that there will be no more inductees.
The Society’s membership is comprised of those who wear the Medal of Honor, the United States’ highest military award for valor. Through the Society’s Outreach, Education, and History initiatives, the Medal of Honor Recipients continue their service across the nation.
Additionally, every year, the Society conducts a nationwide search to select five United States citizens and one organization to receive the Citizen Honors Awards to recognize that ordinary people can do extraordinary things– whether they happen in a single instance of bravery or through continued service to others. The finalists are selected by the Recipients themselves. They believe ordinary people can do extraordinary things – whether it’s a single act of bravery or community service.
Medal of Honor Recipients
Today, Medal of Honor Recipients are meeting in classrooms and boardrooms with veterans and neighbors, to uphold American values of courage, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, citizenship, and patriotism. They are sharing their experiences of valor and resilience to inspire the next generation of heroes: people doing extraordinary things every day in our hometowns. They are honoring and preserving the lessons and legacies of those who have gone before them.
Medal of Honor Recipients being honored at a Tee It Up for the Troops golf event.
A Partnership To Help Our Nation’s Veterans
The Congressional Medal of Honor Society relies solely on private philanthropy – gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations – and receives no government funding. Tee It Up for the Troops was honored to present a grant to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society in 2023 to help them address veterans’ wellness and resiliency. What an honor to partner with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.
“Tee It Up for the Troops has a superb reputation of philanthropy and of helping so many veteran and military nonprofits, especially in this time of uncertainty and competing resources,” explained retired Army Lt. Col. John Falkenbury, Executive Director, for the Society, “Many Medal of Honor Recipients have fond memories of taking part in previous events and are now excited to team up with Tee It Up for the Troops. Two great organizations working to help our fellow veterans and first responders. – it does not get any better”
Veterans of all wars and combat face challenges. However, the more than two million service members in the global war on terrorism waged primarily in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, experience significant and unique challenges resulting from their multiple, frequent deployments.
An Honor to Partner with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society
“We are honored and grateful to partner with one of the most prestigious organizations in the United States,” says Tim Wegscheid, President & Executive Director of Tee It Up for the Troops. “The Congressional Medal of Honor Society and Tee It Up for the Troops share a strong commitment to our nation’s veterans. We look forward to a deepening relationship as both our organizations look for the best ways to support service members, veterans, and their families when they are struggling with invisible wounds of war.”
Tee It Up for the Troops charity golf events across the USA passionately embrace a patriotic tribute to American heroes. They are truly a red, white, and blue one-of-a-kind experience that honors those who have defended our nation’s freedom. During July, when we celebrate Independence Day, we wanted to share an impactful video from our Desert Mountain event in Arizona held in May.
Please take 2 minutes to watch this inspirational video. It was produced by our Desert Mountain event organizers and will give you a great feeling as you celebrate and honor the heroes to whom we owe our freedom, peace, and happiness. You will also see key moments that are reflected in all of our patriotic charity events.
The Opening Ceremony is a tradition at Tee It Up for the Troops events that are a patriotic tribute to American heroes who have, and continue to, put their lives at risk on the frontline. This opening ceremony sets a patriotic tone for the day, honors our veterans, and reminds everyone why they are a Tee It Up for the Troops event. It is an opportunity for sponsors, participants, and attendees to celebrate patriotic pride.
Our military is built on traditions, customs, and manners, and so too are our military charity events. With the 657+ events that have been held in over 40 states, each Tee It Up for the Troops opening ceremony is uniquely planned by each local community planning committee. While no two opening ceremonies are ever the same, below are the elements and their meaning that you might find at a typical opening ceremony.
Bagpiper.
• Bagpiper: Many of our ceremonies start with a bagpiper in a traditional Scottish kilt playing and walking up the first fairway toward the attendees. Bagpipes have become associated with U.S. Military memorial services, retirements, or changes of command on account of their connection with Scottish martial history. As early as the 14th century, Scottish warriors used musical instruments—mostly horns—to intimidate their English adversaries.
• Invocation by Military Chaplain: An invocation prayer or request for the spiritual presence and blessing of God in the event.
• Soloists Ssing the National Anthem and God Bless America: We all know the great tale of our national anthem being written in the wake of the battle with the British in 1814, but did you know God Bless America was written by a Russian immigrant serving in the US Army during the first world war? None other than Irving Berlin—one of the most successful and beloved American songwriters of the 20th century—penned this tune to celebrate the nation he loved dearly.
Presentation of Colors.
• Presentation of Colors by Honor Guard / Color Guard: While we no longer carry colors into battle—during which they served a crucial communication function—the presentation of colors ceremony still plays an important role in keeping national and unit traditions alive.
• Moment of Silence: The moment of silence is a time-honored tradition to create a space for reflection and respect—and there’s plenty of that to go around during a Tee It Up for the Troops opening ceremony, a patriotic tribute to American heroes.
Rifle volley.
• Rifle Volley: Typically done in three volleys by an odd number of members, rifle and other gun salutes are common across the world for honoring service members, royalty, and foreign dignitaries.
Gold-Star Family recognition.
• Gold-Star Family Recognition: Gold Star Families are relatives of US military members who have died in battle. A wreath is laid at the ceremony and attending parents, spouses, children, or other family members can carry a rose to lay on the wreath.
Honoring Veterans in attendance.
• Honoring Veterans in Attendance: All attending veterans are recognized and honored for their service during the ceremony.
• Taps: Often played at military funerals and other events like wreath-laying ceremonies, this bugle call (it’s not a song) has its origins in the Civil War.
• Retire the Colors: Retiring the colors marks the end of the ceremony, during which the color guard retrieves the colors and removes them respectfully.
Some of our events have additional symbols and demonstrations of patriotism that pay tribute to American heroes who continue to put their lives at risk on the frontline.
• Static Displays: military vehicles, fire engines with U.S. flags at the entrance or on a hole.
• Helicopter or parachute landing to mark the start of the ceremony.
• Video Link / Teleconference of deployed units.
• Patriotic Motorcycle Association Riders: Some riders participate in the ceremony by holding US Flags around the staging area.
White dove release.
• White Dove Release: White doves are a widely recognized symbol of peace and hope. A white dove release incorporates this powerful symbol into the ceremony honoring our veterans and what they’ve fought for.
Bald eagle on display.
• Bald Eagle on Display: The Bald Eagle became the national emblem of the United States of America in 1782. The fierce beauty and proud independence of this great bird aptly symbolize the strength and freedom of America, that same strength and freedom that is found in the United States Armed Forces.
Military flyover.
• Flyover: The first military flyover took place during the 1918 World Series. Today’s military flyovers serve to promote and honor our armed services. The missing man formation is an aerial “salute” performed during a flyover and is typically in memory of a fallen pilot, a well-known military service member, or a veteran.
Opening ceremonies at Tee It Up for the Troops events are one-of-a-kind experiences. Without pretension, with utmost respect and dignity, they’re a chance for your community to honor veterans in your own unique way. Communities across the United States have gathered to support our troops. Get together with your community today to start planning your own event!
Start an Event: We’ll help you set up your own community event to raise funds for our veterans.
Find an Event: Tee It Up for the Troops events happen in almost every state! Find one near you today and participate!
Donate:Donate to support our innovative REUNION program, which pays for combat veterans to reunite with their old comrades to help them overcome the hidden wounds of war.
Thank you to all our golf club partners and event organizers that pay tribute to American heroes by hosting a Tee It Up for the Troops event!
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.
