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A Time for Transition

Our mission has always been bigger than any individual, yet it is shaped by the hearts of all who make it happen. We remain unwavering in our mission, even though this year will bring a bittersweet season of transition as we prepare to bid a heartfelt farewell to three cherished members of our team: Tim Wegscheid, Brian Gora, and Jodi Baer.

Thank you, Tim, Brian, and Jodi

After 12 years as our President & Executive Director, Tim Wegscheid will enter retirement this year. We will miss Tim’s energy and his passion for connection, building relationships, and veterans, but we are excited to celebrate with him as he enters retirement where he’ll be able to enjoy more time with his family, traveling with his wife, and on the golf course.

Brian Gora’s journey with us began as a volunteer, selflessly leading our flagship event. When he joined our team, he brought incredible experience and insight, and a deep passion to serve his fellow veterans and military families. Brian’s enthusiasm, heart, and stories will be missed, but we are excited to also wish him the best as he celebrates a well-earned retirement.

Anyone who has gotten the chance to know Jodi Baer knows that her passion for our veterans is unrivaled. Jodi has been with Tee It Up for the Troops for nearly 14 years, and we will miss her hard work, her heart, and her hugs, but we wish her the best on life’s next chapter.

We are tremendously grateful for the impact Tim, Brian, and Jodi have had on our mission over the years.

 

What’s next for Tee It Up for the Troops?

While Tim, Brian, and Jodi will be deeply missed, the work continues without pause. We are excited that we have begun welcoming new team members to continue forward on the incredible path they have helped pave.

Stepping into Tim’s role, we are excited to welcome Chris LaRocque as our new President & Executive Director.  Chris brings to us nearly 20 years of experience in leadership and strategy, most recently serving as the Director of Operations for Golfzon America. In addition to his corporate leadership experience, Chris serves as a Logistics Officer in the Army Reserves; a role that has taken him on deployments to Germany, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Chris is passionate about servant leadership and community impact. Outside of work, Chris loves to travel with his wife, dive into books about military history and leadership, watch MLB & the WNBA, and visit family all around the country.

As we move forward into this new chapter, Chris is committed to an “open door” transition and welcomes the opportunity to connect with our community. Whether you would like to discuss leadership or strategic partnerships, or simply wish him a warm welcome, Chris can be reached at chris@teeitupforthetroops.org.

In addition to Chris joining our team, we are excited to welcome Tiana Black as our new Operations Manager. Tiana brings to us over 15 years of experience in operations  management, event logistics, and financial stewardship. The wealth of expertise she brings will make her a perfect fit for this role and our team. She is passionate about the unique power of golf to build connection and community, and with a brother who is an Air Force retiree, our mission is close to her heart.

 

 

As Tim, Brian, and Jodi step away throughout the year, they will provide ongoing support to ensure a seamless transition and strong path forward for Tee It Up for the Troops. Please join us in thanking Tim Wegscheid, Brian Gora, and Jodi Baer for their years of service and dedication to our mission; and please join us in welcoming Chris LaRocque and Tiana Black to the Tee It Up for the Troops team.

 

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For Some, November 11 Is More Than Just Veteran’s Day

For most people, November 11 is a day to honor those who have served our country. For Erik and Melissa Holtan, it’s even more special. The date marks Veteran’s Day, Erik’s birthday, and the couple’s wedding anniversary.

“It means a lot to me beyond just being my birthday,” Erik shared. “Seeing the pride of older generations finally being celebrated after not getting recognition before—it’s powerful. I’m proud to see the community come together like that.” Every year, Erik and Melissa start their morning at their local Hy-Vee, where veterans are invited for breakfast. “In a funny way, it’s nice to get free breakfast to celebrate our Anniversary.”

“We both served in the same unit, and that’s actually how we met,” Melissa said. “So it’s not just a day of celebration for us—it’s also a reminder of where our story began.”

As the years go by, the day’s meaning continues to grow for them. “Our anniversary is a date, but our marriage is daily,” Melissa said with a smile. This year, the Holtans will celebrate their 30th anniversary with a trip to a Liberty University football game in Lynchburg, Virginia—a getaway they started last year and hope to make a yearly tradition.

During Erik’s deployment in 2005, the couple leaned heavily on their community for support. Beyond the Yellow Ribbon (BTYR) wasn’t around yet when he served overseas, but once it formed, the Holtans didn’t hesitate to get involved. “We knew not everyone had strong family support,” Erik explained. “So we dedicated a lot of time to help local BTYR networks. I served as chairman for our local group, and Melissa was always there beside me helping at events. The community we served was so appreciative.”

That’s why Tee It Up for the Troops’ support of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon means so much to them. “When our local BTYR started, funding was tough,” Erik said. “Having nonprofits like Tee It Up for the Troops partner with us was such a blessing. ” People have needs the other 364 days too. That’s why local networks and nonprofits are so vital—they step in when families need help most.”

Looking ahead, Erik and Melissa hope the next generation continues that spirit of service. “We want our kids and grandkids to understand the sacrifices Veterans and their families make,” Erik said. “It’s not always easy, and we’ll need a new generation of support to carry it forward.”

Erik also encourages his fellow Veterans to stay connected. “Reach out to those you served with, even if it’s just once a year,” he shared. “Time moves fast, and those old friendships matter more than you realize.”

That message of reconnection is exactly what Tee It Up for the Troops’ REUNION Program is all about. Through this initiative, Tee It Up for the Troops brings together combat Veterans who were separated after deployment, giving them a chance to reconnect, reflect, and heal alongside their brothers and sisters in arms.

To learn more about the Reunion Program and how you can support future reunions, visit our REUNION page.

To learn more about the BTYR, visit, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon.

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

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

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

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

Danielle G 2024
Danielle G 2022

Veterans Give Back Hat Collection

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

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

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