New Women Veterans House Coming to Mankato, MN

The dream to build the nation’s first sober home for women veterans struggling with PTSD and addiction has been around since the original Bravo Zulu House project began, and it’s growing closer to becoming reality..

For many veterans, the hardest battles don’t happen overseas—they begin when they come home. The transition to civilian life can be isolating. For women veterans, those challenges are often even more complex. Access to resources, safe housing, and community support isn’t always easy to find. That’s why this new partnership matters.

Tee It Up for the Troops is proud to partner with Bravo Zulu House at the
15th Annual Tee It Up for the Troops – Mankato Golf Event

This event on August 24th will be to support the construction of a Women Veterans House in Mankato, Minnesota—a place designed specifically to help women veterans heal, rebuild, and move forward.

A Place for Healing and Stability - Coming Spring 2027!
This Women Veterans only home will provide more than just a roof. It’s being built to support women veterans navigating PTSD, sobriety, and the transition to stable, independent living. It’s a place where they can take the next step—not alone, but with support behind them.
Through this partnership, we’re expanding the ways our community can show up for those who served—meeting needs that too often go unseen.

For more than a decade, the Mankato Tee It Up for the Troops event has brought people together to honor and support veterans. This year, that impact grows even stronger—creating a direct, lasting difference right here in our community.
Bravo Zulu House identified a critical gap in veteran care and stepped in to fill it, creating the first sober living recovery homes specifically for veterans.
Now, they’ve recognized that women veterans are one of the fastest-growing segments of the veteran population—and that they need a space designed specifically for their recovery and healing.
Tee It Up for the Troops is proud to help bring this Women Veterans House to life.
Because supporting veterans doesn’t stop at saying thank you. It’s about showing up in the moments that matter most. And together, we’re helping build a place where women veterans can find strength, stability, and a new beginning.


How Can You Support?

Support can be given in many ways. Sponsor and golf on August 24th in Mankato. Donate funds or your time volunteering at Tee It Up for the Troops. Knowledge is power, Learn more about Brave Zulu House and their Spring 2027 Plans for the Women Veteran's House.

In March 2026, KEYC's reporter Aaron Stuve published a great report on the work being done on this project. Check it out.

“Welcome Home” – National Vietnam War Veteran’s Day

“Welcome Home”

For many Vietnam veterans, those two words did not come in 1973.

In 1985, Vietnam Veteran Len Erickson, USMC, found himself sleepless at his hotel in Washington, DC. He pulled on his Marine Corps sweatshirt and walked into the chilled early hour as the dawning light broke through the darkened sky. Len’s feet led him to the Vietnam Wall where he was face to face with the thousands of names of soldiers that would never stand next to him.

Not many people were around on this quiet morning, except for another gentleman standing nearby. Len noticed he, too, was wearing a Marine Corps sweatshirt. The stranger looked at Len in earnest, stuck his hand out, and with a firm grip said, “Welcome home, Marine,” before continuing down the wall.

For a long moment, he couldn’t find the words. He couldn’t find a thought.  He replayed those words in his head as he stared down at the hand that was still warm from the embrace. “Welcome home, Marine.” Why did this feel so strange?

Then Len’s eyes widened with awareness. It was 1985.

Fifteen years since he left Vietnam.

And that was the first time anybody had said welcome home to him.

Fifteen years.

 

For many Vietnam veterans, the wounds were not only physical, but they carried mental trauma of moral injury, isolation, and the quiet ache of feeling unseen. “We were there (in Vietnam) for a purpose, and I don’t think people understood that in the States.”

And he knew he was not alone. “So many veterans out there who haven’t been welcomed home.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CreatiVets (@creativets)

On March 29, we observe National Vietnam War Veteran’s Day, honoring the nearly nine million men and women who served during the Vietnam War era. We also remember the more than 58,000 individuals whose names the black granite of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial displays.

A day that carries a deeper purpose for our Vietnam veterans. It exists to offer something many Vietnam veterans never received when they first stepped back onto American soil:

A proper welcome home.

“I went through a lot of trauma in the war, but the biggest trauma was coming home.” Len admits. “When I came home, I threw away all my uniforms because nobody wanted to know about it. I was shocked to find a country of indifference.”

“Welcome Home.”

For Len, those words changed something. Not the past. Not the memories. But the feeling of being seen. “It just made a big difference to me.”

It’s been 53 years since the end of the Vietnam War.

On March 29 this year, we have the opportunity to make sure no Vietnam veteran is left unwelcomed or unseen.

If you know a Vietnam veteran, take a moment. Look them in the eye. Thank them for their service. And say the words that still matter.

Welcome home.

More about Len Erickson, USMC

Len was born and raised in Northern Minnesota.  After graduating from high school, he left to go to college in Colorado.  Immediately after college in 1966, Len joined the U.S. Marine Corps.  He served in Quantico, Virginia; Camp Lejeune, North Carolina; Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida; and then Viet Nam.  Len served with First Battalion Seventh Marines approximately 25 miles southwest of Danang.  He arrived in Viet Nam during the Tet offensive of 1968, and left during the Tet Offensive of 1969.

In 1970, Len and his wife Bonnie married, and over the course of ten years, had three wonderful daughters.  He owned a consulting firm that specialized in organizational development for over 20 years, and finished his career as an HVAC distributor.

Len is retired, and looks forward to golfing and spending many years with Bonnie, his wife of near nearly 53 years.

During REUNION, Len Erickson worked with one of our nonprofit partners, Creativets, in Nashville, TN, where professional songwriters turned his story into a song, which was later produced and performed by Scotty Hastings.

Hear Len’s song “Welcome Home”

Hear Len tell his story: On Fox News on Veteran’s Day 2025

Shifting Purpose – The Journey of finding purpose beyond the military experience

Military veterans and familyWhen you serve in the military, you are given a purpose.
You are given a job — your MOS (military occupational specialty code)
You are given structure.
You are given a new family — your squad, your platoon, the people who would stand beside you no matter what.
Maybe your role meant jumping out of airplanes. Maybe it meant running logistics, creating battle plans, repairing aircraft or vehicles, or spending months at sea aboard a ship.

No matter the job, service brings clarity.
Direction.
Belonging.
With awareness, reality shifts.But when military service ends, that clarity often disappears.
The uniform comes off.
The mission ends.
And the family that once felt permanent is suddenly scattered.

For many veterans, the transition home isn’t just about starting a new job — it’s about losing an identity. The purpose that guided everyday life for years is gone, replaced by uncertainty and isolation.

Today, there are an estimated 16–18 million military veterans living in the United States. Each carries their own story — and many quietly struggle with what comes next.


That is why REUNION exists.

This year, from January 8–11, 2026, Tee It Up for the Troops hosted REUNION at Reunion Resort and Golf Club.  26 veterans came together in a safe, supportive environment — reuniting with comrades from their past and meeting other fellow veterans whose experiences mirrored their own in powerful ways.

This video is a look at the REUNION experience — a weekend filled with honest conversations, renewed bonds, and growth towards healing.


At REUNION, veterans are reminded of something many have forgotten:

They are not alone.
They are still needed.
And their purpose did not end with service.

For veterans seeking reconnection — and for sponsors who make this work possible — REUNION stands as a reminder that coming home is not the end of the journey.

Sometimes, it’s where the next purpose begins.


To learn more, support, or apply for REUNION, visit: https://teeitupforthetroops.org/reunion/

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.

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.

Invisible Wounds: PTSD in Veterans & How REUNION Helps

Help Veterans Heal from the Invisible Wounds of War

June is PTSD Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on the mental health challenges many of our nation’s heroes face after returning home. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects hundreds of thousands of veterans and subsequently their families. It can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation, substance abuse, and tragically, suicide.

At Tee It Up for the Troops, we have learned that one of the most powerful forms of healing is connection—with those who’ve walked the same path.

That’s why we created REUNION, a life-changing outreach program designed to reunite veterans with the people who understand them best—their fellow comrades. These one-on-one reunions foster healing, trust, and hope.

Not only do we provide support for the veterans but also their spouse/significant others who attend. A key addition was to offer support to those who provide critical care and encouragement for the veterans in their lives.

 

Why Your Support Matters

REUNION helps veterans process trauma and rediscover a sense of purpose, hope, and belonging. Through helpful breakout sessions, reconnection through shared stories, and fellowship on and off the golf course, participants break the cycle of isolation and take steps toward healing.

Tee It Up for the Troops relies on companies, corporations, foundations, and individual REUNION sponsors and donors to assist us in reuniting combat veterans and helping them transition from the battlefront to the home front.


 
CreatiVets during the annual REUNION event

With your donation or sponsorship, you can:

  • Cover travel and lodging costs for a veteran
  • Provide access to mental health resources
  • Rebuild connections that combat PTSD’s isolating effects
  • Align your brand or organization with a cause that changes these heroes’ lives

 

Your support sends a powerful message to our nation’s heroes:

You are not alone.
You are not forgotten.
And healing is possible.


Are You or Someone You Know a Combat Veteran Living with PTSD?
If you or someone you care about could benefit from the healing power of REUNION, we invite you to reach out.
Learn more.

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.

Warrior Canine Connection’s Moondog is Named in Honor of United States Marine Corps Colonel Derek Donovan (Ret)

Warrior Canine Connection’s Moondog

Meet Moondog!  He is a 11-week-old lab puppy and Warrior Canine Connection’s Moondog is named in honor of United States Marine Corps Colonel Derek Donovan (Ret), friend and supporter of Tee It Up for the Troops and Warrior Canine Connection.

 

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
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
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
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 Journey are Excited About a New Continuum of Care Program

The Warrior’s Journey

Tee It Up for the Troops and The Warrior’s Journey are 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.
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

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!

IMPERIAL VETERAN GIVE BACK HAT – THE JEN TREGARTHEN

Jen Tregarthen wearing heroes hat

This Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat, in partnership with Tee It Up for the Troops, is named for U.S. Veteran Jen Tregarthen.

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
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 

The Jen Tregarthen is an original small-fit performance cap from the Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat Collection.

Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat

This Hero’s Hat features:

  • Performance Polyester Fabric
  • Lightweight, Breathable, and Moisture Wicking
  • Small Fit Cap, Fits Sizes 6 3/4 – 7 1/8
  • 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: 

Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection