“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.”

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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

February 2, 2026June 1, 2026

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

Military veterans and family When 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.
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/

June 30, 2025June 1, 2026

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

It’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

Helping Post-9/11 Veterans and Rescue Dogs Heal Together

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

May 26, 2025June 1, 2026

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.

Learn More about REUNION

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.

May 31, 2024June 1, 2026

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

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

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.

“Our Service dogs have an important mission—to carry on the legacies of heroes like Col. Derek Donovan while helping recovering Veterans who have sacrificed so much for our nation,” said Rick Yount, Founder and Executive Director, of Warrior Canine Connection. “We feel it’s important that those Veterans have their stories told and their lives honored through our namesake program. We believe when a Veteran’s name is spoken, they are always remembered.”

Another distinctive aspect of WCC’s program is that it enlists service members and veterans to help train the service dogs for others. This No-Fail Mission aligns with the warrior ethos of caring for your brother and sister-in-arms. The veterans and service members doing the training know their hard work will contribute to helping a fellow veteran or service member in need, while also receiving therapeutic benefits themselves.

WCC’s volunteer-based, animal-assisted therapy involves service members and veterans in training future service dogs. Besides knowing the dog will one day go on to help a fellow veteran, many warriors involved cite their own benefits, including enhanced communication, confidence, accountability, emotional regulation, and patience. Photo Credit: WCC

It is with tremendous pride that we name WCC’s Moondog in honor of United States Marine Corps Colonel Derek Donovan (Ret).

Check out the link to their website for more information about this wonderful organization- Warrior Canine Connection.

April 23, 2024June 1, 2026

Tee It Up for the Troops and The Warrior’s Journey are Excited About a New Continuum of Care Program

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.

“Serving in the military comes with unique challenges that most people do not fully understand,” said Kevin Weaver, President/CEO and Co-Founder of The Warrior’s Journey. “The invisible wounds that veterans carry are a testament to the sacrifices they made. The Warrior’s Journey, along with Tee It Up for the Troops, wanted to make sure there is support that follows the veteran and family after they attend the REUNION event.” Kevin is a US Air Force veteran. He served in the USAF Security Forces and the Office of Special Investigations from 1983-1987.

Tee It Up for the Troops and The Warrior’s Journey are excited to continue ongoing services and programs to assist our warriors on their journey. Some of the challenges faced include PTS, financial difficulty, family brokenness, addiction, suicide, loss, isolation, and more. Staff from The Warriors Journey coordinate reach-out messaging, intake, connection to resources, case management, and follow-up. The Warrior’s Journey has built a team of veterans, called “warrior connectors,” to provide real-time crisis intervention. They respond within 24 hours (always warrior-to-warrior and 100% confidential) to provide community support, resources, and referrals. The individualized approach to intervention is focused on navigating the available help and resources provided by over 70 partner organizations.

Through this new continuum of care program, veterans now have a new “Battle Buddy,” and a personal advocate through The Warrior’s Journey organization, who can help them navigate many post-military issues and offer support whenever they need it. No warrior should have to navigate alone. Together we are helping veterans heal and strengthening families.

On behalf of our Tee It Up for the Troops warriors and families, we want to thank The Warrior’s Journey for all they are doing for the men and women who served our country! We are so thankful for this expanded partnership that is helping warriors and families live in wholeness and navigate the unique issues of military life!

August 21, 2023June 1, 2026

The Nurses Who Served in the Vietnam War

During the Vietnam War, a special group of all-American women stepped forward to serve their country in extraordinary ways. Known as “Angels from Heaven,” these dedicated individuals were not drafted; they volunteered.

They were the nurses of the Vietnam War, and their bravery, skill, and compassion saved countless lives on and off the battlefield.

Tee It Up for the Troops paid tribute to a group of Vietnam War nurses at the 2023 Tee It Up for the Troops Event at Mendakota Country Club.

nurses in Vietnam war

In attendance, honored and pictured left to right were: Mary Lu Ostergern- Brunner, Army Nurse Corps, 71st Evacuation Hospital, Pleiku, 1968-1969; Pam Barrows, Army Nurse Corps, 71st Evacuation Hospital, Pleiku, 1966-1967; Mary Breed, Army Nurse Corps, 95th Evacuation Hospital, Da Nang, 18th Surgical Hospital, Quang Tri, 1970-1971; Kay Bauer, Navy Nurse Corps, Vietnamese Provincial Hospital, Rach Gia, 1966-1967; Jeanne Mahaffey, Navy Nurse Corps, USS Sanctuary, Vietnam, 1971 – 1974; Lynn Bower, Army Nurse Corps, 24th Evacuation Hospital, Long Binh, Vietnam 1971.

Army Nurses in Vietnam: Stories of Courage and Commitment

Pam Barrows – Army Nurse Corps

“My best friend from nursing school and I entered the service together and we were supposed to be assigned to the same unit after basic but we weren’t,” said Army nurse Pam Barrows.

“We talked to those in charge and said ‘you promised’ we would be assigned together, and then they reassigned us both to Ft. Polk, which had the reputation for being the armpit of the Army. Hearing that we said we might as well go to Vietnam but had no clue what we were asking for!”

Nurses in Vietnam did whatever was asked of them. They often worked round the clock in massive casualty situations, directing triage, assisting with emergency tracheotomies and amputations, inserting tubes to assist surgeons, and removing damaged tissue and shrapnel from wounds.

Pam said they were called “Pluckers” because they plucked out shrapnel from wounded soldiers.

“Our shifts were 12 hours, 6 days a week and our incoming came by helicopter,” said Pam who worked in the Surgical ICU at the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku, Vietnam.

“It would be called a ‘PUSH’ and the wounded were triaged in the ER. Often when working day shifts, we might have to crawl to safety if under a rocket attack.”

Pam said there was a high mental stress side of military nursing. “We never knew what was happening outside of our compound.”

“We would hear groundfire close by when working nights and during blackouts. I worried about my fiancé who was a Company Commander of a Mechanized Infantry Unit with the 4th Division on the other side of Pleiku. I worried about rats coming into our ‘hootch’ or living quarters and rocket attacks.”

Mary Breed – Army Nurse Corps

“My brother was wounded in Vietnam and my friend from church, as well as my girlfriend’s brother, were both killed in Vietnam,” said Mary Breed.

“That is why I volunteered as a nurse to serve in the Army. I graduated from nursing school at the Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis in 1969 and arrived in Bien Hoa, Vietnam, on September 5, 1970.”

She worked as an OR nurse at the 95th Evac Hospital in DaNang and the 18th Surgical Hospital in Quang Tri.

“You can never prepare for war. You do not understand a war until you are there and in it,” Mary described.

“I still cry when I think of Vietnam and certain instances. Everybody that goes to war goes through PTSD because war is just not normal.”

Mary vividly remembers her 24th birthday in Vietnam: “I was cutting a birthday cake the cook had made when we heard a radio call that Hill 950, west of Quang Tri Provence, was getting run over with mortars.”

“Our hospital sent two ‘Dust Offs’ or Medevac helicopters. The fighting was intense and they could only get in with one helicopter that only evacuated one of three Americans. One soldier was later deemed missing in action and the other a POW,” Mary recalled.

“Back at the hospital, we awaited the chopper to return, which was tenuous because the chopper was being shot at and had to make an emergency landing at Khe Sahn. It turned out to be a good birthday because our two crews made it home safe.”

Support the mission to honor and assist veterans like Mary by considering a donation.

Kay Bauer – Navy Nurse Corps

Kay Bauer grew up in St. Paul with 13 brothers and sisters. Kay was a U.S. Navy Nurse for 35 years. She was one of two women in a forward surgical team of 7 people who worked in a provincial hospital in South Vietnam in 1966.

“The hospital had no running water, no electricity, and we had a generator in the operating room,” said Bauer in an interview.

Even the walk to work from her quarters became dangerous. At one point, she witnessed a U.S. helicopter getting shot down with bullets coming perilously close.

“The bullets went past, whoosh, whoosh. I will move a little bit faster here,” Kay said.

Despite the danger, Kay likes to remember the good times, like christening a boat in a nearby harbor or immunizing local children. “The other things are just too hard,” she said.

Shortly after returning home, Kay received an invitation to lunch at the White House where she was honored by President Johnson. He signed legislation allowing women to achieve higher military ranks, such as General or Admiral.

Kay retired as a Captain in the Navy Nurse Corps and still keeps in touch with the awesome women who served.

Watch an interview with Kay Bauuer that was part of Veteran Day news coverage from North Metro TV in Blaine, MN. Kay’s story begins at the .48-second mark in the segment.

GALLERY

The Vital Role of Nurses During the Vietnam War

This group of American nurses in the Vietnam War played a significant role in the war zone, providing high levels of care under extremely difficult conditions.

Despite their vital contributions, many nurses during the Vietnam War returned home only to encounter the same unfriendly reception as male veterans, compounded by the psychological trauma of their experiences.

Today, the nurses of the Vietnam War are still among the least recognized of American military veterans. Popular films and media often overlook their stories, but their legacy lives on through the gratitude of those they healed and the memories they helped preserve.

Learn more about how Tee It Up for the Troops honors veterans like these nurses: Tee It Up for the Troops.

How Many Women Served in Vietnam?

Nearly 10,000 American women served in Vietnam during the war. Of those, approximately 7,000 were nurses, many of whom were barely out of nursing school when they were sent overseas.

How Many Nurses Died in Vietnam?

Tragically, 9 American army nurses in Vietnam and 1 Air Force nurse lost their lives while serving, according to the Army Nurse Corps Association:

Captain Eleanor Alexander
Second Lieutenant Carol Drazba
First Lieutenant Pamela Donovan
Lieutenant Colonel Annie Graham
Second Lieutenant Elizabeth Jones
First Lieutenant Sharon Lane
First Lieutenant Jerome Olmsted
Second Lieutenant Hedwig Orlowski
First Lieutenant Kenneth Shoemaker
Captain Mary Klinker, USAF

Honoring the Hospital Vietnam War Nurses

The group of hospital Vietnam War nurses honored by Tee It Up for the Troops originally met through a support group at the VA in Minnesota. Today, they continue to support one another through annual potluck lunches and support.

Two of these remarkable women, Pam Barrows and Mary Lu Ostergern-Brunner, both served at the 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku, Vietnam, an area known for heavy combat.

Although they worked at the same facility—Pam in the ICU and Mary Lu in the OR—they never connected while in Vietnam.

Once back in Minnesota, they met through the Veteran Home where Mary Lu was a board member and Pam was an Administrator at the Veteran Home in Luverne, MN.

A Lasting Legacy of Compassion and Courage

The nurses of the Vietnam War remain a symbol of unwavering dedication and courage. Tee It Up for the Troops is deeply honored to have recognized their invaluable service and sacrifice. Their stories remind us of the profound contributions made by women in times of war, often under the most challenging circumstances imaginable.

To learn how you can support veterans like these heroic nurses, please visit our sponsorship opportunities page or contact us.

God bless the “Angels from Heaven” who served with such compassion and bravery!

July 27, 2023June 1, 2026

The Unvarnished Truth Helps Heal at Veteran Reunions

five Marine veterans having their reunion

After serving in the military, many veterans find it difficult to transition back to civilian life. They may feel isolated and disconnected from the civilian population, as they may have experienced traumatic events or formed close bonds with fellow servicemen and women while on active duty. Thus, veteran reunions or small group interactions are a critical part of healing.

The Bonds of Combat

The bonds of combat and brotherhood are forever. As many combat veterans will tell you, you may not have a blood brother or sister, but you can call on a military friend in any situation and they will be there to help. That’s what five Marine veterans, with shared hardships, found out recently when they were brought together through a reunion held at Operation Patriot Forward Operating Base (OPFOB).

Jeffrey Monssen served 30 years of active duty in the United States Marine Corps and retired as a Sergeant Major. His deployments include the Western Pacific, 2 deployments in support of Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope, Kuwait, 2 deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afghanistan. A highly decorated Marine, Jeff also conducted multiple anti-drug Joint Task Force operations across the US and South America.

After 30 years of service, Jeff retired from the Marine Corps in 2018. He continues to serve veterans and their families as a member of the National Board of Directors for Tee It Up for the Troops. While attending the 2022 Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION, veteran reunions that reunite combat veterans with their battle buddies with golf as the backdrop, Jeff had an idea. “Golf is awesome, but some people don’t golf,” Jeff said. “Perhaps we could bring a smaller group of combat veterans together by connecting them through other outdoor activities and the shared sense of military struggles they have in common,” added Jeff. So, he set out on a mission to do so and investigate the concept.

Connecting Through The Great Outdoors

That’s when Jeff learned about Operation Patriots FOB (Forward Operating Base.) Operation Patriots FOB (OPFOB) is a non-profit, operating on 268 acres in Ridgeland, South Carolina, with a mission to create and foster positive experiences for veterans by connecting through outdoor and recreational activities. A place where peers can engage in a comfortable and relaxed environment.

OPFOB- a place for veterans come together, relax and have a good time with their brothers and sisters.

The Tee It Up for the Troops signature REUNION program is held annually at Reunion Resort & Golf Club in Kissimmee, Florida, bringing together about 60 combat veterans and their spouses or caregivers collectively who break up into small group discussions throughout their days together. Small group interaction is highly effective in getting veterans to open up with each other. The event at OPFOB, with just five in attendance, was the first small group reunion organized by Tee It Up for the Troops to further analyze small group interaction of combat veterans.

Monssen pulled together five Marines that had fought with him during some of the deadliest periods of combat in Kuwait, Somalia, Iraq, and Afghanistan to share their incredible experience and unbreakable brotherly love. The friends have known each other for 30 years, but the last time they had been together as a group was 10 years ago at a wedding. OPFOB was an opportunity for the comrades to get together for several days by themselves to talk, relax, take deep breaths, and feel comfortable with trusted buddies.

On April 19, 2023, the brothers in arms, now scattered in different parts of the country, reunited to reconnect, regroup, and refocus. They arrived to spend four days together at the OPFOB sanctuary and playground. They were now face to face, could wrap arms around one another, and share hardships and happy times too.

Combat Marines reunited. Pictured left to right are: Patrick Holland, Ron Rowe, Paul Malley, Jeff Hoffman, and Jeff Monssen.

“Bringing veterans to a place they know, like this wonderful outdoor recreational setting, makes us feel confident and comfortable,” said Jeff. “To hunt, fish, shoot, sit by a fire with those who understand you the most…nothing can compare.”

The property is a beautifully rustic and peaceful space. There is a barn, a bunkhouse, a rifle and pistol range, skeet shoot, and stocked ponds. On the property and throughout the local community are opportunities for veterans and first responders to access both fresh and saltwater fishing. Attendees can participate in various hunting sports including pheasant, dove, quail, deer, turkey, and hog.

Jeff’s group spent time on the gun range, drove ATV vehicles, and went hog hunting. Their fishing trip was canceled due to weather, but they made the most out of that day by going to a nearby air show and touring Parris Island, the famous Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island, South Carolina.

The band of brothers visiting a nearby air show. — The band of brothers visited a nearby air show.

Yet, it was the fireside chats each evening that brought them the closest and brought about the unvarnished truth. The straightforward truth about how they were shot at and lost battle buddies to combat. And how they have come back, and some parts of their lives are very tough due to all the trauma they experienced and they’re still losing friends to suicide. And how they deal with it in the privacy of their own lives.

The fire pit talks helped this group of Marines to let down their guard and open up.

Sitting around the campfire provided a sense of security, warmth, and comfort for this group of Marines to let their guard down. Being around the fire and staring into the dancing flames put them into a relaxed trance where they just started talking, remembering, and healing. It was also a time to remember those they had lost and a chance to raise a glass and toast to them.

Reuniting Veterans with Small Group Interactions is Healing

Many veterans returning from recent conflicts and prior service eras continue to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other invisible wounds of war. Studies have shown that veterans benefit from small group interaction and support, including social support, purpose and meaning, normalization of symptoms and hope, and therapeutic benefits. Reuniting veterans together in small group interactions is highly effective and offers the opportunity to normalize PTSD symptoms by engaging with other individuals who have experienced similar trauma symptoms.

Conversely, the unvarnished truth is not all doom and gloom. This band of brothers also talked about the happy times in their lives. The days always ended on a high note, and everyone gets recharged.

Veterans need each other to heal. They also need a safe, comfortable place for the unvarnished truth to be told to help that healing. “Reunions and small group interactions for combat veterans positively impact the rest of their lives,” Monssen concluded.

There are many opportunities for small group interactions and healing at veteran reunions.

Please Help a Veteran Refocus at a REUNION

There are zero out-of-pocket costs to our participants who attend our reunions thanks to our generous donors. Tee It Up for the Troops is inspired to see how businesses are recognizing the importance of supporting our nation’s veterans. If you would like to open the door to a fresh new mindset and outlook on life for our country’s veterans, PLEASE Donate Today Here.

May 31, 2023June 1, 2026

Military Buddies Traumatically Separated During War

16 Years Later: Army Battle Buddies Finally Reunited

Rob and Richard enjoying time together at the 2023 REUNION.

Ever since he was a kid, Rob Murafsky from Metuchen, New Jersey dreamed of joining the Army. In 2002, right after high school, he enlisted as an infantryman. A year later, Richard Ranno, who grew up in New England, joined the Army infantry as well.

An American Abrams tank. — An American Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

The two became fast friends while serving in Alpha Company, 1st Armored Division, in Baumholder, Germany. Off duty, Rob and Richard were inseparable—traveling around Europe, working out, and making memories that would last a lifetime.

In January 2006, both soldiers deployed to Iraq. Rob was a squad automatic weapon (SAW) gunner while Richard served as a rifleman and driver. Even with conflicting schedules, they carved out time to hang out, watch movies, and hit the gym.

That summer, Richard’s squad was sent into the dangerous city of Hīt, Iraq, for a three-day surveillance mission. What unfolded would change both of their lives forever.

A Harrowing Day in Hīt

On the third day of their mission, Richard’s unit watched from a second-story building as an Abrams tank was struck by an anti-tank mine. The blast killed the driver instantly and injured the rest of the crew.

What came next was unthinkable. Hundreds of locals flooded the street, celebrating and desecrating the remains of fallen soldiers. Richard and his men were ordered to stay hidden and observe, unable to intervene.

Moments later, a U.S. Quick Reaction Force arrived, including Rob. As the soldiers engaged in heavy combat, Richard’s team provided support fire from above. In the chaos, a sniper’s bullet struck Rob in the face.

Separated by War Wounds

Rob was medevacked out of Iraq, ultimately losing his right eye and suffering major facial injuries. Richard’s squad later evacuated the building, only to learn that his friend had been airlifted and would never return to duty.

That day haunted them both. Rob struggled with PTSD, isolation, and depression, while Richard carried guilt for following orders instead of rescuing bodies sooner. For 16 years, the battle buddies who had once been inseparable lost all contact.

Reunited at Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION

Warriors Rob and Richard attended REUNION 2023 with their service dogs Monsoon and Jersey.

In 2023, Rob and Richard finally reunited through Tee It Up for the Troops’ REUNION program, a therapeutic event that brings combat veterans back together in a safe, healing environment.

Over several days, they reconnected while attending breakout sessions, sharing their stories, and playing golf alongside fellow veterans. Both men brought their service dogs—Monsoon and Jersey—who are part of their daily healing.

“Talking face to face with Richard was the biggest help for me,” Rob said. “We’ve both suffered from PTSD, but now we can share what’s worked for us and support each other.”

Veteran Richard Ranno participating in a REUNION breakout session and group chat.

Richard agreed, adding: “The group chats were powerful. Sharing our stories not only helps us heal but also helps civilians understand what service members go through.”

Though the scars of war remain, Rob and Richard now have each other again and the tools from REUNION to keep moving forward. Their story is a powerful reminder of the importance of connection, healing, and veteran support.

Support Tee It Up for the Troops REUNION

Tee It Up for the Troops depends on sponsors, golfers, and donors to help reunite combat veterans like Rob and Richard. Your support helps veterans heal from the hidden wounds of war—PTSD, anxiety, depression, and isolation—and transition from the battlefront to the homefront.

Learn More, Register, or Donate Today!

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our nation’s heroes.

March 7, 2023June 1, 2026

Wounded Vets Finding Healing and Hope On and Off Golf Course at REUNION

2023 REUNION

For the past 11 years, Tee It Up for the Troops has hosted REUNION, a veteran outreach initiative where wounded vets find healing and hope on and off the golf course. REUNION reunites battle buddies who were separated due to battlefield injuries. Through REUNION, combat warriors reconnect with those they trust most, experience healing, and develop new relationships and support networks, helping them with their ongoing transition from the battlefield to the home front.

Hometown, High School, and Warrior Buddies – Dan Thiesfeld, and Nick Kimmel – Reunite at REUNION

“I almost teared up just giving him a hug because I haven’t seen him in forever. It meant so much. Just to be here at this event, to see all these people and hear all their stories is just amazing,” said one warrior attendee.

Click below to watch the emotional video of how our 2023 wounded vets find healing and hope on and off the golf course at REUNION.

REUNION Stories Video

Non-Profit Partners Expo

Many valued non-profit partners “stepped up to the tee” at REUNION by participating in the Non-Profit Partner Resource Expo. Throughout REUNION, our non-profit partners each bring unique resources that are introduced and available for veterans and their families.

Most of these partners also send combat veterans to experience the healing and hope that comes from attending REUNION. These wounded vets find healing and hope on and off the golf course

Below is a list of the wonderful non-profit partners who brought support to REUNION and links to their organizations.

Fisher House
Hero Miles
CreatiVets
Combat Vets to Careers
The Warriors Journey
Leashes of Valor
On Course Foundation
SMGA
Move United Warfighters
American Legion
VFW

These organizations are a big part of the success of REUNION! We wish to thank each and every one of them for their support!