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

Eden Prairie, MN — May 26, 2026 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact:

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

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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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How Many Hours Did Our Volunteers Donate in 2025?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What 20,764 Hours Made Possible

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

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

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

Thank you.

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

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

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

— Tim Wegscheid, President & Executive Director

Grant Recipient Spotlight: Leashes of Valor

leashes of valor

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where Your Support Goes

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

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

What’s Next? Onward to $20 Million

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

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

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Congressional Medal of Honor Society Partnership

10th Anniversary of REUNION

Tee It Up for the Troops is proud of a deepening partnership with the Congressional Medal of Honor Society and its Foundation. Our partnership allows us to make an impact across all sectors, military and civilian, ultimately helping bring greater awareness to the issues of active duty and veteran suicide.

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.
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.

10th Anniversary of REUNION

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.
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.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat Collection

The "Moondog & Mommadore" hat, part of the Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection.

Imperial, the premier headwear brand in the golf industry, has launched a special Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection, in partnership with Tee It Up for the Troops.

Each unique style in the  Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection was hand-selected by a United States combat veteran connected to Tee It Up for the Troops and embroidered with their name, nickname, or call sign.

The Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection. Each style represents a combat veteran's story.
The Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection. Each style represents a combat veteran’s story.

 

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 

The Moondog & Mommadore sun protection hat is named for U.S. veterans Kathryn and Derek Donovan. We will bring you all of these amazing warrior stories and the hats they created in the upcoming months.  Today, we start with the dynamic husband and wife team of Navy Captain Kathryn Donovan and Retired United States Marine Corps COL, Derek Donovan who designed a unique sun protection hat jointly. Kathryn and Derek named their hat the “Moondog & Mommadore,” meaningful nicknames for both of them.

The Moondog & Mommadore sun protection hat.
The Moondog & Mommadore sun protection hat.

 

Retired United States Navy Captain Kathryn Donovan is a 1987 graduate of the US Naval Academy with a distinguished 30-year career as an officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.  Her extensive combat operational experience includes battalion command in Iraq and regimental command in Afghanistan.  She also served as a White House Fellow at the Department of Health & Human Services as well as the Chief of Staff for the Naval Facilities Engineering Command.

Retired United States Marine Corps COL, Derek Donovan, served 27 years and was a UH-1N (Huey) helicopter pilot by training with more than 3500 flight hours and a considerable deployment schedule.  He commanded the Marine Corps Air Facility at Quantico and was the Aide de Camp to the Secretary of the Navy.  His last assignment was with the President’s Commission for the Care of America’s Returning Wounded Warriors.  After the Corps, he spent eight years as Vice President at Fisher House Foundation.

Retired United States Marine Corps COL, Derek Donovan and Retired United States Navy Captain, Kathryn Donovan.
Retired United States Marine Corps COL, Derek Donovan and Retired United States Navy Captain, Kathryn Donovan.

 

Derek and Kathryn are married and reside in Virginia. Together they have a daughter who is a 1st Class Petty Officer in the Navy serving as a Seabee builder and a son who works for the railroad and is a Navy and Army Veteran.  The Donovan’s immediate family (parents, siblings, and children) have over 115 years of combined service in uniform.

Browse the Imperial Veterans Give Back Hat Collection to see all the styles and read about all of the amazing warriors featured! A portion of the proceeds from all sales will benefit Tee It Up for the Troops!

Thank you Imperial for supporting our veterans!

Thank you Imperial for partnering with Tee It Up for the Troops and supporting our veterans! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Honor America’s Veterans and Military Families

Honor America's Veterans and Military Families.

Give a Gift to Thank Veterans and Honor America’s Veterans and Military Families

November is a perfect month to honor America’s veterans and military families and thank those who served our nation in uniform. November 11 is Veterans Day, a day when we honor and give thanks to those who have served our country in war or peace. November is also Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month, which is a great opportunity to recognize the sacrifices and contributions military families make that many times go unnoticed.

Honor America's Veterans and Military Families.

As we commemorate our veterans and their families, we honor the individuals who have served our country for generations — those who served out of honor, duty, and love for their country, and some who made the ultimate sacrifice.

If you would like to make a donation in honor of America’s veterans and military families, click HERE FOR EASY WAYS TO DONATE.

Give the Gift of Reuniting Veterans

What could be better than interacting with some of America’s combat veterans while helping them to heal and get back on course? What if we throw in playing golf on signature courses designed by three of golf’s greatest legends: Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, and Arnold Palmer?

Tee It Up for the Troops relies on corporate sponsors and donors to assist us in reuniting combat veterans who were separated due to battlefield situations. The game of golf serves as the backdrop for our signature REUNION event, January 10-14, 2024, at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.

Tee It Up for the Troops Reunion Event in Kissimmee, Florida

We have developed multiple sponsorship options for differing budgets and commitment levels to help you honor America’s veterans and military families You can also contact us to see if we can create a specialized sponsorship opportunity for you!

Please click HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT REUNION SPONSORSHIP.

 

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Top-Rated Charity | Help Veterans Heal

Four-Star rating from Charity Navigato for Tee It Up for the Troops

When it comes to charitable giving, we know it’s important that you, as a donor or supporter, know you are giving to a top-rated charity- one where you trust the mission, integrity, and financial responsibility of the organization. Tee It Up for the Troops is proud to announce that it has once again received a coveted Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator.

Charity Navigator rates organizations on four key beacons: impact and results, accountability and finance, leadership and adaptability, and culture and community. As a top-rated charity, Tee It Up for the Troops earned a 100% for the Accountability & Finance beacon, leadership and adaptability, and culture and community. Charity Navigator has not yet developed an algorithm to estimate Tee It Up for the Troop’s programmatic impact.

According to Charity Navigator, receiving four out of a possible four stars indicates that an organization adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimize the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way.

Check out our top-rated charity profile on Charity Navigator HERE.

Charity Navigator helps highlight what percentage of a monetary donation is going directly to the support of a top-rated charity and nonprofit’s mission. Charity Navigator has given Tee It Up for the Troops an Encompass Rating of 100 out of 100! A score of 75 or above indicates that a nonprofit is effective and transparent based on Charity Navigator’s criteria. This means you can give with confidence!

In addition to Charity Navigator, top-rated charity Tee It Up for the Troops, has received the highest level of recognition offered by highly regarded “non-profit watchdogs” including GreatNonprofits and GuideStar.

This exceptional designation from Charity Navigator differentiates Tee It Up for the Troops and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust. As a valued supporter, you can have trust and confidence that we will be excellent stewards of your money.

 

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Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar Once Again Achieved

Top-rated charity, Tee It Up for the Troops.
Top-rated charity Tee It Up for the Troops has once again earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar.The Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar indicates that a non-profit shares clear and essential information with the public about its goals, strategies, capabilities, and achievements that highlight the difference the organization is making in the world.
Tee It Up for the Troops is committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility. We are pleased to earn a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, the highest level of recognition offered by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of nonprofit information.
“I encourage you to visit our nonprofit profile on GuideStar to see what we’re all about,” says Tim Wegscheid, President & Executive Director of Tee It Up for the Troops. “We’re thrilled once again to receive the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.  The associated benefits help us communicate our organization’s exciting initiatives and demonstrate transparency.”
Check out our top-rated charity profile on GuideStar HERE. 
The Platinum Seal of Transparency demonstrates Tee It Up for the Troop’s exceptional trustworthiness, financial strength, fiscal management best practices, and tangible successful outcomes in its mission as a veterans’ support organization to honor, remember, respect, and support all those who serve(d) in the Armed Forces for this great nation.
Top-rated charity, Tee It Up for the Troops, is proud to announce the 2023 Platinum Transparancy award from GuideStar.
Here is one of Tee It Up for the Troops’ external reviews you can view on GuideStar:

“An Iraq war battle buddy of mine reached out to me and asked if me and my wife would like to participate in a golf outing with him. It had been over 10 years since I had last seen him in Iraq. Of course I said yes. It turned out to be a wonderful and healing event.

Tee it up for the Troops provided everything, including round trip airfare, lodging, meals, golf, and the opportunity to reunite with my old friend and meet new ones. As a disabled veteran, it can sometimes be difficult to open up and talk about some of the things that we experienced. Tee it up for the Troops provided a wonderful, comfortable, and fun atmosphere to provide a healing experience. A wonderful and excellent organization.”

disabled veteran playing golf

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

Tee It Up for the Troops has hosted 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

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.

 

Non-Profit Partners Expo at REUNION. 
Non-Profit Partners Expo at REUNION.

 

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!

Thank You 2023 REUNION SPONSORS!!

2023 REUNION SPONSORS