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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Nicholas B. Bradley, USAF, served in the United States Air Force for 8 years on active duty. SSgt. Bradley would serve three combat tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).
SSgt. Bradley deployed to Balad AB, Iraq, where he served with the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces and flew more than 200 Surveillance Missions for troops outside the wire. He returned to the U.S. and completed several training courses over the next few years.
In April 2008, he deployed to Camp Eggers, Kabul, Afghanistan, where he served on a Personal Security Detail for five General Officers. Staff Sergeant Bradley conducted numerous Protective Missions outside the wire, including Motorcade Operations, Fly Away Missions, and Advance Team Missions. On August 3, 2008, while on a Protective Services Mission, his vehicle was struck by 20 pounds of anti-tank mine IED. Bradley sustained multiple injuries from the blast including every bone in his face and right arm being broken, partial amputations on both hands, and fractured right hip, knee, and foot.
Staff Sergeant Nick Bradley in Afghanistan.
Staff Sergeant Bradley has had 22 surgeries and continues to attend occupational and physical therapy. He was medically retired from active duty on May 29, 2009. Staff Sergeant Bradley has been awarded numerous honors, including Airman of the Year and the Purple Heart. He graduated from the University of North Texas with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice.
Staff Sgt. Nick Bradley received both the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Medal from Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D. C. in 2008.
More About the Nick Bradley Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat
Performance polyester fabric
6 Panel structured mid-crown profile
Woven rope along the base of front panels
Adjustable plastic snap closure
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:
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 during a Tee It Up for the Troops opening ceremony.
More About the Jen Tregarthen Imperial Veteran Give Back Hat
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Tee It Up for the Troops Desert Mountain Golf Club Event in Arizona, like all our military charity events, honors both our fallen soldiers and those Gold Star Families left behind. This particular event brought healing and involvement for one Gold Star Mother.
Vicki Dryer’s son, Corey, was only in the Army for a little over a year. During his first deployment to Afghanistan, he was killed in action about two months into his assignment. “Before Corey left for deployment, he had a talk with me to prepare me,” Vicki stated. “He knew he was going to a really bad place. He said ‘Mom, everyone will move on…my wife, my sisters, others …except you Mom.’ He would be so surprised at all the people, including those he served with, that will always carry him and his story forward.”
A U.S. Army carry team transfers the remains of Army Pfc. John C. Johnson, of Phoenix, Ariz., at Dover Air Force Base, Del., May 28, 2011. (U.S. Air Force photo/Roland Balik)
Vicki started working at the Desert Mountain Golf Club after Corey’s death when she was feeling the early stages of intense grief. “I was really, really struggling,” said Vicki. “My husband encouraged me to get out of the house and off the computer.” She had never been on a golf course before, but a friend drove the beverage cart and encouraged her to apply at the Desert Mountain Golf Club. During the interview, Vicki told the golf course personnel that she was seriously grieving over the loss of her son, but that she was honest, hard-working, and could learn just about anything. She was hired and started out driving the beverage cart, but soon was doing a little bit of everything around the club. When the first Tee It Up for the Troops golf charity event came to Desert Mountain in May of 2022, everyone at the club agreed that Vicki needed to be involved.
Vicki, who finds her way forward by getting involved to honor and support all those who have sacrificed so much to serve our nation, was instrumental in getting the first Desert Mountain event off the ground.
In the military, there’s a saying “no man left behind.” At Tee It Up for the Troops, we want to let Gold Star Families know they won’t be left behind either.
Gold Star Families are the surviving family members of military personnel who died while on active duty. During our golf events’ open ceremonies, we provide an opportunity for Gold Star families to honor their loved ones and fallen warriors.
Gold Star Family Ceremony honoring loved ones.
Vicki, a proud Gold Star Mother, honored her son, Corey, at our Desert Mountain Golf Club Charity Event in Phoenix, AZ last May. PFC John Corey Johnson died on May 27, 2011, from wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire in Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
Vicki organized many aspects of the patriotic event, including the Arizona Patriot Guard Riders arriving at the event with flags waving on their motorcycles, elements of the opening ceremony, including an Honor Guard, and a wreath-laying by Gold Star Families. Vicki will tell you that the most important thing she did in helping to organize the golf charity event for military veterans was “wearing the hat.” “For months leading up to the event, I wore that Tee It Up for the Troops golf hat and talked to everyone I could about the event,” Vicki explained.
Patriot Rider Motorcycles.
“Getting involved in the Tee It Up for the Troops Desert Mountain Golf Club event brought me additional healing and great joy,” Vicki said. “People who find great joy in life, give back. I had taken a break from giving back and after examining my happiness, I figured that I needed to show love and give back.”
“Being a volunteer and getting intrenched with this charity helped me immensely,” Vicki added. “The Tee It Up for the Troops event is truly unique. It honors our military and fallen soldiers in a very patriotic way, but it’s not all somber like some remembrance events. It was great to see everyone having fun on the golf course and how everyone was enjoying themselves.”
PFC John Corey Johnson, 28, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division and was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in March of 2011. This was during a very heightened conflict time with the Taliban and al-Qaeda shortly after Osama Bin Laden was killed by U.S. Forces. Insurgents attacked his unit with small arms fire, killing Corey.
PFC John Corey Johnson.
Six other members of Corey’s battalion were also killed in action during this conflict. Sadly, three additional members of his unit would die by suicide.
On Mother’s Day in 2011, from Afghanistan, Corey sent his mom, Vicki, a dozen roses, a gift box of Shari’s Berries, and a card. Corey joked with his stepfather, “Beat that Dryer…all the way from Afghanistan!” Nineteen days later Corey was killed in action.
Vicki, Corey, and granddaughter McKenna.
When asked for the three things Vicki would want others to know about her son, Corey, she replied:
“He was a defender of his sisters, his mom, and his family. He always took care of all things good.”
“He was funny. He would hide in strange places and jump out and scare me.”
“He was unique. He was a redneck – that was my pet name for him. I told him he could not get a tattoo unless it was a tattoo for his mom. At 18 he got a tattoo that read ‘redneck.’ He called it his ‘mom tattoo.’ He also had his daughter, McKena’s feet from her birth certificate tattooed on his chest. Those baby feet left a lasting impression on the men who cut his uniform off and performed medical attention to try to keep him alive.”
Corey’s awards and decorations include the Army the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
It is the ultimate sacrifice that Corey and others have made on behalf of their country that we remember and honor at Tee It Up for the Troops golf events. “It’s really important as a nation to remember that Afghanistan was the longest war in American history,” said Vicki. The effects of this war are generational. Our work and our gratitude are never done.”
Please take a moment to watch the Desert Mountain event video below. It’s an impactful patriotic video reminding all of us of the blessings and freedoms we have due to the service and sacrifices of our amazing military men and women.
When you serve in the military, you are given a purpose.
But when military service ends, that clarity often disappears.
Are You or Someone You Know a Combat Veteran Living with PTSD?
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.
![Nick Bradley ]wearing heroes hat](https://teeitupforthetroops.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/98e6bcd3-637f-4956-a101-2cd10a18bdb9-300x300.jpg)
