News Summary
The GIVE Foundation has dedicated nearly 20 years to aiding injured and disabled veterans in embracing golf. Founded by a WWII veteran, the organization offers free training, golf equipment, and a supportive community, allowing veterans and their partners to bond while learning the sport. With access to free golf courses and expert instructors, the foundation fosters healing, camaraderie, and competition through various programs, helping veterans thrive both on and off the green.
Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere: Nearly 20 Years of Support
The GIVE Foundation, a beacon of hope for injured and disabled veterans, has spent nearly two decades helping those who served our country embrace the game of golf. Founded in 2007 by a valiant World War II veteran, this organization provides more than just golf lessons; it offers a community where veterans can heal, connect, and thrive.
A Unique Five-Week Training Course
The foundation’s flagship program includes a five-week training course led by professional PGA instructors, catering not only to veterans but also to their partners. This innovative approach allows service members to bond with loved ones while learning the skills of the game. The GIVE Foundation believes in providing all the necessary tools for these participants, which means free golf equipment and access to prestigious golf courses like Blue Top Ridge, all at no or reduced costs.
A Strong Community of Support
What makes the GIVE Foundation truly special is its emphasis on community and healing. Veterans, like Kevin Willis, who went through the program in the summer of 2021, have felt this sense of brotherhood firsthand. After serving as a staff sergeant in the Army and being stationed in both Saudi Arabia and Germany, Willis had to face challenges due to injuries that cut his service short. Now, he’s giving back by volunteering at GIVE events, reinforcing that bond between veterans while distributing golf equipment to fellow participants.
Access to Free Golf Courses
That’s right! Participants can enjoy the game for free at select courses, including Blue Top Ridge and Lacoma Golf Club in East Dubuque. This incredible opportunity allows veterans to play without financial strain and join in the fun that golf brings. With each swing, they’re not just swinging clubs; they’re reinforcing a sense of camaraderie built on shared experiences.
Expert Instruction from Veterans
Leading the charge in these training sessions is Mike Armes, an Army veteran who has devoted his teaching expertise to helping those with various disabilities learn the joys of golf. Whether it’s supporting veterans with quadriplegia, blindness, or paralysis, Armes strives to create an enjoyable and therapeutic atmosphere. The training sessions can feel like more than just lessons—they’re described as a therapy session with a little bit of golf thrown in. This nurturing environment allows veterans to open up and share their experiences, creating a much-needed supportive space.
Events and Tournaments
The GIVE Foundation is not all about training. It hosts seasonal tournaments at Blue Top Ridge for veterans and donors alike. These events are a celebration of the progress and friendships formed through golf, providing a platform for veterans to connect with one another in a relaxed yet competitive setting. Families are often involved in these activities, further enriching the supportive network that the GIVE Foundation promotes.
Reaching Beyond Borders
Though concentrated in various VA regions like Iowa City, Des Moines, and Sioux City, the impact of the GIVE program has inspired broader initiatives like the PGA’s Helping Our Patriots Everywhere (HOPE). This shows just how influential and necessary organizations like GIVE are for veterans across the nation. They are truly committed to expanding golf opportunities for those who have served, breaking down barriers, and fostering community on a larger scale.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Healing
As the GIVE Foundation approaches two decades of service, their mission to provide healing through golf continues to flourish. With expert instructors, supportive programs, and a welcoming community, veterans are finding joy not only in the game but in the relationships they build with one another. It is a thrilling ride of healing, camaraderie, and excitement—one swing at a time.
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Additional Resources
- KCRG: Foundation Offers Free Golf Training Equipment for Veterans
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Riverside Online: Celebrating Remarkable Leadership
- Google Search: Golf programs for veterans
- Riverside Landmark: Joyful Giving Catalog 2024
- Google Scholar: Therapy through golf for veterans
- Riverside Online: Riverside Health Foundation Announces Charitable Gift from TowneBank
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Veterans
- Riverside Online: Riverside Foundation Announces Provider and Citizens of the Year
- Google News: Golf and Veterans
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
