As someone living with the invisible wounds of PTSD and other mental health issues, I can’t explain how much it meant to be welcomed by a group that truly gets it. Will of Iron recently hosted a golf tournament I attended, and it was nothing short of amazing. But the tournament was just the beginning.This organization provided me with a full set of golf clubs, a golf bag, gear, and apparel—completely free. They connected me with a professional golf coach for free lessons and made sure I had everything I needed to start learning the game. Beyond the gear and training, they created an environment that allowed me to find peace, calmness, and genuine healing.Even more meaningful was being connected with 40 other veterans who are also navigating their own journeys. That sense of brotherhood and support is something I didn’t even realize I was missing.The CEO, co-founders, and coaching staff go above and beyond. They’ve invested real time in me—not just in developing my golf game, but in making me feel seen, valued, and supported. Their positivity, care, and commitment to the veteran community are unmatched.If you’re a veteran in the Jacksonville, FL area, you owe it to yourself to connect with Will of Iron. Healing through golf is real, and this organization is leading the way.
I have been fortunate to have worked with several veteran's organizations that have helped me to reconnect with other veterans and enjoy the outdoors. I wanted to learn to play golf and looked for a veteran based organization. I applied to Will of Iron and was contacted immediately to begin the process of applying for their program. I was given a set of golf clubs, bag, shirt etc and scheduled for lessons with a PGA professional near my home. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support provided by the foundation and Xiomara.
I'm incredibly grateful to the Zellner Foundation's Will of Iron Golf Foundation for the amazing support they've shown to me, my daughter, and my fellow veterans. As a military veteran, it meant so much to be given the opportunity to learn the game of golf through professional lessons and to receive a full set of golf clubs-for both of us.
One of the biggest gift the foundation has given us, is the privilege of connecting with so many fellow veterans and their families, and it's been a great way to share stories, support each other, and build lasting friendships.
The entire experience has been uplifting, well-organized, and full of genuine care for the veteran community. Thank you to everyone at the Zellner Foundation for going above and beyond. You're making a real difference!
Sometimes it's not about just the game of golf.
I applied for my kids thinking it was a kid's program. My children did receive new golf clubs and lessons. I however, received so much more. I was invited to many functions and got to know so many vets. As we played golf, we talked and realized that this was better than therapy with the VA. We kept everything positive and knew there was darker undertones. Just as our military careers, we had ups and downs, bad shots and good shots. We were able to laugh off the bad shots and come together to reach the goal of hitting the green in regulation or making the final putt. At the end of the round, we shook hands knowing we were all the same as brothers in arms.
As in life, golf cannot be mastered but only enjoyed.
Thank you Will of Iron for being a blessing and shining light in our lives. When you spend years chasing medical diagnosis and hit road block after road block, it is such a great feeling to have someone willing to help you remove some stress and take your mind off of it. As Justinour veteran works to figure out his new normal, he has a new positive facet to embrace. It also is amazing that that we can learn something new as a family and that we can each use golf as our own personal outlet at the same time.
Hello I’m Paul Stokes the Owner of GFCS a contracting business and I am an army Vet. I have met the members and founders of Will of Iron at a Golfing event I was entered in.
I found this organization to be very helpful and true to their mission.
I also enjoyed meeting veterans and their children who are benefiting from their programs.
I have since attended one other event and had them on a hole during our club championship at Eagle landing. and I have to say some of the stories you hear from the veterans and their families and the passion Xiomara shows and displays has brought tears to my eyes. Yes I’ve cried. I hope their organization continues to grow and thrive ! We need more hero’s in our lives like the volunteers and the founders of Will of Iron! Thank you for all you do and I will continue to be one of your biggest supporters and donors ! Keep up the great work and let’s not forget the ones who give and have gave all for the freedoms we share and enjoy today! God Bless America
I was introduced to this foundation through a Wounded Warrior event. Jeff described their mission and loved what he said. I jumped to the opportunity to be a part of the Zellner Foundation (Will of Iron). They provided me the opportunity to tell my story and what golf has/will do for me in the future. I received new to me clubs and was provided with 3 priceless golf lessons from the pros at the golf club. The information given will better my game and allow me to have an outlet for my mental health. Future tournaments are coming and can't wait to put all of this together. I cannot thank Jeff, Xiomara, and their foundation enough.
I heard about this organization from an VSO. I contacted the organization by email about a month later. I should not have waited. Will of Iron is an awesome foundation! I was scheduled for golfing lessons shortly, after proving my military affiliation with my DD-214. I am extremely new to golf but was provided with a full golf club set, with a new golf club bag, and lessons to learn what to do with them. Will of Iron worked around my schedule and has even invited my family about attending golfing events and training since I received my clubs. Will of Iron has shown me that they are not only about providing golfing equipment and lessons, they are also about enabling community and mental wellbeing.
I became aware of this organization by talking to one of my fellow veterans about my desire of getting back into golf. I was waiting to the right time to purchase my clubs until he mentioned the opportunities that this organization offer to qualified veterans. I received free clubs and three free classes. I already attended my second class and I have improved so much that I am considering paying for more lessons after my third voucher. Thank you for giving me this opportunity!
Where do I begin? Jeff and Xiomara are such amazing people and it definitely shows in their foundation. I was going through a difficult time when I was introduced to them. They welcomed me with open arms and have helped me in more ways than just getting clubs. I can’t thank them enough and I will tell everyone I can about their amazing foundation and what they do for me and my fellow veterans. I have had lessons through Rob Bannon and he has also been an amazing teacher and friend. Thank you Zellner foundation for everything!
I am extremely grateful for the support and dedication the Zellner Foundation For Military Vets provides to our community. As a veteran, I have benefited on improving my mental stability by the involvement in the game of golf while also expanding an opportunity to reconnect with fellow veterans. Thank you Zellner Foundation for the care and interest in supporting the veteran community.
Jose Santiago
U.S. Army Veteran
I would like to salute and give my most sincere appreciation to the Zellner Foundation for providing me with an exceptional set of golf clubs and the opportunity of golf lessons. As a veteran living in Puerto Rico, compared to veterans in the mainland of United States, we encounter next to zero or very limited resources for veterans wanting to continue learning or initiating the sport of golf. The Zellner Foundation not only has provided many veterans in Florida with these opportunities, but also is helping veterans in Puerto Rico. The Zellner Foundation may be a small organization but, in the eyes, and hearts of those veterans they help, the Zellner Foundation is a true giant, and a great American organization. THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Luis Rivera
I had such a lovely experience with The Zellner Foundation. Xiomara surprised me with a brand new set of clubs as well as a handful of golf lessons. I am brand new to the sport and am very grateful for this jumpstart down a new and healthy path. THANK YOU TO THE ZELLNER FOUNDATION!
My name is Sean and I recently retired after 31years in the US Army. In my retirement I have found it hard to dial in and focus on tasks at hand or even looking for tasks. After spending 2/3 of my life going 110 MPH in the US Army Special Operations life was hard moving at 25MPH. I happen to hear about a golf program through Zellner Foundation over a conversation with another veteran. Once I reached out to the Zellner Foundation they contacted me within 48hrs. Understanding I was a beginner golfer and needed focus, they set me up with brand new clubs and lessons. It was an amazing experience for me. Not only have they taken care of me in my new golfing adventure, but they are doing the same for my 8yr old son. Zellner Foundation has gone above and beyond to make this happen for me and my family. Thanks again...
Hello. My name is Ronny and I am a recipient/client military disabled veteran of the Zellner Foundation (ZF) and a Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) Alumni. I first heard about the (ZF) from another (WWP) Alumni during a (WWP) golf event. I reached out to the (ZF) website and learned about their program and submitted my information to see if I qualified. I did qualify and was offered golf lessons and golf clubs. When I arrived to the golf course, I was greeted by Xiomara who had a golf bag, clubs and a shirt for me. I already had a pretty good set of clubs so I elected to not take them so another client could receive them. I did however keep the golf bag and a ZF golf shirt. I was given golf lesson vouchers and proceeded to my first lesson there at the course. I have been playing golf for over 40 years and never has a lesson and a ok golfer but not where I'd like to be in the game. The lessons immediately helped my game and I shot 8 strokes less in my next game. The Zellner Foundation are wonderful people helping disabled veterans make a difference bringing golf into our lives with the tools necessary to enjoy the game. Many have never played before and this helps get out with others and enjoy the game of golf. Then unaware of what would happen next,, the (ZF) reached out to me and asked if my wife would be interested in playing golf and taking lessons. I asked my wife thinking she wouldn't have any interest and to my disbelief she accepted. Thrilled to think one day I could play golf with my wife she surprised me. Wow., it's almost unbelievable that the (ZF) even helped my wife. She was given clubs, a golf bag, shirt, glove and lessons. So far she has been to one lesson and really enjoyed it and immediately reached out to some of her friends that play golf to hopefully play with them in the near future. How blessed are we? Very blessed and we thank the Zellner Foundation for all of this and for being here for us and making us feel special and helping to enjoy golf. God bless this foundation and everyone involved it making it what it is today. Thank you so much and I salute them for their service to us!
I received my golf clubs two months ago (August 2023). I’ve never been this excited about playing golf until I received my clubs! From the initial contact of signing up, Xiomara is impeccable with making sure that you, as the client, are 100% taken care of with the entire process. She kept me informed about everything when my golf clubs were ordered even after I received them she wanted to know that I was pleased with them. I love when organizations go above and beyond for veterans!!!! Thank you Zellner Foundation. Bravo Zulu!!!!!
My name is CSM RETIRED OZ COLON. I served 30 years in the U.S. Army, and did two combat tours. Upon my return from combat I was never the same and with much shame I even contemplated suicide. I became a recluse like many of my fellow combat veterans. I joined the Wounded Warrior Program to get involved in the camaraderie that I so much missed and to meet other Veterans through the different type of events etc. And in one of those occasions I met Ms. Xiomara Zellner from the Zellner Foundation. I had never played golf before and this wonderful Foundation open the doors for my spouse and I to get involved with this amazing sport. The Foundation provided us with golf equipment and lessons. It has truly changed my life. We are forever grateful to Ms Xiomara and the Zellner Foundation. God bless!
Sometimes, it’s the little things that people do for others that makes a big impact in someone’s life. In this case, The Zellner Foundation for Military Vets (zellnerfoundation.com) is doing big things for Vets. I haven’t golfed much, so I am not good at all. The Zellner Foundation has provided me with my very own set of golf clubs so now I have no excuses, I have to improve my game. Thank you to The Zellner Foundation and Xiomara Spadafora for making it happen.
Victor Rivera SFC (Ret)
Xiomara and her husband Jeff are amazing! They are dedicated to help us veterans have an enjoyable experience golfing! My son wanted to play golf for a while and they made it possible to get him started with a coach and some brand new clubs… I am also set up with a classes to learn. I am super happy to golf with my boy.
I am one of the golf instructors out at TPG Golf and have had the pleasure of working with The Zellner Foundation! I was in direct contact with Xiomara to help schedule individuals for golf lessons that the foundation helped to fund. All of the new students I worked with were incredibly friendly and excited to learn. I have had the opportunity to get to know several students on a more personal level and have truly seen the impact that the foundation has made in their lives. I am grateful to work alongside this foundation and assist vets and their families by providing them with the growing passion for a new hobby and sport. Absolutely amazing Foundation that I’m sure will only continue to grow in the future!
I am so grateful that I was able to connect with the Xiomara and the Zellner Foundation. For a while I have been looking for a foundation that values not only Veterans, but also our families. Because of the Zellner Foundation, me and my two sons have been able to bond and grow through learning how to play golf. The foundation went above and beyond to meet our family to deliver clubs to my youngest son when he joined the Birdie program. Thier dedication and commitment to our veterans and families far exceeds anything I have ever encountered. I am looking forward to seeing the foundation grow and continue in their mission of getting veterans and their families involved in golf. What they have done for me, and my family will also be very special to me and means so much.
My husband and I have been following the growth of this charity since they started in 2020. It has been an honor to support them in their quest to benefit the lives of our nation’s warriors.
Great people helping veterans.!!! Spending time with veterans be it playing golf, eating lunch or just conversations on the side, it’s very relaxing when you’re with people that have a lot of things in common.
My personal experience with the Zellner Foundation has been AMAZING! Not only the President, Mrs. Xiomara Spadafora but all members of this foundation have welcome me with open arms. I wish every retired or soon to be retired veteran will know more about them. I have finally found a sport (golf) that I can really get to play for my retirement. Thank you, The Zellner Foundation for making my dream to learn Golf a reality.
The Zellner Foundation is top notch. The staff is so kind and warm. They go over and beyond to ensure everyone feels welcomed.
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The Zellner Foundation has played a pivotal role in my healing. The game of golf is simple enough physically for me to be able to participate in, yet complex enough to keep me intrigued and focused on those minor adjustments that make a huge impact on your game.
Unfortunately the game of golf is expensive, but the Zellner foundation makes it possible for disabled veterans like myself by providing clubs, equipment, lessons, and the opportunity to play in tournaments.
These opportunities to play with other veterans have been therapeutic. I have the opportunity to get outside, move my body and build relationships with adults that understand me. I don’t feel judged and the environment is inviting.
The picture submitted is a photo of the group I played with in a halloween tournament. This was a first for me and I am excited to do it again next year. I never imagined myself playing golf but here I am playing and loving it! For this, I’m forever grateful to the Zellner Foundation.
I strongly believe on the work that the Zellner Foundation for Military Vets Inc does in maintaining us the Veterans actively involve in a healthy program were we are able to mentally and Physically have something of our own. I has giving me the opportunity to separate from the daily worries and struggles. Were, I could just focus on having some time for myself and obtain some dignify quality time of life. My experience with this particular organization has been outstanding and very productive in compensating my health, mental conditions and physical. It has giving me the opportunity to share with other veteran's and identify with them. The Zellner Foundation staff has been very professional and healthful to my need to participate in a sport program. Especially, Xiomara. My sincerely thanks to a wonder organization.
I have had a desire to learn golfing for years. The Zellner Foundation has made my desire a reality by allowing me to learn to golf. The instructions I received have improved my game and allow me to enjoy golf outings so much more. I am very appreciative and enjoy the comradery when golfing with female veterans. The Zellner Foundation has truly been an absolutely amazing experience and I am so very thankful.
I love this foundation and everything it stands for.
I am a disabled veteran as well as my husband who has found in golf a therapeutic way to recover from our injuries, whether hidden or visible, facing physical and emotional conditions.
We decided to learn and play to continue motivating other veterans and myself.
We can find purpose in life and everything is possible if we challenge our limits!!!
⛳️ • Golfing in a battle of
Chronic Diseases and Conditions
#recover from our injuries
#WwGold
#WeHeal
#PostTraumaticGrowth
#OutsideIsFree
#NatureTherap
Thank you Zellner Foundation, Xiomara and Jeff.
The Zellner Foundation, Absolutely one of the best Organizations out there for bringing the gap between healthy activities such as golf and our veteran population. Xiomara and Jeff leads from the front being the Co-Founder and President. She started this with a great cause in mind and has articulated her vision to all the members. Utilizing accelerated resolution PTSD therapy, golf, and overall team camaraderie to help our Veterans feel what sometimes goes missing in transitioning from military service to the civilian private sector. Proud to be involved in such a great cause. Zellner gives disabled veterans the ability to learning, playing golf and socialize with other veterans. INCREDIBLE ORGANIZATION!!!! TOP NOTCH!!
I do not come from a military family, but my teens are talking about joining the
Military. I have volunteered with the Zellner foundation because our Vets deserve my time and my respect for what they have sacrificed for us. I have seen how the Zellner Foundation provides support and valuable tools to our heroes.
As a military spouse I am proud to have such an amazing nonprofit organization that helps so many of our men and women who have fought for our freedom including my husband. I am thankful and blessed for the zellner foundation and look forward to all that is to come
I have volunteered for The Zellner Foundation twice. Their commitment and joy is remarkable. You can feel how the Military Veterans gratitude is real.
Zellner Foundation does great things for Military veterans. Golf is an awesome mental therapy experience that I think most veterans need, but it might be a little challenging to get at first knowing how challenging the sports of golf can be for a beginners player. What Zellner Foundation did to me was that they took me as a beginners player and equipped me, through golf lessons, with the necessary skills to not only play better, but to enjoy better the sports of golf, thus allowing me to have as I call "peace on the green" which serves as a mental therapy that I often need. I was about to quit trying golf until I met Zellner Foundation. With the golf lessons they provided me at TPC Sawgrass and Cimarrone Golf Club, I was able to greatly improve my skills and thus my ability to find "peace on the green". I can say that golf have had a significant impact in both my mental stage and social aspect and that in part I owe to Zellner Foundation.
Zellner is a great non-profit. I am new to the game of golf after my service connected disability. Without them I may not have had the opportunity to pursue my new passion for the game. They have provided me with equipment, lessons, practice time and numerous events. I've connected with other veterans as well and discovered the therapeutic benefits of golf with fellow warriors. My family and I are very appreciative of everything they do.
The work ZF is doing is just incredible! They are increasing awareness around how the game of golf could bring peace to those that struggle because of a service related injury that most often cannot be seen.
I have seen these veterans in action and the pure joy they experience in that single moment is life changing!
An amazing organization providing wonderful opportunities for our Veterans. We have had the pleasure of participating in their fundraising Golf tournaments the last 2 years. Always a great, well run event!
I have seen first hand the impact The Zellner Foundation has made to numerous veterans. The passion this organization has is amazing! I admire their dedication and time spent to help those that fought for our country.
I have seen the work of this organization from de begining and it is amazing . This organization truly honors the promise to veterans to never forget their services to our nation.
Not only do they help Veterans but they are one of the few charities that follow through and do what they say. Besides providing golf lessons and equipment they are always willing to help out or listen. I love this nonprofit!!!
After 11 years of service I left the navy with a medical discharge. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what to do with myself and feeling a little lost at times. When I was introduced to the Zellner Foundation it was like finding the “light switch”. They’ve gathered around military vets and provided a welcoming and supportive environment for vets to meet and interact with one another in a joyful way. I have rediscovered the joy of playing and learning golf and the friends I’ve met along the way are the icing on the cake. This foundation operates from the heart and it shows!