My Nonprofit Reviews

When I arrived at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany after being wounded in Afghanistan, a WWP volunteer ask me a couple of questions and handed me a small duffel bag. The bag contained some basic toiletries, T shirts and shorts. Since my medic had cut my uniform off me and I'd been in a hospital gown for 72 hours, those shorts were like gold. When I was recovering at Walter Reed Military Medical Center, a WWP volunteer brought me a milkshake and just talked w/ me for an hour or so every Sunday, when absolute boredom would normally kick in. WWP also provided events for my wife, who was suddenly a caregiver.

I was referred to On Course Foundation USA by another wounded Veteran. On Course then invited me to a work event at the PNC Championships a couple of years ago. I learned more about the game of golf and the profession as a whole in one week than I had in ten years of lessons and playing opportunities. We get to see what goes on behind the scenes of a professional golf event and all of the effort of course employees, volunteers, caddies, spectators and of course the prep the professionals engage in. On Course Foundation USA has exposed me to things I'd never experience elsewhere, and I've made lifelong friends across the globe.

Since my original review I've been invited back to other PGA events. Donations enable On Course Foundation to continue providing wounded Veterans the opportunity to meet new friends who have shared similar experiences. Most recently I was able to caddie at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship with Stewart Cink's group. What other organization provides to opportunity to spend 4-5 hours walking around with a pro athlete, sharing stories, gaining valuable work experience from professionals in the field?

During my evacuation from Afghanistan after being wounded in combat, a gentleman from WWP handed me an Under Armour duffel with the WWP logo on it. Inside were shorts, T shirts, and toiletries. That doesn't sound like much, but after being in a hospital gown for three days, shorts were a huge morale boost. Every day at Walter Reed, a WWP Volunteer stopped by to see if my wife or I needed anything. One Sunday a volunteer brought me a McDonald's milkshake and sat and spoke with me for ten minutes. Again, that doesn't sound like much, but after weeks in a hospital, it was huge and appreciated. WWP has continued to support both my wife and me since my injury. Of the 42,000 Veteran Service Organizations, they've done far more for me than any of the others or the VA and Army combined.