(l-r) Dedicated Fairways For Warriors golf instructors Fred Patterson, Chris Bock, John Perry and Jason Soto.
By John Perry
Hands down their sport of choice is golf. Yeah, you can quote me on that. I’ll stand by that definitive proclamation anytime, anywhere. And that was never more obvious to me than on August 2nd, 2018, out at Shingle Creek Golf Resort in Orlando, Fla., where approximately 40 wheelchair veterans engaged in a little 3-hole golf competition that was worth the price of admission–which by the way, was none.
Hosted by Fairway For Warriors, a non-profit organization based is Kississimme, Florida that offers services to combat wounded veterans as well as their families, from all combat eras, a couple of my fellow golf instructors (and myself) were recruited to participate and offer our assistance from a coaching standpoint. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) afflicts almost 31 percent of Vietnam veterans. As many as 10 percent of Gulf War (Desert Storm) veterans. 11 percent of veterans of the war in Afghanistan.
Allow me a minute to rewind back and bring you up to speed in regards to this inspirational golf event. First of all, I’ve been playing this game for 58 years, and I’m a former U.S. Air Force Veteran from the Vietnam era, so I certainly could relate to my fellow comrades. Plus this was an eye-opening experience as to how much I’ve been taking for granted when it comes to playing this wonderful game of golf.
I’ve been living in sunny Florida for the last two years, in the Orlando area. My wife and I relocated down here from Northern New Jersey. For 12 years prior to that change of address, I was Head Coach and Director of the John Shippen Youth Golf Academy in Scotch Plains, N.J. Our practice and playing facility was the Scoth Hills Golf Club, better known years ago as the historic Shady Rest Golf Club. I was given a green light by the Chairman and Chairlady Thurman and Ruby Simmons to move the youth golf program forward as best as possible.
WHY I JOINED FAIRWAYS FOR WARRIORS
I think I achieved that goal to everyone’s satisfaction. Immediately after relocating to Florida, I joined “Fairways For Warriors”, a combat veterans group which helps disenfranchised veterans and their families cope and readjust to the challenges of civilian life. Part of that help includes providing housing, employment, therapy, physical and mental, golf lessons for them and their families, as well as golf equipment. We have a beautiful 6700 sq. ft. indoor facility with three golf simulators, swing planes, chipping and putting area, etc. We also have agreements with various golf courses in the Orlando area that allow us and our members substantially discounted rates. Super bargains, simply put.
Our indoor facility is affectionately called the “TLC”, for Training and Learning Center. The TLC facility is an excellent resource and veterans and those who are interested in learning more may visit it. It is located at 1001 Armstrong Ave., Kissimmee, Fl. 34741. The telephone number is 970-481-3052. We have lots of Vets who have (TSD) Traumatic Syndrome Disorders, amputees (legs, arms, or both), legally blind or color blind. All in all, plenty of vulnerabilities. Many of these Vets obviously have been dealt a bad hand, but nevertheless, most remain positive, enthusiastic, and determined to persevere in spite of their misfortune. They all just about agree unanimously that golf is their sport of choice. Some have played a little in the past and many have never played, but they all enjoy the challenge of competitive camaraderie on the links. Even if it’s only a few holes. They just try to be the best that they can be.
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Jason Soto, one of our Fairways For Warriors young and dedicated instructors was the contact person who collaborated with the organizers of the National Veterans Wheelchair Games to bring us on board. The golf event was hosted by the “PVA”, Paralysed Veterans Of America. This was their 38th annual competition. Next year’s event will be held in Louisville, Kentucky. For information and to learn of the eligible to apply, visit Fairway For Warriors.
Jason is a former U.S. Marine Veteran who served during the Iraqi Conflict era. He’s also currently employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Lake Nona, an affluent neighborhood of Orlando.
Fairways For Warriors is one of a few different groups who cater to veterans and their families. The organization has also earned a spot on the Great Nonprofits Top-Rated Awards, the only people’s choice award where volunteers, donors, and people served by nonprofits are asked to share stories of inspiration, express their appreciation to help nonprofits earn a spot on this prestigious list. Additional organizations that cater to veterans and their families include Wounded Warriors, Birdies For The Brave”, Hoops For Troops, and so forth. All our goals are pretty much the same as these organizations: trying our best to help our comrades receive all that they deserve, which is plenty. So, if you have one of these organizations, or one similar in your neck of the woods, community, city, or state, please make a conscientious effort to give a donation. Trust me, these guys have more than earned it.
Now to fast forward back to the National Veterans Wheelchair Games at Shingle Creek. It was similar to must-see TV. To watch these men and women hit great shots from their strapped-in, standing position, off the side, personalized, individual, motorized wheelchair carts touched my heart in a special way.
I just want to put it out there from my perspective, if you have a veteran in your family, a friend, neighbor, or stranger, show them some love anytime the opportunity presents itself. Remember, our freedom is still being protected by those who serve (and have served) in the Armed Forces. Just keep in mind that “All Gave Some, but Some Gave All”.
John Perry is a freelance writer, poet and active golfer with a passion for calling shots like he sees them and, then, telling it like it is. He resides in Orlando, Fla.
