Navy Veteran Jose Renderos-Kieffer takes a swing at the Golf Range & Activity Center located on the Lyons Campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, in Bernards Township. (n.j.com/TNS)
(Tribune News Service) — Sometimes servicemembers have a difficult time transitioning back to the civilian world. Many are exposed to high stress and traumatic events during the time they served. They may have been in combat zones or suffered physical injuries — even loss of limbs.
But a program is trying to help these warriors back here on home soil. PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a rehabilitative golf program that helps these veterans adjust to life after the military.
“Coming home from war, it’s not something that everybody can do,” says PGA HOPE ambassador Charles Patrick Wilcox. “And that’s why, you know, to have a support network for a veteran is very important. It helps them integrate back into society with the help of other veterans.”
Vets enrolled in the program gather at the Inspiration Golf Range & Activity Center located on the Lyons Campus of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, in Bernards Township. This is where they can connect with other veterans for a sense of camaraderie and learn about the game of golf.
Golf has become a therapeutic part of the process since the program started in 2015. There are around 300 veterans in New Jersey involved and nationally, there are around 12,000 to 13,000.
The program is funded by PGA Reach and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations. Visit PGA HOPE for more information or to support.
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