Pace, Florida: Golfing for a Cause
Golf isn’t just a game for many veterans; it’s a therapy, a way to escape, a journey of healing, and a chance to help each other out. Just a few years ago, a small group of veterans and golf-loving civilians decided to combine their passions into a fantastic idea: a golf tournament aimed at raising money for U.S. military veterans in Northwest Florida. That’s right – play golf and do good! Who wouldn’t want to be part of that?
Emerald Coast Veterans Alliance Makes a Difference
This energetic group formed the Emerald Coast Veterans Alliance (ECVA), a non-profit with a singular mission – to generate funds for various veterans’ organizations in the area. Fast forward to Wednesday, when the ECVA made a significant impact by awarding $12,000 in grants to three amazing organizations dedicated to serving veterans.
Three Charitable Recipients
The lucky recipients included:
- The Honor HER Foundation in Pensacola, which provides housing for homeless female veterans.
- The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 4833 in Milton.
- Project Healing Waters, specifically the Pensacola chapter, which teaches veterans struggling with mental health issues how to fly fish.
With numerous veterans facing challenges like PTSD, the calming act of fly fishing is an incredible way to help them unwind and reconnect with themselves. As Mick Milo, a former U.S. Navy pilot and program leader for Project Healing Waters Pensacola says, “We are called Healing Waters because water has a healing effect.” It’s striking how something as simple as nature can work wonders on mental health!
What’s Next for Project Healing Waters?
Project Healing Waters doesn’t just offer trips; they give veterans a comprehensive experience by teaching them to build their own rods and tie their own flies. With a new trip on the horizon to the beautiful South Holston River in Tennessee this February, these grants are essential for financing those adventures. “We continue to do all we can for those who served this nation honorably,” notes ECVA president and retired Army Colonel Bucky Howle.
Impacting Lives
Having awarded more than $140,000 in grants since their first awards in 2019, the ECVA is making waves, or rather, ripples of change in the community. For example, the Honor HER Foundation has a special place amidst these initiatives. President Barbara Francis, a U.S. Navy veteran herself, explains how crucial these funds are. “This is life-changing for a lot of ladies,” she shares, referring to their Faith House that serves homeless veterans.
Connecting Families
Barbara tells heartwarming stories, like one resident of the Faith House who hadn’t seen her family in almost forty years. Thanks to their initiative, she reconnected with her mother, who is now 95 years old. Imagine the shock and joy in that reunion! “It was like she didn’t exist,” Barbara reflects, highlighting how critical community and connection are for veterans.
A Hub for Veteran Support
The VFW Post 4833 has been a cornerstone for veteran support for more than 50 years. With the recent storms causing havoc, they’re putting the grants to immediate use for roof repairs and a range of home improvements. Retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Sue Pike highlights the dire need: “This money is earmarked for those veterans who are struggling with the economy.”
The Golf Tournament Ahead
All of these funds are raised through the annual Veterans Day Benefit Golf Tournament held at Stonebrook Golf Club. So, if you’re a golf enthusiast, mark your calendars for the next tournament on November 11, 2025. Who wouldn’t enjoy a day of golf, knowing they are directly contributing to transforming lives?
So, there you have it! Veterans and community members are teaming up, swinging clubs, and changing lives one swing at a time. Let’s tee off for those who have served!
