December 2023 — MHCE Newsletter

WWW.MHCE.US Monthly Newsletter | 25
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.
Golf Program Helps US
Veterans Adjust to Life
After the Military
S o m e t i m e s
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.
The program is funded
by PGA Reach and
supplemented by PGA
Section Foundations.
Visit PGA HOPE for
more information or to
support.