December 2023 — M2CC Newsletter

28 | M2CC - News www.m2cc.us DECEMBER 2023 EDITION
Golf Program Helps US Veterans Adjust to Life
After the Military
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.