The men and women who serve, or have served, in the United States Military are a lot of things. They are bold and brave. They are strong, dedicated, and willing to make incredible sacrifices for our country. Their families uphold that same strength and dedication at home while their loved ones are deployed. They have earned our respect and our gratitude.
And sometimes, they also need our support.
That’s where Semper Fi & America’s Fund (The Fund) comes in. The nonprofit provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to combat-wounded, critically ill, and catastrophically injured members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.
This year marks the 9th annual Double Down for Veterans matching campaign, and PXG is proud to support our sister company, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, in this challenge to raise $20 million in two months. All donations made November 1 through December 31, 2020 to The Fund will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10 million by The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation.
SEMPER FI & AMERICA’S FUND
The Fund’s programming falls under three main categories: Service Member and Family Support, Integrative Wellness, and Transition. Its assistance can come in big and small ways – from financial aid and meeting adaptive housing needs to PTSD counseling and job training. Sometimes, it’s holding a caregiver’s hand or giving them the day off to get their hair cut. And sometimes it’s making sure that a struggling veteran knows they are not alone.
SUPPORT IN ACTION
Like so many of our nation’s heroes, PXG Troop and Marine Veteran Jacob Dodge makes it sound so casual when he talks about getting “blown up a couple of times” in Afghanistan and earning two Purple Hearts. But that casual demeanor gives way to passion when talking about The Fund.
“The amount of care, love, and respect The Fund shows for veterans and their families is incredible. What they’ve done not only for me, but also my fiancé has been amazing.” ~Jacob Dodge
For Dodge, support from The Fund has come in the form of help in managing treatment for a traumatic brain injury, a spousal retreat for his fiancé, paying travel expenses for him and fellow troops to attend the funeral of a fallen friend, and so much more.
Army veteran and PXG Heroes Squad Member Saul Martinez suffered catastrophic injures in 2007 that left him a bilateral amputee, with a traumatic brain injury, and survivor’s guilt. Support from The Fund started when he was in the hospital and continues strong to this day. A recent gift from The Fund came earlier this year when Martinez was prepping for surgery that would result in a fairly grueling recovery.
Knowing Martinez uses art as therapy and would be unable to utilize his normal art supplies during recovery, The Fund gifted him an iPad to keep up with his artwork and brain exercises without all of the chores that come with physical materials during his several months of healing.
“I could go on all day about what The Fund has done for me and my family. From meeting specific needs to proactively checking in to offer support, encouragement, and compassion, The Fund is altering the very trajectory of our lives. The Fund is enabling veterans and their families to pursue joy.” ~ Saul Martinez
Martinez was introduced to PXG for Heroes through his case manager at The Fund and more than just improving his game (which it did), having PXG in his bag has “built confidence with every swing.”
PXG FOR HEROES
PXG Founder & CEO Bob Parsons is a U.S. Marine Corps Vietnam Combat Veteran and his military roots are baked into the very DNA of our brand – from the MOS-inspired club naming convention (and liberal use of camo print) to a desire to honor those who serve.
PXG for Heroes was launched in 2018 to offer all current servicemembers, veterans, and first responders PXG clubs at a very special price as a small thank you for their service. Colonel Kevin Hudson USMC (Ret), the director of the PXG for Heroes program, remembers when Bob Parsons gave him the directive to start the program.
“Mr. Parsons wanted to ensure we were getting the world’s best golf equipment in the hands of our nation’s best – our veterans,” said Hudson. “So that’s what we’ve done. In just over two years, more than 60,000 veterans, active-duty military members, and first responders have joined the PXG for Heroes program. It’s grown into a group where our heroes can form deep connections and once again feel like they truly belong.”
A recurring sentiment among our service members and first responers is the therapeutic nature of golf. It’s a chance to both reengage the competitive spirit with like-minded friends and clear your head. Our PXG Heroes Squad enjoys golf as therapy and an opportunity to raise awareness for the Fund and the needs of the veteran community.
PXG will contine to grow our PXG for Heroes program to ensure the nation’s finest hit the course with the world’s best golf equipment.
We’ll also continue to support the great work being done by Semper Fi & America’s Fund. Every dollar makes a difference – donate before December 31 to double your impact.
