In September of 2015, retired Army NCO Robert Mitchell approached Pine Acres Country Club about doing a golf tournament to benefit Wounded Warrior Project®. As a WWP® Alumni himself, he felt compelled to give back to an organization that had help him significantly. He felt that he could do that through his love of golf.
Rob’s experience with WWP® began in 2008 at Lundstuhl Army Hospital in Germany. Rob was injured in Iraq and was sent to the hospital where WWP® gear and other essentials were waiting for him.
When he was injured again in 2010 he returned to base and was asked to become cadre for the Warrior Transition Unit where he was responsible for the care of wounded soldiers. WWP® was a huge part in helping the soldiers in Rob’s care heal and transition. Many programs were provided to these soldiers such as deep sea fishing trips, getaways for families to Disney World, sporting events, etc.
When Rob retired from the Army he moved back to Bradford. Shortly after he approached Pine Acres about doing a tournament to raise money for WWP®. He had played in numerous golf tournaments that also raised money for the charity and he knew it was something Pine Acres could do and provide a great experience for those playing.
So on July 9th, 2016 16 WWP® Alumni from western PA and the Bradford area played in the inaugural Golf “Fore” Heroes tournament. The Alumni enjoyed a dinner at Beefeaters the night before, breakfast the day of the tournament at Chef’s 117, and a tour of the Zippo/Case Museum before the tournament.
Now entering its 9th year, and with nearly $70,000 raised, Golf “Fore” Heroes has expanded its reach to other veteran organizations. This year’s tournament proceeds will go to Defenders Of Freedom. Defenders of Freedom provides donors with the organization they need to support post 9/11 Veterans in their transition to civilian life through emergency financial assistance, morale building programs, and traumatic brain injury treatment.
