Valour on the Green: Supporting Veterans Through Golf

Today on Bring Back The Porch Brian welcomes Rhonda Burry, a Hatter who is organizing an incredible event for local veterans from around Medicine Hat.The second annual Valour on the Green golf tournament will be taking place this June at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club. Many veterans face challenges after leaving military service, and initiatives like this tournament aim to bridge that gap by fostering community support and camaraderie. Today on Bring Back The Porch, we’ll explore the origins of the tournament, its growth, and how you can get involved to make a difference.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Tournament01:09 Inspiration Behind the Event03:04 Charitable Beneficiaries and Fundraising04:05 Public Participation and Event Details04:55 Veterans' Feedback and Emotional Impact06:18 Remembering Veterans and Their Challenges08:59 Sponsors and Community Support10:23 Social Media and Prizes11:38 Canada's Growing Support for Veterans12:37 How to Support and Get InvolvedThe Inspiration Behind Valour on the GreenThe idea for the Valour on the Green tournament came from a local veteran who inspired the organizer to take action. Recognizing that service doesn’t end with retirement from the military, the organizer sought a way to give back. This led to the conception of an annual golf tournament designed not just to honour veterans but also to create a platform for them to connect and share their experiences. It’s not just about the game; it’s about creating a supportive environment where veterans can feel valued and recognized. The first tournament saw overwhelming gratitude from participants, highlighting the importance of such initiatives. Many veterans expressed that this was their first experience of receiving recognition and appreciation for their service, reinforcing the idea that their contributions are valued year-round, not just on Remembrance Day.Growing Participation and Community SupportSince its inception, the Valour on the Green tournament has seen a remarkable increase in participation. Last year’s tournament faced challenges in filling the field, but this year’s registration opened on January 1st and quickly filled up with over 100 veterans signing up within hours. The surge in interest is a testament to the community's commitment to supporting its veterans.The tournament not only supports veterans but also opens its doors to the public, allowing community members to join in on the fun. This year, the registration for public participation will begin on May 1st, further expanding the event's reach and impact. It's a wonderful opportunity for civilians to show their support and connect with those who served.Other notes:Years of Service:Between the veterans participating in the tournament and the volunteers supporting the event, there was a combined total of over 2,200 years of military service represented at Valour on the Green.Volunteers – 3CAV:3CAV Coriano Ridge (Medicine Hat)3CAV Ypres (Calgary)Sponsors:Tournament Title Sponsors (to be announced at tournament)CannaConnectMedicine Hat ToyotaMolly Maid (Medicine Hat)Southern Gas and SafetyGenerous anonymous Donor T.R.A.D WORM IND.Colleen & Marty VredegoorV-EH (Veterans and Everyday Heroes)3CAV YpresUSW (United Steel Workers) District 3 – Veterans of Steel CommitteeCorrection: Union Name During Podcast:United Service Workers Union should have been USW (United Steel Workers) District 3 – Veterans of Steel Committee, who donated and sponsored a team.Hey we need your support. Like and subscribe to Bring Back The Porch PodcastSupport the show