JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — For many, golf is one of the greatest American pastimes. But on Friday, it was a form of healing for wounded veterans in need.
The Naval Station Mayport and the Wounded Warriors Project combined forces to hold golf classes on Friday morning for wounded vets and their families.
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Donald James Moore is a retired army vet and wounded, purple heart veteran, who outlined at Friday’s event the positive impact the sport holds on veterans like himself.
“Over the years we try to find those things that help us to just bring us some peace,” Moore explained. “And for me it started five years ago at this very golf course where my wife and I just started to learn how to golf”
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And for many of the wounded veterans who attended the class, it goes beyond just getting out and getting to enjoy the great sport of golf, but was also about camaraderie.
“Over time, they will have the confidence to join a golf club and meet other members of the community and feel safe doing that,” explained David Mynett, Outreach Coordinator for the Wounded Warriors Project. “Again, golf provides that opportunity.”
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And one of the teachers at Friday’s class was none other than PGA champion Jim Furyk, who outlined the benefits the sport has on veterans who need it.
“For for those wounded warriors, I think being out here in the outdoors, the mental health, physical side of it, the game has a lot to offer,” Furyk said with a smile.
Friday’s class also served as just one of many during the Naval Station Mayport’s three day event, aimed at helping Navy Wounded Warriors and their caregivers “RESET” (Recreation, Employment, Support, Education, and Transition.) These experiences are tailored to promote camaraderie, resilience, and support among the participating families.
More information on the full RESET event can be found in our previous web article by clicking here.
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