Anyone who knows me knows that, as a military mom, I am all about anything that helps our military families, active duty troops, and veterans. With a family full of active duty military and vets who served for decades, I’m proud and happy to do what ever I can to help.
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce you to Carl Meyer. Carl and I worked together in the medical industry. One of the things you learn about Carl, right away, is he likes people. and he is very patriotic. Carl also loves golf. no, you don’t understand, Carl LOVES GOLF! So Carl came up with an idea. How can he help our Veterans and how does golf tie into this?
Here’s Carl’s Story:
“Six years ago, on the 4th of July, I went to play in the flag event at the golf course I frequent. How it worked is, you shot par plus your handicap and placed a flag in the ground with you name attached to the stick where your last shot landed. I headed home for lunch, with the grass cut and honey do list done, and my wife and children out of town, I decided to go back for 18 more. The course was almost empty and the next 18 holes were done in two hours. I asked the bag boy, how busy is the course? Wide open he said, so off I went for round three. After another quick two hour round, I did it again, only stopping to meet friends for dinner and to watch the fireworks. During the fireworks my friend Christa asked, what are you going to do next year and I replied, play 100 as a fundraiser for our veterans, after all we would not be watching these fireworks if it weren’t for them. So it began….
I started 100 Holes for Our Heroes benefiting Hire Heroes USA five years ago. My goal was to generate awareness, and to raise funds for Hire Heroes USA. The great work they do in helping our wounded and disabled veterans transition from their military career, to their new life as a civilian employee, is outstanding. I had no idea if I could get anyone to contribute to someone foolish enough to try and play 100 holes of golf, much less on the 4th of July!
The first year I was stunned that we could raise over $13,000 to help our vets through the upstart charity. Year two saw a jump to $43,000 as the charity started to gain it’s legs. Year three we raised $63,000 and Hire Heroes started creating more partnerships with business and placing more and more veterans. Last year I lost a few contributors and had to settle for $60,000, but the charity kept building.
Today, Hire Heroes USA is placing one veteran candidate a day into their first job and helping many more in the process through Warrior Transition Workshops. The funds raised this year will go directly to support these workshops that will help over 400 veterans as they move through this transition. This is critical in light of the winding down of the conflicts in the middle east. Not since the end of WWII has the US had as many returning soldiers that need to migrate to their post military career.
We have raised over $52,000 so far on our way to our goal of $70,000. If you would like to contribute you can do so at The 5th Annual Annual 100 Holes For Our Hereos
Learn more about Hire Heroes USA and how you can help our Heroes return to a career worthy of their sacrifices.”
Carl can be reached at carl.meyer@bsnmedical.com
Have a Happy 4th of July!
