Giving Back To Those Who Have Served All Of Us So Honorably and Courageously
Founded in 2007, the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation is dedicated to providing critical support and resources to wounded warriors and their families living in Texas.
Our mission is to bridge the gap between military benefits and the real-world needs of these brave individuals, offering a helping hand when it matters most.
Our History
The Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation began in 2007 in Tyler shortly after retired Senior PGA Tour professional Dick Goetz met Ron Nash of Dallas, a retired Navy Lt. Commander, at a golf tournament in Dallas.
Goetz had recently spent some time on the driving range with seriously injured wounded warriors at Camp LeJeune, N. C., helping them with their golf swings and basic fundamentals of the game.
Goetz and Nash discussed the idea of bringing some wounded warriors to Tyler for a Pro-Am. They co-founded the birth of the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation.
The inaugural event in 2008 was a one-day Pro-Am with seven wounded warriors from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio participating. The following year, a two-day event for 17 wounded warriors included a party the first night and a Pro-Am the next day.
Over the last twelve years, festivities have evolved into a long weekend involving 25-30 injured warriors annually and providing many opportunities for good food and R&R in Tyler. Texas golf Pro-Ams are also held in Amarillo and Horseshoe Bay. Retreats with a spiritual emphasis are held twice a year, benefiting the warriors and their families. An annual golf school is held in San Antonio with participants from the Warrior.
Several professional golfers, including Bobby Nichols, Charles Coody, and Homero Blancas, have donated their time helping warriors on the day of the Pro-Am.
Medical experts and military leaders say that letting these men and women vent their frustrations on the golf course helps some of them forget their injuries for a time and create the determination they need for rehabilitation.
Many generals and other high-ranking military officers attend the festivities and play in the Pro-Am. Musicians and comedians from around the country volunteer their time. In 2012, country and western singer Randy Travis entertained the warriors.
While in Tyler, warriors visit schools, where they are given a rousing patriotic welcome by hundreds of students waving American flags. “That greeting meant so much,” said one warrior after the event. “I had trouble maintaining my composure.”
Businesses from Tyler and the golfing industry have provided excellent sponsorship support over the years that the Pro-Am has been held. Over $8,000,000 has been raised to help wounded warriors since the first Pro-Am was held. More than 700 wounded warriors and their families have received assistance.
The Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation focuses on providing help to wounded warriors who live in Texas.
“I’m often asked why our organization is necessary since our government is supposed to take care of its wounded military,” said Goetz. “Our mission is to help provide critical assistance when veterans’ benefits are slow in getting started or do not meet the full scope of basic needs for warriors and their families.”
Our Impact
Through our programs, we’ve been able to:
- Provide Financial Help: Assisting wounded warriors and their families with medical bills, housing, and transportation.
- Offer Emotional Support: Creating a safe space for wounded warriors to connect with others who understand their challenges.
- Aid in Rehabilitation: Using golf as a way to help with physical and mental recovery.
- Build Community Connections: Bringing wounded warriors and the public together through events.
Our Partners
Our success is possible thanks to the generous support of:
- Corporate Sponsors: Businesses that contribute financially and in-kind to our mission.
- Professional Golfers: Renowned athletes who volunteer their time and expertise to support our events.
- Volunteers: Amazing individuals who give their time and energy to make a difference.
- Community Members: The people of Texas who have embraced our cause and shown unwavering support.
Why Texas?
Texas is home to one the highest numbers of Wounded Combat Veterans in the United States. Additionally, Texas has the second-largest number of active-duty military personnel outside Virginia.
This makes it especially important for us to support and honor the veterans who call Texas home, helping them recover, rebuild, and thrive.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Whether you are a wounded warrior, a family member, or a community member, we invite you to learn more about our organization and how you can get involved. Together, we can continue to provide vital support to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.