Helping to support disabled veterans

When we think about disabled veterans, it’s important to remember that not all injuries are visible.”

Alina Perez, The Soldiers Project

Men and women who have suffered physical and mental injuries while serving in the U.S. military are being offered a day of free golf, tennis and fishing at the third annual Honor Disabled U.S. Veterans Day on Sept. 18 at the Lawrence Yacht & Country Club. The event will also benefit four organizations that help veterans and their families.

This year the country club has formed a partnership with all of the U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals in the metropolitan area and the heads of those facilities’ recreation therapy programs. In addition to the activities on the course and courts and on the water, there will be lunch as well as a sit-down dinner.

The proceeds of the event, which is open to the public, will benefit the Soldiers Project, PGA Hope, Paws of War and Folds of Honor. All four organizations assist veterans who were wounded.

“With all that is going on in the world today, this is our opportunity to make a positive statement by helping those that protect our freedom and way of life,” said Leo McMahon, the country club’s general manager. “Without these brave men and women, we have nothing.”

Nesconset-based Paws of War pairs veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder with trained shelter dogs. Taylor Cleary, the organization’s director of community relations, explained that the canines ease their companions’ depression, and in many cases remind them to take their medication. Occasionally, a veteran’s own dog can be trained in the program.

According to the Veterans Administration, 20 veterans take their own lives each day. The main reasons, Cleary said, are a lack of help and support and the PTSD itself. “As one veteran said, ‘The dog gives you a reason to get out of bed in the morning,’” she said. “The dog gives them a sense of purpose.” About 10 veterans who have been helped by Paws of War are expected to take part in the day’s activities, Cleary said. 

The Soldiers Project provides free, confidential psychological counseling to those who have served in the military since Sept. 11, 2001. Since 2007, Folds of Honor has provided educational scholarships to the children and spouses of those who were killed or disabled.

“When we think about disabled veterans, it’s important to remember that not all injuries are visible,” said Alina Perez, a social worker with the New York chapter of the Soldiers Project. “High suicide rates among vets highlight the need to address the invisible wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, depression and anxiety. By attending this event, not only will you take part in a fun-filled day for veterans, but your charitable donation will ensure these deserving men and women will continue to receive support services they earned while serving our country.”

PGA Hope (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is a year-round golf program designed to help veterans’ rehabilitation and their assimilation back into society. It offers them free instruction by local PGA professionals.

The food and beverages for both the lunch and dinner are being donated by Royalton Catering. Brightview Golf Course Maintenance and individual donors are covering the costs of golf carts, mailings and other items, and yacht club members are donating their boats. PGA and U.S. Tennis Association pros are donating their time as well, and will play with the veterans and other participants.

Registration is open to all. To register for one of the three activities or the dinner, contact Charlene Cameron at (516) 239-1686 ext. 2111 or ccameron@villageoflawrence.org. The fee is $150 per person. The entry deadline is Sept. 11.