Pensacola Golf Tournament Raises $12,000 for Local Veterans Organizations
Pensacola, FL – Golf and giving back came together on a sunny Wednesday at the Stonebrook Golf Club in Pace as a group of dedicated veterans and concerned civilians gathered to support local heroes in need. The Emerald Coast Veterans Alliance (ECVA) kicked off its annual efforts to raise funds for U.S. military veterans residing in Northwest Florida, and this year was no different as they awarded a whopping $12,000 in grants to multiple organizations that serve those who’ve served our country.
Building Community Through Competition
The ECVA, a non-profit formed a few years back by a small group of veterans and golf enthusiasts, aims to help veterans through their annual golf tournament. “What could be better?” one of the members quipped. It’s not just about playing a round of golf—it’s about making a positive impact in the lives of veterans.
This year, three organizations were honored with grants during a heartfelt ceremony. The Honor HER Foundation in Pensacola received funds to assist its mission of providing housing for homeless female veterans. Meanwhile, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4833 in Milton and Project Healing Waters Pensacola were also recipients, each working hard to ensure veterans have support and resources.
Healing Waters Through Fly Fishing
The Project Healing Waters Pensacola has a unique approach when it comes to supporting veterans, focusing on the calming art of fly fishing. “Fishing is a religion, but fly fishing is high church,” said former U.S. Navy pilot Mick Milo, who leads the program. The idea is simple yet profound: water has a healing effect, and that connection allows veterans to ease their minds and find comfort in social interactions.
Milo emphasized that it’s not just about going on fishing trips—it’s about teaching veterans skills like tying flies and casting. Their upcoming trip to the South Holston River in Tennessee, scheduled for February, promises to be another great escape for veterans looking to recalibrate and connect. “It’s all about making them comfortable,” Milo shared. “Being part of a group can be tough for some at first.”
Empowering Female Veterans
The Honor HER Foundation is also playing a vital role in the community. “This support is truly life-changing for many of our ladies,” said Barbara Francis, the foundation’s president. With the mission to support female veterans, their Faith House provides a safe haven for those in need. “We’re addressing real-life issues,” Francis explained, detailing the ongoing responsibilities they face, like fixing leaky roofs or broken HVAC units.
This year, through a stroke of luck and determination, they helped one resident reconnect with a family she hadn’t seen in decades. “She spent 40 years disconnected from her family,” said Francis, her voice filled with emotion. “Thanks to social media, we were able to find her family, and she got to reunite with her mom.”
Support for All Veterans
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4833 has been a staple in the community for over 50 years and plans to use their grant for crucial roof repairs and other home maintenance items for veterans facing financial hardships. Retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Sue Pike highlighted the need for support, particularly for those still struggling from recent natural disasters. “This money will absolutely make a difference,” Pike said, her sentiment echoing throughout the community.
Since its inception in 2019, ECVA has awarded over $140,000 to various veterans’ organizations, proving that when a community comes together, amazing things can happen.
With the next Veterans Day Benefit Golf Tournament just around the corner on November 11, the mission to aid veterans continues. In the meantime, the golf-loving folks of Northwest Florida are excited to not only swing clubs but also lift up their fellow veterans in need.
