Thursday, September 18, 2025 | Bedford Valley Golf Course
The Michigan PGA Section will conduct the third annual Operation: Hero Challenge aimed to benefit PGA HOPE Michigan. The goal of this event is to support our PGA HOPE programs and foster new locations as we continue expanding our effort of growing the game of golf and serving our Veteran population.
Two PGA HOPE Graduates will team up to compete in a two-man best ball scramble along with a skills competition during the round featuring the three fundamental skills utilized in golf: driving, chipping, and putting.
Participants are tasked with a fundraising goal of $1,000 per team in support of our PGA HOPE Michigan program. All funds raised from this event will be in contribution to directly support PGA HOPE efforts in Michigan in 2026, including session facility and instructor expenses, program training equipment, post-programming activities for our graduates, branding materials for PGA HOPE program locations, and more.
How to Donate
1. If you’d like to donate to a specific team, click the link next to the team below you’d like to support or choose the general donation link
2. Click “Donate”
3. Choose a dollar amount
4. Under Donation Summary, click the dropdown and select “other” to avoid additional fees
5. Enter in payment information
If you would like to donate by check, please make it out to PGA REACH Michigan
Checks can be mailed to:
Michigan Section PGA
P.O. Box 4399
East Lansing, MI 48826
Teams
| Team Name | PGA HOPE Graduate | PGA HOPE Graduate | Team Donation Link |
| Kelsey/Rizor | John Kelsey PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA HOPE is an amazing opportunity to get outside, stay active, and connect with fellow veterans. It gives me the chance to meet new people, test my skills in a fun, competitive environment, and play a ton of golf with other veterans. Working with the coaches is awesome! They help me improve in ways I never thought of!” |
Al Rizor PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “It is a great opportunity to play golf on courses I have not been to before and meet new people along the way!” |
Donate Here |
| Brown/Brown | Shane Brown PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “When I was medically retired from the military, I felt lost. I had lost interest in the things I once enjoyed. That changed when I attended the PGA HOPE program.” |
Troy Brown PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “PGA HOPE gives veterans an opportunity to learn how to play golf and to build relationships that can change their life. Its an opportunity to meet like minded veterans and to play a sport that brings us together.” |
Donate Here |
| Francis/Johnston | Noah Francis PGA HOPE Graduate, Rochester “PGA Hope is more than just a golf program, it’s a lifeline. As a Veteran the transition to civilian life can feel isolating and disorienting. The program gave me a place to reconnect not only to the sport I love but to a community of people who understand the challenges that come after service.” |
Jim Johnston PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland “I quit playing golf years ago and the program rekindled my desire to play again. I’m so glad to be able to play again and give back to an amazing program. The people I’ve met and the golf lessons have meant the world to me. Meeting all the Veterans in the program and the camaraderie that goes along with it is special.” |
Donate Here |
| Cooley/Sprague | James Cooley PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “PGA HOPE provided an incredible opportunity to exchange the battlefield for the fairway. It welcomed us into a brotherhood where we could share our remarkable stories over a series of golf lessons. I had the honor and privilege of attending the class with a few veterans I deployed with, making the experience even more special. These classes were profoundly therapeutic for me in many ways.” |
Jay Sprague PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “PGA Hope has helped me find a sense of community while enjoying and learning more about golf. It also sparked a sense of personal improvement and shown me a pathway to be involved in sports despite service connected injuries. PGA Hope represents a belonging, growth and the kind of therapy that you can’t get in a clinical setting. It comes from the course, and swing by swing.” |
Donate Here |
| Scott/Wilson | Johnathon Scott PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft “Being able to have a program that helps veterans hone in a new skill set is such a useful tool.” |
Brandon Wilson PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft “One of my favorite things about this program is playing with and meeting new people!“ |
Donate Here |
| Centers/Clark | Tom Centers PGA HOPE Graduate, Gaylord “PGA HOPE allows me to get together with other veterans in the area and letting lose for a couple hours. I chose to participate in the Hero Challenge because it is a great program for veterans to bond with other veterans. PGA HOPE has impacted me by teaching me the correct way to golf. It also allowed me to meet new friends and reconnect with others that I had served with previously. My favorite part was our instructors Russ and “Brother” Dave. They kept it light hearted and fun.” |
Scott Clark PGA HOPE Graduate, Gaylord “PGA HOPE allowed me to learn a great sport and make friends with other veterans. PGA HOPE has affected my drive to pursue, enhancing my skills in golf and passing those to my family. My favorite part was the comradery between all participants and the support during the learning process.” |
Donate Here |
| Le/Wellman | John Le PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA Hope means a lot to me. The support of the PGA and golf community/golf courses throughout the state have humbled me. These organizations love and support our veteran golf community and back it up. We can’t do what we do without the support and backing of our wonderful citizens.” |
Chris Wellman PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA Hope, made getting back into the game easy and fun. PGA Hope, reintroduced the game of golf and reminded me how much I enjoy playing. Now, I get to share, with great joy, the game with my kids. They look forward to going to the range or playing a few holes. My favorite part of the program was the weekly lessons. There was a lot of laughs and learning.” |
Donate Here |
| Glynn/Robeck | Cecilia Glynn PGA HOPE Graduate, Pierson “I chose to participate in the 2024 Operation: Hero Challenge as an opportunity to golf and continue to improve my game. It also gave me the opportunity to raise funds so that other veterans could experience this great program like I did.” |
Catherine Robeck PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “PGA Hope has helped me understand the game of golf better and has given me the confidence to play.” |
Donate Here |
| MacFadden/Rathbun | Gary MacFadden PGA HOPE Graduate, Big Rapids “PGA HOPE has revived my purpose in life by encouraging me to be active and challenging my mind while connecting with other Veterans. Being able to share good times with my Brothers and Sisters, creating many laugh filled days on the course and having long lasting memories. ” |
Chuck Rathbun PGA HOPE Graduate, Big Rapids “The PGA Hope program is a fantastic way to meet and bond with fellow Veterans. Even though I’ve played golf for years, the instructors have helped me improve my game and the enjoyment of playing. Above playing the game, the opportunity to play with fellow Veterans as well as to participate in this event to help to provide the same opportunity to other Veterans is by far the most rewarding.” |
Donate Here |
| Libby/Tijerna | Josh Libby PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “PGA HOPE is a good opportunity to be around other military veterans and share the love of the game. It has helped my overall golf game and introduced me to other veterans in the area.” |
Jaime Tijerina Jr. PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “It’s given me the ability to get better at a sport that I love. Its given me the confidence to play more golf and challenge myself to continue and grow more. “ |
Donate Here |
| Drullinger/McMeekan | Joshua Drullinger PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek “To me PGA HOPE means to integrate a fun skill/ hobby into struggling veteran’s lives. It’s a great way to meet new people on the course and helps build self confidence on and off the course.” |
Greg McMeekan PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek “I believe it’s an amazing experience for veterans to learn a great game, and keep that bond with there brothers and sisters of service!!“ |
Donate Here |
| Merice/Petz | David Merice PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek “PGA HOPE gave me a place to connect and reconnect with veterans and enjoy the game of golf. A bad day on the golf course is better than any other day not on the course.” |
James Petz PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek “PGA HOPE helped me to open up about life issues and it allowed me to create a fellowship with fellow veterans.” |
Donate Here |
| Cook/Knight | Wendell Cook PGA HOPE Graduate, Rochester “The instructors got me to touch a club and I just took of on my own from there. Now I’m a whole golf content creator and constantly growing!” |
Zachary Knight PGA HOPE Graduate, Rochester “I love this program because it’s given me something to look forward to and it’s gives me a group of people that have been through the same things or know the things Veterans have to deal with everyday. And I love golf!” |
Donate Here |
| Malone/McCoy | Corey Malone PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland “Events like these allow us to bond over the sport. It has helped me find vets in my area, I can call friends now and go and play golf.” |
Will McCoy PGA HOPE Graduate, Belmont “It has given me the opportunity to connect with other fellow veterans in my area and share the love for golf.” |
Donate Here |
| Mason/Rodea | Russ Mason PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “Serving for such a long time in the Navy I struggled with some anger issues and focus, PGA Hope helped me to learn more self control and how to better handle myself. I am really looking forward to being more involved with PGA Hope and connecting with other Veterans.” |
Ruben Rodea PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland “PGA Hope means the bringing together of veterans from different backgrounds that share a lot of the same experiences from the military. I chose to participate in the 2025 Hero challenge, because I wanted a chance to try and help other Veterans enjoy the same program that I was able to participate in.” |
Donate Here |
| Glibert/Sluyter | Steve Gilbert PGA HOPE Graduate, Comstock Park “PGA Hope has allowed me to learn more about golf, but mostly I have had the pleasure of meeting so many veterans.” |
Dave Sluyter PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek “This program gave the the chance to enjoy the game of golf. Previously, I hadn’t had the experience or skill to participate regularly. The PGA HOPE program allowed me to learn skills while building a community.” |
Donate Here |
| Kile/Shunkwiler | Edward Kile PGA HOPE Graduate, Flint “It gave me the opportunity to meet fellow Comrades and work on some of my aspects of the game of golf.” |
Kim Shunkwiler PGA HOPE Graduate, Livonia “This is a great program to not only learn and improve my golf game, but to meet like-minded fellow Veterans! I find peace and power being around Veterans who love the game of golf.” |
Donate Here |
| Hathaway/Schipper | Cameron Hathaway PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek “PGA Hope is a direct link to me for hope and aspiration. It has been a unique experience transitioning into civilian life and finding connections where a competitive spirit is not just accepted but appreciated. After my most recent spinal surgery PGA Hope gave me an avenue of competition with like minded individuals who don’t desire to let physical limitations impact performance or outcome. It’s home when most places feel foreign.” |
Bobby Schipper PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “PGA HOPE means having the opportunity to heal, grow, and connect through the game of golf. It provides a supportive community where veterans can find purpose, and build confidence.” |
Donate Here |
| Casey/Post | Kelly Casey PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft “This is a great way to meet other veterans from all of the branches and to continue the comradery that was started sometimes decades ago! And I really appreciate the tips and lessons from some very caring individuals at the Olde Mille Golf Course in Schoolcraft.” |
Bill Post PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek “PGA HOPE has given me a chance to meet other graduates and play different courses!” |
Donate Here |
| Clonan/Zepp | Tim Clonan PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “I spent nearly 40 years in Law Enforcement, starting as a Law Enforcement Specialist in the Air Force in 1986, retiring in March of 2025. I have some PTSD from all those years. PGA Hope offers an opportunity to take part in a fun event with people who have shared experiences. While details of ones experiences aren’t necessarily discussed, the camaraderie is felt with the interaction and is soothing to the soul.” |
Rick Zepp PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA HOPE means to me that by reaching out to veterans, it reminds them that they, and their service to our country have not been forgotten. It shows and reminds us that there are organizations that are truly grateful for our service.” |
Donate Here |
| Alderink/Negrete | Larry Alderink PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “PGA HOPE, to me, means letting Vets who may be lonely, lack purpose, or have physical or emotional wounds know that they can have fun playing golf, and that it’s ok to have fun.” |
Juan Negrete PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Haven “To me, PGA HOPE means Brotherhood – to be able to meet new brothers and sisters that can understand you and being able to enjoy the same hobbies.” |
Donate Here |
| Berry/Brunstetter | Norman Berry PGA HOPE Graduate, Taylor “PGA HOPE has allowed me to meet a lot of new people! I enjoyed working with the instructors, they really helped me improve my game!” |
Clif Brunstetter PGA HOPE Graduate, Taylor “PGA Hope gave me a new view of the sport of golf, and taught me mainly to enjoy it again. The coaches taught me how to better understand my focus on learning how to play more consistently.” |
Donate Here |
| Cadden/Cadden | Mike Cadden PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “PGA HOPE gave me the ability to network with other veterans and to share the experience with my son, who served 5 years as a US Marine.” |
Matt Cadden PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “PGA Hope, to me, means uniting veterans through golf, sharing quality time with my father on the course, and offering a positive outlet for those veterans who may be struggling.” |
Donate Here |
| Allard/Cho | Chris Allard PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “PGA hope has gave me the opportunity to challenge myself in a positive way mentally and physically.” |
Isaac Cho PGA HOPE Graduate, Lansing “I chose to participate in the 2024 Operation: Hero Challenge because I wanted to give back to a program that has given so much to me. As a Navy veteran, I know how important it is to have a community to lean on, and PGA HOPE has been that for me. Taking part in this challenge is my way of supporting other veterans who may be looking for the same sense of belonging and healing that I found through the game of golf.” |
Donate Here |
| Del Vecchio/Del Vecchio | Brian Del Vecchio PGA HOPE Graduate, Rochester “PGA Hope allows me to meet with fellow servicemen. The comradery that we had when we served allows us to reconnect immediately. Also, PGA Hope allows us to meet as individuals not by rank!” |
Mark Del Vecchio PGA HOPE Graduate, Flint “PGA HOPE has given me a chance to play with my brother and fellow veterans.” |
Donate Here |
| Booker/Cain | Greg Booker PGA HOPE Graduate, Troy “PGA HOPE means a lot to me!” It has allowed me to improve my skills and has also given me an outlet to help others!” |
Paul Cain PGA HOPE Graduate, Lansing “With being a Disabled American Veteran, PGA HOPE encouraged me to work at being a better person and golfer.” |
Donate Here |
| Anderson/Smitt | Cain Anderson PGA HOPE Graduate, Rochester “This program lives up to the name. It gives me hope that the military camaraderie will not end with my retirement.” |
David Smitt PGA HOPE Graduate, Lansing “PGA Hope allowed me to connect with local veteran’s who have a shared passion for golf! The instruction and group bonding during the course was phenomenal.” |
Donate Here |
| Baclawski/Wilson | Alex Baclawski PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “PGA HOPE means a lot to me. It helped me to improve my golf game and my confidence.” |
Scott Wilson PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “PGA Hope gives veterans the opportunity to learn a life long passion that is golf, it also provides other veterans who normally wouldn’t do this on their own to interact with other veterans and talk about not only the good times we had in the military.” |
Donate Here |
| Boase/Wetherbee | Ron Wetherbee PGA HOPE Graduate, Midland “PGA hope has provided an additional avenue to connect with veterans in the area and around the state. I love that PGA Hope is providing veterans with a challenge to learn something new while providing the camaraderie and esprit de corps that was an everyday occurrence while we served.” |
Dan Boase PGA HOPE Graduate, Taylor “I really enjoyed the interaction and camaraderie with other veterans and getting one on one help from professional members.” |
Donate Here |
| Bridge/Lucksted | George Bridge PGA HOPE Graduate, Lansing “I really enjoy PGA Hope! I learned a lot from the program and enjoyed the comradery of being with other veterans.” |
Danny Lucksted PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA Hope allowed me to take lessons from a PGA professional and reconnect with my fellow Veterans in a game that I thoroughly enjoy playing.” |
Donate Here |
| Darvin/Silva | Rowena Darvin PGA HOPE Graduate, Mount Pleasant “I feel better when I get out and play a round of golf. The rules of golf and the courses are amazing and being able to play, even if I’m not consistent, makes me smile because I love to stay active.” |
Paul Silva PGA HOPE Graduate, Lansing “PGA Hope presents a great opportunity to veterans to learn the greatest game. Learning alongside other veterans is a great way to experience golf.” |
Donate Here |
| Belongia/Seleski | Tom Belongia PGA HOPE Graduate, Harrison “I love PGA HOPE because of the comradery it allows me to have with fellow veterans. The program was filled with lots of amazing people and good times!” |
Norbert Seleski PGA HOPE Graduate, Harrison “PGA HOPE is a great program. I was surrounded by a lot of great people and it was a great way to relieve stress!” |
Donate Here |
| Curry/Dempsey | Phil Curry PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “PGA HOPE has allowed me to meet and engage with Vets of various backgrounds. It has shown that no matter the age, color, creed or branch of service we still need uplifting from someone who has experienced life as a vet as well as after being a vet.” |
Jim Dempsey PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “PGA HOPE has given me the opportunity to share my love of golf and assisting others with information as a professional Veterans Benefits Service Officer.” |
Donate Here |
| Badgley/Hockstra | Alex Badgley PGA HOPE Graduate, Schoolcraft “PGA HOPE has profoundly transformed my life by providing a supportive community and a therapeutic outlet through golf.” |
Katey Hockstra PGA HOPE Graduate, Lansing “I was honored to have the opportunity to participate in the PGA HOPE sessions. I enjoyed meeting other service members and creating a fellowship with them!” |
Donate Here |
| Kekundrall/Wilson | Lonnie Kekundrall PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek “PGA HOPE truly is a great program. I loved the fellowship and companionship that was created during the sessions.” |
Dan Wilson PGA HOPE Graduate, Battle Creek “PGA HOPE is truly one of the best opportunities ever. I loved the instrumental leadership that was given by the golf professionals.” |
Donate Here |
| Gann/VanderWall | Dave Gann PGA HOPE Graduate, Lansing “PGA Hope was a fun way to learn more about golf and I enjoyed the comradery with fellow vets!” |
Rick VanderWall PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids ” I love how PGA HOPE provided me with a chance for instruction and conversion with a pro for questions and answers.” |
Donate Here |
| Russel/Russel | Eric Russell PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA HOPE provides an opportunity for training from people I would normally never meet. I’m very thankful for this organization and the things that they do.” |
Verle Russel PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA HOPE was a great way to meet new people and fellow service members. I am excited to join this year’s Hero Challenge because it is a great opportunity to play golf with other PGA graduates.” |
Donate Here |
| Pratt/Todd | Leon Pratt PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA HOPE is a great program that allows veterans to get out of the house and get some exercise and fresh air. One thing that I especially enjoyed was how appreciated I felt by the instructors throughout the program.” |
Bruce Todd PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA HOPE gives the opportunity to service individuals to participate in a sport that otherwise would not be available to them. It also does a great job at giving them the opportunity to have camaraderie with a group of individuals they are able to relate to.” |
Donate Here |
| Evans/Silvis | Jenny Evans PGA HOPE Graduate, Plymouth “PGA HOPE gave me the opportunity to improve my golf skills, connect with fellow veterans, become part of a supportive community, and strengthen my mental health.” |
Khristian Silvis PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “PGA HOPE has been a gateway to setting myself a goal and a challenge. Learning to play the game and getting out of my comfort zone.” |
Donate Here |
| Collins/Jackson | Joel Collins PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “I have such an appreciation for PGA HOPE and the people who dedicate their time and service to the Military golf community. Golf has been an instrumental piece of my healing process and the opportunities PGA HOPE has provided me have been such a blessing!” |
Ryan Jackson PGA HOPE Graduate, Grand Rapids “I love PGA HOPE because it is a means to connect with other service members in a relaxed goal oriented manner and gain the benefits of exercise and friendship.” |
Donate Here |