Heart Of A Marine Foundation event is much more than golf
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, the Elk Grove Village-based The Heart Of A Marine Foundation held its eighth annual golf outing at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club.
The event raises funds for the foundation’s programs, projects, and outreaches in support of military personnel in all branches of the armed forces, veterans, and their families.
The event also hosted members of the adaptive athlete golf team from Edward Hines Jr., VA Hospital.
“What an incredible day and opportunity,” stated one of the Hines athletes. “We love to golf, and to have lunch at Cog Hill, too? What fun!”
The adaptive athletes played a par 3 course directly across the street from Cog Hill, teeing off at the same time as the golf outing participants.
“To have these athletes with us here today is inspirational,” stated Georgette Frank, co-founder of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and Gold Star Mom.
“They always impress us with their competitive, positive nature and athleticism. We encourage their abilities, not focus on their disabilities. I guarantee you, they are better at golf than I am.”
The foundation’s special guest for the day was Melissa Stockwell, an Army veteran amputee who was selected for the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, and is the current World Champion of the Tri2 class in the Paratriathlon. She is a mentor to other amputees and adaptive athletes through her foundation, Dare2Tri.
“I was so excited to golf today with The Heart Of A Marine Foundation, so happy they asked me,” Stockwell said. “This has been a wonderful day of golf and camaraderie.”
Taking a lesson from the adaptive athletes and their use of sport to overcome adversity, The Heart Of A Marine Foundation had an idea.
“The foundation had several sets of used golf clubs,” said Roy Frank, co-founder of The Heart Of A Marine Foundation and Gold Star Dad. “We decided to put them to use.”
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation donated the golf clubs to a veterans homeless shelter in Chicago. Mr. Richardson, resident director for the shelter, said, “This donation is unbelievable. We were looking for an activity for our residents to become involved, something positive and teaching. With a community golf course near, this is an answer to a prayer.”
The Heart Of A Marine Foundation was established in memory, honor, and spirit of Marine Lance Corporal Phillip Frank, and serves all branches of the United States Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
For information, visit www.heartofamarine.org or call (847) 621-7324.
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