By Megan Phillips
Photos by Diana Swanson
United States military veterans, who have been seriously
injured in combat since September 11th 2001, gathered in Irving,
Texas in late September to participate in the Warrior Open Golf Tournament
hosted by former President George W. Bush.
This was the third year of the annual tournament that is held to
highlight the sacrifices and resiliency of veterans who have been wounded in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
The tournament kicked off with a practice round that was
attended by professional golfers including Lee Trevino and Ryan Palmer. The following two days showcased a 36-hole
competition featuring veterans who have overcome devastating combat injuries
like the loss of a limb, and others who are dealing with less-visible wounds
such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
These veterans have found that learning to play golf helped give them
focus and positive challenges to conquer while recovering from their
injuries. They also shared the camaraderie and fellowship of other veterans who have
had similar experiences.
Wearing matching white caps and blue polo shirts
emblazoned with the tournament logo, men who have faced enormous challenges
since being wounded enjoyed competing as they mingled with their former
Commander-in-Chief and completed two days of golf. They supported each other as they played for
a trophy that few could have imagined earning in the difficult days, weeks and
months after suffering their injuries.
More than a few expressed some trepidation about teeing off in front of
their famous host, who was always ready with good-natured teasing and
encouragement. Army Sergeant Timothy
Gaestel made the first hole-in-one of his life during the first day of the
competition. “They’re willing to
overcome serious injuries which is an inspiration not only to me, but should be
an inspiration to everybody,” President Bush said.
The purpose of the tournament was also to highlight
various organizations that support veterans and their families. Representatives from The Folds of Honor
Foundation, which grants scholarships to children and spouses of disabled
veterans, and The Fisher House, which provides temporary housing adjacent to
military hospitals for families of the wounded, were among the organizations
represented.
In the end, the two-time champion of the tournament, Army
Corporal Chad Pfeiffer pulled out another victory; he has now won each year since
the Warrior Open’s inception in 2011.
All the more impressive, he did it in spite of losing his right leg
below the knee, competing with the help of his prosthetic leg. 
Veterans Day is November 11th. To find out how you can get involved in
improving the lives of America’s veterans through national volunteer
organizations, or to learn more about the Warrior Open Golf Tournament
including video highlights and interviews with the warriors, you can visit the
website:
