Helping wounded soldiers

To aid armed forces veterans seriously wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan, MountainGate (cq) Country Club will host a golf and tennis tournament Aug.13, 2007 with all profits benefiting Wounded Warrior Project. The day-long event will include breakfast, lunch, golf tournament, tennis tournament and an awards dinner.

“I don’t think there’s ever been a golf tournament dedicated to a more deserving cause,” said Bill Ryan, Club general manager. “Besides generating funds to assist these gallant veterans cope with their physical handicaps, this tournament will provide broad psychological support. The single-most important factor in boosting the morale of our wounded warriors is letting them know that Americans support and appreciate their service.”

The benefiting charity, Wounded Warrior Project, provides programs to help the wounded get back on their feet. “I know from personal experience there is no other organization as attuned as WWP to the needs of wounded warriors during the critical transition period after being injured,” added Lonnie Moore, WWP’s western area director. Moore, a wounded warrior himself, was severely injured in 2004 when he lost his right leg as a result of a rocket-propelled grenade piercing his Bradley Fighting Vehicle.

“Wounded Warrior Project begins at the bedside of the wounded and the support extends through rehabilitation and beyond,” explained Moore. “What MountainGate is doing is critically important and directly effects the lives of my fellow wounded warriors,” he added, noting that many of the wounded veterans will need physical, emotional, financial and/or administrative support for the rest of their lives.

The organization, which has served tens of thousands of veterans, initiates its personalized service by delivering to the hospitalized veteran a backpack which includes clothing, toiletries, phone card, a CD player and related items. It then moves to provide counseling on benefits and how to access the right agencies to attain those benefits.

“We’re proud and grateful to work with such remarkable individuals as Lonnie, knowing that our efforts can make a difference in their lives. We have invited a number of wounded warriors to participate in the day’s events,” said Jeff Brockman, the club’s director of golf. “As WWP knows,” he noted, “sporting activities such as golf not only help with physical therapy and strength, but are crucial in building emotional strength and confidence.”

MountainGate has several sponsorships available that are open to the business and golf communities. Sponsorship categories include: Platinum, $5,000; Gold, $3,000; Silver, $1,500. Non-sponsored foursomes can play for $300 per player and participate in all of the events.

To participate in the tournament, please contact Joe Lucidi, tournament director, at 310-476-6215 ext. 235 or by email -- AGM@mtngatecc.com.

(For more information on WWP online, visit woundedwarriorproject.org)

About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to assisting those men and women of the United States Armed Forces who have been severely injured during the wars on terrorism in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world. Beginning at the bedside of the severely wounded, WWP provides programs and services designed to ease the burdens of these heroes and their families, aid in the recovery process, and smooth the transition back to civilian life. To find out more please visit woundedwarriorproject.org, or call 1-877-TEAM.WWP.