ALEXANDRIA, Va.–The PenFed Foundation said it raised more than $800,000 through its 15th annual Military Heroes Golf Classic.
At an event held in conjunction with the tournament, the PenFed Foundation said it was also able to shine a light on critical issues facing wounded veterans returning from active duty.'
PenFed Credit Union said it covers all operating expenses for the Foundation, so all proceeds from the tournament go directly to PenFed Foundation programs. The PenFed Foundation supports more than 35,000 veterans, active-duty military members and their families each year, and was created to aid members of these communities who are “struggling with financial uncertainty on top of physical and psychological challenges.”
“It is an honor to play alongside true warriors who have been on the frontlines making sacrifices for all Americans,” said PenFed President and CEO James Schenck. “Our nation’s wounded veterans face critical issues each and every day, and our PenFed Foundation ensures that a medical emergency will not become a financial emergency. Thanks to everyone who generously supports the PenFed Foundation, our wounded veterans are able to win back their independence.”
Dan Berschinski, a former U.S. Army infantry officer who was severely wounded in Afghanistan in 2009, was the featured speaker at the pre-tournament event sharing his inspirational story and raising awareness of critical issues facing wounded veterans.
‘Beyond the Physical’
Berschinski, who lost both legs to an improvised explosive device, spoke at a private pre-tournament dinner about the issues facing wounded veterans and how service dogs play an important role in supporting and rehabilitating them.
“In the year and a half that I have had my service dog, Bunce, I’ve come to realize that the service he provides goes far beyond the physical,” Berschinski said. “Bunce has already pulled me out of a few dark holes – not physically, but emotionally. PenFed, through its partnership with Canine Companions for Independence, is going to make a real difference in the lives of some very special veterans.”
As CUToday.info reported earlier, PenFed is sponsoring the raising of two assistance dogs in-training in partnership with Canine Companions for Independence. Through the partnership, two PenFed employees are currently raising two dogs and the company plans to expand the program to raise two additional dogs.
‘Incredibly Disorienting’
During the dinner Berschinski also shared how one of the greatest blessings of serving in the U.S. armed forces is being able to care and be responsible for a team of soldiers – and how, after an injury, the loss of that leadership role can be devastating. Service dogs help veterans fill that gap, giving them a new opportunity for mutual care and responsibility, PenFed said.
“Separating from the military can be an incredibly disorienting experience for a veteran. Losing that sense of purpose and that feeling of responsibility is incredibly unsettling – and the presence of an injury only makes things more complicated,” Berschinski said. “But a service dog can be a game changer.”
Since its founding in 2001, the PenFed Foundation reported it has provided more than $30 million in financial support to veterans, active duty service members, families and caregivers, giving them the skills and resources they need to build a strong financial future.
Other Initiatives
Other initiatives supported by PenFed include:
- Through its Military Heroes Fund, the Foundation provides support and education in a wide variety of areas, from home-buying assistance to interest-free micro loans and financial assistance for in-home care for wounded veterans
- The PenFed Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP) to empower 200 veterans and military family members to re-enter their communities and find their voice
Through its new Veteran Entrepreneur Investment Program (VEIP), the Foundation said it provides veteran-owned start-ups with seed capital to build and grow their businesses. The goal of the program is to create a robust network of support for these entrepreneurs. The Foundation will also re-invest returns in future veteran-owned businesses, Pen Fed said.