Golf Clubs and Lessons for Ricky Herndon, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Golf Clubs and Lessons for The Andrews Family
September 4, 2024
Golf Clubs and Lessons for Hosnick Martinez, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and our new Birdie, Tristan.
September 9, 2024Our volunteer, Nathan Mathis, Chief, U.S. Coast Guard Retired, had the pleasure of meeting Ricky Herndon, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran at TPG Performance Center. Ricky received his golf clubs and his first private lesson with golf professional and U.S. Army Veteran Chris Yeager.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
Ricky shared the following words with us, and we know they will resonate with many fellow veterans:
"I joined the Marine Corps at twenty-one years old. It was 2008, and I heard the call to serve my country. I deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 with CLR 15 out of Camp Pendleton. On February 15, 2011, my life changed. I was hit by an improvised explosive device.
From then on, I have had to fight against my internal demons and the physical limitations that that imparted. I continued to serve until 2016. I am currently trying to find ways to keep my demons at bay and learning from the many supporters I have in my life, especially my wife, Kelly. Every day is a struggle, but I know there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Saluting Ricky Herndon
We salute Ricky for his service to our nation. We thank him for his honesty and are proud of his commitment to improving his mental health. We hope the Will of Iron Golf Program will provide him with the space to tame his torments and find comfort and peace in the fairways.