Honored American Veterans Afield & NSSF Raise Funds For Disabled Vets

“Inspirational” comes close…but not close enough.

If you get a chance to attend a HAVA event…take it!

For the past five years, Honored American Veterans Afield (HAVA) and the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) have held their HAVA/NSSF Golf Classic just before the advent of SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, and 2019’s was better than ever. The Classic is designed to raise funds to support HAVA’s expenses-paid “trigger therapy” classes, hunting trips, and outdoor adventures for wounded American veterans, but that’s not all. It’s also a reminder to everyone in the shooting industry of the importance of continuing to support our wounded veterans long after the cause they fought for drops from the headlines.

I was lucky enough to be able to participate in the 5th Annual HAVA/NSSF Golf Classic, and I’d strongly recommend that if you get a chance to go next year, you should do so. Held at a top-shelf golf course, Bear’s Best Golf Club, those who attended found themselves getting the VIP treatment. We were provided a delicious breakfast and lunch, a swag bag of stuff (which I suspect may have been worth more than the entry fee itself), and the opportunity to give back to the veterans who gave their everything. The event was contested by 38 foursomes using a scramble format, with an increased field of 152 players–up from 116 last year.

The players weren’t the only ones giving it their best effort. The industry turned out en masse to support the event with sponsorships from NSSF, Geissele, The State of Georgia, Glock, Ruag and Sig Sauer. Additionally, product donations were received from Flags of Valor, Hornady, Leapers, Leupold & Stevens, Mauser, Baron Technology, Automated Finishing, Mystery Ranch, Quarter Circle 10, Ruger PepperBall LifeLite and Sunshine Sports. Despite the large field of golfers, play proceeded at a good pace and players still made their afternoon pre-show meetings.

Tom Taylor, HAVA Chairman added, “We are privileged each year to host the Golf Classic and see how our industry comes together to benefit a great cause like injured veteran support. Whereas most industries struggle to find a common cause; the shooting sports industry commits to the great causes of the day like 2nd Amendment rights, individual liberty, and yes, disabled veteran support in a way that makes us proud. HAVA raises some money from the event, but just as importantly, is proud to represent an industry that understands our purpose and has the heart to serve when called. We are indebted to each of our sponsors and donors listed above for their generosity and to each player who joined us on the links in support of disabled American veterans.”

Would you be interested in getting involved? Check out HAVA’s website here!