HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (KABC) — Navy veteran Hector Varela always loved playing golf. But after he was injured and lost a leg, the sport taught him a new skill, how to adjust.
“My swing is different, my walking is different, my gait is different,” said Hector.
He’s not the only veteran healing mentally and emotionally through golf.
“You see people missing three limbs, missing two limbs, and they’re out here, hitting the ball better than the average golfer,” he said.
In Huntington Beach, a fundraising tournament called Tee It Up for the Troops brings veterans like Hector together to raise money for veterans and their families.
For 14 years, the non-profit has partnered with groups like Warrior Canine Connection and Warrior Foundation/Freedom Station.
The founder of Warrior Foundation Freedom Station, Sandy Lehmkuhler, said money raised during the event helps them house military men and women.
“With golf you always look forward, never look back,” she said. “For our warriors, we want them to be successful. We want them to always be looking forward.”
Jesse Williamson is grateful for the help he has received.
“We’re coming back with a lot of trauma and a lot of crazy experiences that we’ve been through,” he said. “So to have that support network when we get back really means a lot for us.”
ABC7’s own Phillip Palmer was this year’s Tee It Up for the Troops emcee. He even took a few swings of his own with the players and veterans.
Mark Mayes founded the tournament 14 years ago. It’s now donated more than $3.7 million to several organizations that support veterans.
“These guys are just heroes,” he said.
Mark says he spoke with one man who lost both his legs while clearing mine fields.
“I go, gosh I’m so sorry. his response to me was, ‘Sir, I saved 50 guys’ lives that day. I’d do it again,'” said Mark.
“Every one of these warriors I’ve talked to are 1000 percent committed to the country, our freedom, and they would do it in a minute.”
The tournament is meant to honor those sacrifices and help veterans heal.
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