Achievements 2023

Sep. 21, 2023 – Guardian Fueling Technologies Platinum Sponsor Four Years in a Row

We are grateful to present Guardian Fueling Technologies as a Platinum Sponsor for the fourth year. Since 2020, we have been honored with the support of its President and CEO, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Joey Batchelor. A true patriot who faithfully served his nation knows well the impact golf can have on veterans’ lives. If you want to join our mission and become a sponsor, click here or call 904-832-1586

Sep. 15, 2023 – Golf Clubs and Lessons for U.S. Navy Veteran

Meet Fire Control-Man Aegis Chief Petty Officer Charles Ryan Cardona. He received his new golf clubs and first private lessons with TPG Instructor Sara Mckevitt. In his own words: “Golf allows me to focus on something else. It allows to let everything go and just relax. I can feel like my old self for a little while and just have fun“.

Charles was born in Baytown, TX, Charles joined the Navy in February 2000. He attended boot camp at Great Lakes, IL His Duty Stations include USS Winston S Churchill (DDG-81) Norfolk, Va, NRD San Antonio, TX, USS Port Royal (CG-73) Pearl Harbor, HI, Aegis Training and Readiness Command (ATRC) Dahlgren, Va, USS Delbert D Black (DDG-119) Mayport, FL, and CNSS 14 Mayport, FL. Charles completed six deployments during his 24 years of military career. We salute Charles for his commitment and service to our nation.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Factor Contractors, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, SecureSI, and James J. McCall DDS. If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program, click here.

Sep. 13, 2023 – Golf Clubs and Lessons for U.S. Amy Veteran and Wife

Yesterday we met an extraordinary couple. U.S. Army Veteran Osvaldo “Oz” Colon and his wife Eileen. They both received their new golf sets and private lessons at PGA Academy with Rhonda Ferguson. Osvaldo enlisted in the Army in 1977 as an Infantryman when he was seventeen. Later, he transferred to be an Artilleryman. In 1989, Osvaldo was assigned to Germany when the war Desert Shield/Storm erupted. He went to combat for the Kuwait liberation from the Iraqi invasion. He went through the ranks, was promoted to Command Sergeant Major, and received his second Command with the 2-320 Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, 101st Airborne Division in 2005. His regiment was sent to Iraq in support of Iraqi Freedom. In his own words: “During my time in Iraq and many ambushes from the enemy, we were hit by an Explosive Forced Improvised Explosive Device (EFPIED) which penetrated the vehicle, killed my driver, and severely wounded the soldier behind him. I was shocked but not injured. I had to pull them both out of the burning vehicle. Many, but specifically, this event changed my life. Soon, upon return from Iraq, I retired. I praise God for my wife and family to have supported me during all my difficult times. Could not be here without them.“

We salute Raul for his thirty years of dedicated service to our nation. Osvaldo and Eileen have been married for forty-three years. They have two sons and three grandchildren, 14, 12, and 6. Their youngest son is currently serving his eleventh year in the Army. We salute Osvaldo for his thirty years of service to our nation. We are delighted to provide him and his dear wife a space to share and spend time together.

Sep. 12, 2023 – Golf Clubs & Lessons for U.S. Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman

We had the pleasure to meet U.S. Navy Veteran Raul Machin. He served our country for twenty-two years and retired in 2007 as a U.S. Navy Chief Hospital Corpsman. A native from San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, he attended boot camp and several military schools from 1985-1987 prior to being stationed at Naval Hospital San Diego, California in 1987. Upon completion of his tour at the naval hospital he chose to serve in oversea assignments, specifically in the Far East where he served six years. Raul served onboard the USS Lockwood FF-1064 and the USS Rodney M. Davis FFG-60 serving as a Navy Hospital Corpsman Second Class out of Yokosuka, Japan. His next Far East assignment was with 1st Marine Aircraft Wing out of Okinawa Japan. He returned to America and was stationed at Naval Support Activity New Orleans, Louisiana from 1993-1996. He subsequently joined the U.S. Naval Reserve Command and was stationed at Navy Reserve Centers in Orlando, Puerto Rico and Wilmington, NC. He was selected as Navy Reserve Sailor of the Year in 2001 and obtained the rank of US Navy Chief in 2002. He participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 serving as a Battalion Chief with the US Marine Corps 4th Medical Battalion. Currently, Raul is self-employed and is a Cybersecurity Risk Practitioner. He is married to his wife Diana and has 5 children: Andres, Alejandra, Christian, Stephanie and Alexander.

We salute Raul for his dedicated service to our nation. Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Factor Contractors, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, SecureSI, and James J. McCall DDS. If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program, click here.

Sep. 12, 2023 – James J McCall DDS PA New 2023- 2024 Platinum Sponsor

We are honored to have James J. McCall, DDS, PA join our mission as a 2023-2024 Platinum Sponsor. He has played in our charity golf tournament since 2021. Still, Dr. McCall has exceeded our expectations this year, devoting his time and resources to amplify our message and benefit more Military Veterans and their loved ones. Thank you for your support.

If you want to join our mission and become a sponsor, click here or call 904-832-1586

Sep. 11, 2023 – Golf Clubs and Lessons for U.S. Air Force Veterans

We greatly enjoyed meeting U.S. Air Force Veterans Oliver and Amanda Herazo. They both received their golf set and first private PGA Academy lesson. Amanda served for twenty years as a dental assistant and dental hygienist. Her career included eight duty stations, two of them overseas. She finished as an E-7 Master Sergeant. Her husband also served twenty years as an Air Force Medic. His career included three deployments and three duty assignments. He achieved E-6 before retiring. Military Veteran couples are extraordinary because their love finds its way and gets stronger through trying times. We salute them.

Sep. 7, 2023 – Welcome Our Rookie 2023 ZF Charity Golf Open Gold Sponsor

We welcome THE PLAYERS Championship as our rookie Gold Sponsor of the 2023 ZF Charity Golf Open! We are proud and grateful for their support for this event and throughout the year.

If you want to join our mission and become a sponsor, click here or call 904-832-1586

Sep. 6, 2023 – Golf Clubs for U.S. Navy Veteran aka “Cougar” Woods

Meet U.S. Navy Veteran Jaie Johnson, who says her husband named her “Cougar” Woods because she loves going to Topgolf. Jaie joined the Navy as a Yeoman, proudly serving six and a half years at several exciting duty stations that recognized her as Awards Yeoman for the entire fleet and being a Plank Owner on the USS Ronald Reagan. Jaie volunteers in many veteran-focused organizations and is State Ambassador for the Women in Military Service Association for the Women’s Memorial in Arlington, VA. She’s pursuing her second master’s degree in counseling, focusing on military resilience to help veterans with healthier mental health strategies and alternatives.

Jaie has one daughter, Sydnee, 27, a Georgia State University and Paul Mitchell graduate. Her mother is retired from Georgia as a Family Independence Case Manager. Her father–who recently passed away–was a Marine who served in Vietnam. Jaie’s husband is currently serving in the U.S. Coast Guard. She has two uncles who enlisted in the Navy, three relatives who are Army Veterans, one currently active-duty Air Force (his mother was in the Navy), and an uncle who is a retired law enforcement officer.
We salute Jaie for her service to our nation and her devoted efforts to improve the lives of her fellow veterans. Her parents’ example and her family’s vocation to help others have undoubtedly shaped her life.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Factor Contractors, GeoPoint Surveying, Wounded Warrior Project, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, SecureSI, and James J. McCall DDS. If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program, click here.

Sep. 5, 2023 – FCBI Fund Platinum Sponsor for Third Year

We are incredibly proud to announce that FCBI has renewed its commitment to our mission for the third year. We are grateful for their unwavering support to empowering disabled and PTSD-diagnosed military veterans and their children to improve their mental health through the beautiful game of golf on Florida’s First Coast during 2023-2024.

If you want to join our mission as a sponsor, click here to learn more or call 904-832-1586

Aug. 31, 2023 – An Eagle and Two of His Birdies Join the ZF Nest

We had the pleasure to meet Graham Dunn, Maj, USA, Ret., and his beautiful family at the PGA Academy. Graham and his two sons, Alex and Andrew, had their first lesson with PGA Senior Certified Instructor Rhonda Ferguson. A man of few words, Graham sent us this note via email:

“I enlisted in 1982, earned my commission in 1994 and retired in 2018. I have served in various military campaigns throughout my military career and held multiple positions. My last assignment was as the Deputy Provost Marshall, US Forces Japan. To talk about myself is not in my character, for so many have lost more and deserve to be heard. So, I’ll end with this. Serving the U.S. in its time of need has been a rewarding experience and even with the battle scars physical and mental. It was worth the sacrifice, and I would without hesitation do it again.”

We salute Graham for his 36 years of devoted service to our nation and for the sacrifices he and his family have endured. We hope to see him and all his birdies soon hitting the links together.

Aug. 28, 2023 – Golf Lessons and New Bag for U.S. Navy Vet and Super Gators Fan

We had the pleasure to meet U.S. Navy Vet and super Gators fan Ronald “Ronny” Fort. He enlisted in Navy in 1982 and went to Bootcamp in Orlando, FL. His duty assignments included 1982-1985 HS-4 Naval Air Station North Island, San Diego, CA where he deployed on three tours aboard the USS Carl Vinson; 1985-1989 Personnel Support Activity Detachment Jacksonville at NAS Jacksonville Fl; 1989-1992 Naval Reserve Facility, Lewes, DE; 1992-1993 VR-48 Naval Air Facility, Washington DC, 1993-1995 VR-53 Naval Air Facility Wash DC; 1995-1998 Bureau of Naval Personnel, Wash DC; 1999-2000 USS Samuel Eliot Morison, Mayport, FL; 2000-2001 Commander Naval Reserve Force New Orleans, LA; 2001-2003 Fleet Liaison for Chief Executive Office Information Technology for Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS), New Orleans, LA; 2003-2006; Enlisted Placement Management Center (EPMAC) New Orleans, LA; and lastly, moved to Millington, TN. Ronny retired in 2006 after 24 years of service as a Personnel Specialist Chief Petty Officer Surface Warfare.

In his own words, “I went to the website and filled out the information necessary hoping to be eligible for the program and before I knew it, I was contacted and today I received my first golf lesson along with a new golf bag and shirt. I so thank you for being here for us Veterans as I don’t believe I’ve ever been supported so kindly ever in my Navy career or after retirement. It is truly a blessing.” We salute Ronny for his service to our nation and we are humbled by his kind words.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, GeoPoint Surveying, Wounded Warrior Project, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, SecureSI, and James J. McCall DDS. If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program, click here.

Aug. 24, 2023 – New Platinum Sponsor 2023-2024

We are very proud to present Factor Contractors as our new Platinum Sponsor for 2023-2024. Owned and operated by U.S. Navy Veteran Mike Talkington, this company has excelled in the high-end home building industry for over twenty years. Visit their website Factor Contractors. Welcome to the Zellner Foundation family and thank you for your support!

If you want to join our mission as a sponsor, click here to learn more or call 904-832-1586

Aug. 22, 2023 – An Eagle and His Birdie Join the ZF Nest

We welcome U.S. Marine Corps Vet Bruno Bego and his nine-year-old son Noah. They both started their golf lessons at TPG Performance Center. Bruno served in the Marine Corps for 12 years and separated as a Staff Sergeant. He spent time in Afghanistan during his first enlistment. In his own words: “My time in the Marine Corps was phenomenal and I owe them a lot. I reached a point in my life that my mental health wasn’t well, and my life exploded due to unmanaged combat PTSD, anxiety, and depression. After years of mental health counseling, I am in a better place now. My son told me he wanted to play golf when he “caddy” for me once. My cousin and I were playing, and Noah said we should play together all the time. I am playing golf to get closer to my son and enjoy a sport with him. I am grateful for The Zellner Foundation for making this happen for us.” We salute Bruno for his service to our nation and his courageous battle to improve his mental health. We are proud to provide Bruno and Noah with a space where they can strengthen their father-son love bond and learn and grow together.

Aug. 17, 2023 – Travis Fulton – ZF – WWP Indoor Golf League Kick Off

The First Travis Fulton – Zellner Foundation – Wounded Warrior Project League is on! Eighteen warriors–divided into six teams sponsored by the entities named above plus Zellner Insurance, Factor Contractors, and AboutGolf Simulateur–competed virtually yesterday at the Red Rock Golf Club in Arizona. Great shots, atmosphere, and camaraderie laid the ground for a great season. The Warriors will compete every Thursday for five weeks until the Final Skills Competition on September 21st. The Zellner Foundation pupils Josh Ray and Joel Reynoso brought in the first win, and we couldn’t be more proud. Let’s win this thing!

Jun. 29, 2023 – Wedding Anniversary Gift from The Zellner Foundation

If we had planned it, it would have never happened! Today, we had the privilege to give U.S. Air Force Veteran Jonathon Walker and his wife Eternia golf clubs and the first golf lesson with Travis Fulton as their sixteenth wedding anniversary present! Jonathon, a father of seven, started his military journey on May 15, 2007. His first duty station was Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls, Montana, for six years. One of his missions was to guard the nation’s most powerful weapons as a response team leader. He then moved on to the Tactical Response Force, where he learned breaching methods. Later he received orders to go to NAS Jacksonville and stayed for four years as a Government Courier, making sure his fellow servicemen and women had everything they needed to complete their missions. Last, he received orders to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois and served in law enforcement. Jonathon was diagnosed with a neurological disorder and retired in December 2019. We salute Jonathon for his service to our nation and hope he can match Eternia’s natural golf swing!

Jun. 20, 2023 – 35 Years of Marriage & Now Golf

Last April, we met U.S. Air Force Veteran Robert (Bob) Woodin and his wife, Lisa, during our meeting with the Wounded Warrior Project in Pensacola, FL. Bob completed multiple deployments throughout his thirty-two years of service and was injured in Baghdad. His motivation to join our program was primarily for his wife. They have been married almost thirty-five years, and according to Bob, “she has bared a huge burden dealing with all my trauma and many downs in my life due to not being able to deal with society or be in public.” Lisa received her new golf clubs in May, and on Tuesday, June 20th, husband and wife started their private lessons with John Jenkins, a retired U.S. Army Enlisted Military Police. We thank Bob for his devoted service to our nation and wish him and Lisa many rounds of golf that will benefit their mental health and enrich their marriage.

Golf Pro John Jenkins. Before moving to Florida, John lived in Colorado Springs, CO, where he worked at The United States Air Force Academy, The Assistant Pro at Cheyenne Shadows Golf Course on Fort Carson, and was the recruiter for the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs PGA Golf Management Program. He is currently the Golf Pro at Gator Lakes Golf Course on Hurlburt Field Air Force Base.

Jun. 19, 2023 – We Reached the 70 Milestone!

Guess what? We close the first semester of 2023 with the 70-beneficiary Milestone!!! The Zellner Foundation has benefitted 42 Military Veterans (including five spouses) and 18 military brats with golf clubs and private golf lessons. Help us get to 100 before the end of the year. If you want to support the Will of Iron and Birdies of Eagles Golf Programs, click here.

Jun. 16, 2023 – Travis Fulton Joins The Zellner Foundation

The Zellner Foundation was invited to a par-tee time at Travis Fulton’s state-of-the-art golf studio in Ponte Vedra. Travis Fulton is the brain and talent behind the successful podcast The Stripe Show, a leading teacher and instructional voice in the golf industry, and a regular contributor to Golf Digest and PGA TOUR Entertainment. Prior to launching his own academies, he served as Director of Instruction at famed TPC Sawgrass. Travis has joined our mission to empower disabled and PTSD diagnosed military veterans to improve their mental health through the beautiful game of golf. When asked why, he said: “People who serve our country sacrifice so much for us to live our own dreams in the United States. Understanding the struggle that many veterans go through, being able to offer the great game of golf to them is the least I can do.” Needless to say, our time in front of the Simulateur aboutGOLF receiving Travis’ instruction made us feel like golf pros! Thank you for your support!

Jun. 2, 2023 – End of School Year Birdies Celebration at Top Golf Jacksonville

May 30, 2023 – Veterans Spreading the Love of Golf to Their Fellow Veterans

Last Tuesday, our vice president, Jeff Spadafora, joined a group of veterans from the Wounded Warrior Project at South Hampton. Among the attendees was U.S. Army Veteran Kevin Santos, who drove from Melbourne to participate in this event for the first time. During the greetings, Jeff learned he didn’t own golf clubs. Before David Mynett, outreach specialist, rented a set from the club, one of our past beneficiaries, U.S. Navy Veteran Leslie De La Serna, said he had brought the one we gave him last year to donate back. Jeff told them, “Don’t go anywhere. I’ll be right back.” He drove home, and twenty minutes later, he returned with a new golf bag. He inspected the donated clubs to ensure they were in good condition, added others, and gave them to Kevin.

Kevin joined the Army when he was 18 and went for training in Fort Jackson, SC, and then Ft. Lee, VA. During his 21 years of service his posts took him to Texas, Korea, Honduras, California, Colorado, Italy, and Georgia. He completed two tours of combat (Iraq and Afghanistan) and retired in 2014. After retirement, he moved to Florida with his wife and son. We salute Kevin for his faithful service to our nation.

May 28, 2023 – Veterans Spreading the Love of Golf to their Fellow Veterans

Our Goodwill Ambassadors and U.S. Navy and Army Veterans, Gabriel George and Eric Trinidad, respectively, caught up with U.S. Army Veteran Juan M. Cabrera- Rosario this past Memorial Holiday Weekend and welcomed him into the Zellner Foundation family. A son of Puerto Rico, Juan joined the National Guard in 1993 and then enlisted in the Army following his dream to defend our country’s freedom. He became a Tow gunner/ 50 cal/Mk19 instructor and later attended Airborn School, Primary Leadership Courses, and Sniper School. In 1998 Juan was sent to E 1/508th in Italy, where he was assigned to the Heavy Weapons Company as a Squad Leader. Next, he deployed to Bosnia as a member of Eco Company, where he earned the Hungarian Jump Wings. In 2000, Juan was transferred to A Company 1/508th and assigned as a team leader while deployed to Kosovo. During his Iraq deployment in 2006, he sustained several injuries, including a Traumatic Brain Injury caused by an EID attack. Juan was medivac to Bagdag to undergo the first surgery. He was then moved to Germany, where he stayed for a week, and then back to Alaska. His last post before retiring as Staff Sargent in 2009 was Ft Benning, GA. Juan is a father of three; two kids from his first marriage–Sabrina, 25, and Edwin, 20–and a five-year-old name Leeim who he is fostering and waiting for adoption. We salute Juan for his honorable and brave service to our nation.

May 22, 2023 – Female Vets Practice at Top Golf Jacksonville

Four of our female veterans, our Mama Kim, and a future birdie, joined our president and cofounder at Topgolf for an afternoon of food, laughs, and good practice. Even though golf is an individual sport, it is a lot more fun when you play with your buddies. If you want to support our mission to empower disabled and PTSD diagnosed military veterans to improve their mental health on Florida’s First Coast click here. This event was sponsored by Southern Waters Pools of Jacksonville.

May 17, 2023 – Golf Clubs and Lessons for U.S. Army Veteran

When we met U.S. Army Veteran Mark Phillips at Cimarrone Golf & Country Club for his first golf lesson with PGA Professional Paul Powers, we chatted while he wore an Iron-Man-type computerized leg brace. He explained it was the first of its kind in town after going through a three-year process with the VA. Then, when Paul asked him about the limitation of his leg for the swing, Mark responded, “My swing is all arms.” That is the beauty of golf. It can adapt to the needs of disabled veterans who love the game and want to be part of it, no matter what. If the ball is in the fairway, who will dare criticize how it got there? We salute Mark for his sixteen years of service to our nation and hope to see him hit his new golf clubs with his unique swing down the middle.

May 15, 2023 – Petty Officer Commanding Golf

We had the pleasure of meeting U.S. Navy Veteran Terri Torres at the PGA Golf Academy for her first lesson with PGA Senior Certified Instructor Rhonda Ferguson. Terri served seven years as Hospital Corpsman and surgical technologist, reaching the rank E-5 in three years and commanding 42 sailors as leading Petty Officer. She finished her service as HM2 and went back to school to become a nurse using her GI Bill. She currently works at the Naval Hospital because she “loves taking care of her fellow service members.” We salute Terri for her service to our nation and her continuous service to her fellow sailors.

May 4, 2023 – Girls Taking Over Golf!

The first week of May is heating up! Not just because of the rising temperatures in Jacksonville but because we are bringing more women into our golf programs. First, we met ten-grader Kirsten Smith, who became Birdie # 17. Her father, Timothy Smith, is a U.S. Army Ranger Veteran who counts several deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait over thirty years of federal DOD service. He currently works for the Defense Logistics Agency as a project manager in compliance from Puerto Rico to the Carolinas. When we asked him why he wanted his daughter to participate in the Birdies of Eagles Golf Program, he replied–with fatherly wisdom: “mainly for the discipline it takes, the focus and concentration and ultimately to recognize to depend on and trust yourself for success. ” One hour later, we had the pleasure to meet U.S. Navy Veteran Chasity Reed (MSN, RN, AMB-BC.) She retired Navy Nurse with twenty-five years of active service. Chasity is a Certified Ambulatory Care Nurse and has a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus on Informatics. She currently works in a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. Chasity told us that she had wanted to learn golf for years but never had the time. She says, “Golf is fun and allows me to relax while learning.“

Both ladies received their golf club sets and first private lesson with PGA Professional Raymond Barr at Jacksonville Golf and Country Club. We are thrilled to add more female touch and glamour to our mission.

May 3, 2023 – A Lifetime in the U.S. Navy

Today we had the honor to meet a soon-to-be U.S. Navy Veteran who has served 30 of his 48 years of life. Chief Warrant Officer 4 Josue Fernandez began his military career in Puerto Rico and has deployed twelve times to serve our country around the world. He was referred to the Zellner Foundation by one of our beneficiaries, who has been mentoring him in separating from the military and dealing with PTSD. He received a new Subtle Patriot golf bag and set of clubs before starting his private lessons. Josue is a father of five, excited to enjoy the next chapter of his life as a civilian. Nonetheless, he is actively preparing for the void he will endure once the uniform comes off. Undoubtedly his wife Kristine, a chemical engineer who runs their Mathnasium franchise in Ortega, and his three youngest children will keep him sharp. We salute Josue for his thirty years of devoted service to our nation, the maximum term law allows.

Apr. 21, 2023 – 50 Vets Milestone Celebration

What better way to celebrate our mission than a golf day at South Hampton with Veterans and civilians? Participants shared a great day filled with sunshine, laughter, and challenges. We thank Southern Waters Pools of Jacksonville for their unwavering support and sponsoring this special event. The race to reach 100 veterans is on! If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program, click here.

Apr. 20, 2023 – Veteran DNA

When we met Sol and Alexandria Greear (U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force Veterans, respectively) we knew they had a unique story. First, we learned that Sol’s golf clubs were stolen, which had impacted his mental health recovery after the military. Then, we received their bios and discovered their love for the military was in their DNA. Both are children of mothers and fathers who served our country faithfully. Alexandria’s parents are both U.S. Air Force Veterans, and Sol’s parents are U.S. Army Veterans.

As a military brat, Sol moved all over, including Fort Bragg, NC, Panama, Fort McPherson, NE, and Fort Gordon, GA. He graduated high school at the Fort Stewart, GA, Army National Guard Youth Challenge Academy. After his first marriage, he joined the army in 2005 and went to basic training at Fort Sill, OK. Next, he advanced individual training in Fort Huachuca, AZ, where he became an interrogator. Later he went to Fort Bragg, where he served in the 525 BFSB. Sol left active duty in 2009 after a knee injury. Sol received the Army Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Medal during his career. After the army, he attended the University of Buffalo (SUNY) and majored in philosophy.
Alexandria’s path began in 2003. She was classified as a 4N03 EMT-B Medic serving at Lackland Air Force Base, TX, and Wilford Hall Medical Center as an ER technician. She later transferred to Tinker Air Force Base, OK, where she served as a clinic immunizations tech. Alexandria left the Air Force at the end of her first enlistment due to injury. However, she used the skills gained from the military and became head of the HR Department at National Door Industries, Inc.

Sol and Alexandria married in 2021. Sol is a father of three (Tracer, 20, Sol IV, 19, and Jewlyet, 17) and Alexandria is a mother of two (Victor, 15, and sophomore at Forth Worth JROTC, and Aurora, 7). We salute this couple for their service to our nation, and we will be on standby to hear the results of the Air Force vs. Army golf match!

Apr. 11, 2023 – A Birdie from Pensacola Joins the Nest

At the end of February, we started working on spreading our wings to service Military Veterans in Pensacola thanks to our first beneficiary in the area, U.S. Army Vet Josh Matson. He led the way in establishing the relationship with Professional Golf Instructor Grant McCormick at Lost Key Golf Club in Perdido Key. Committed to this new venture, The Zellner Foundation hit the road for three days and delivered in person the new golf clubs to Josh’s nine-year-old son Bryce Matson. He became our first Birdie in Pensacola and will start his private lessons next week with Grant. We also had the pleasure of meeting other military veterans at a Wounded Warrior Project event who reinforced the need for our mission in that neck of the woods. Therefore, we will do everything possible to let them know they are not forgotten.

Now more than ever, we need your support. Click here to donate to the Will of Iron and Birdies of Eagles Golf Programs. Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, GeoPoint Surveying, Wounded Warrior Project, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, SecureSI, and James J. McCall DDS.

Apr. 4, 2023 – Father and Son Make It 50!

We proudly announce that The Zellner Foundation has reached the 50-beneficiary Milestone!!! U.S. Navy Veteran Tayden Haile and one of his seven adopted children, fifteen-year-old Sincere, received their golf club sets and first private lesson with PGA Professional Raymond Barr at Jacksonville Golf and Country Club.

Tayden joined the Navy at the age of twenty in 1998. With a few years of college under his belt, he made the transition to military life. He was stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, and later Bahrain for a year. Tayden served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. In his own words: “I had the honor of being a part of the 7th fleet, the first Naval Fleet to respond to the attacks of 9/11. I am now married to my beautiful wife of fifteen years. We have seven adopted children and seven dogs. I spend my time now not serving my country but still serving the community. I am so honored to receive the privilege of learning golf alongside one of my sons. We thank you, Zellner Foundation, for this great opportunity.” We salute Tayden for his service to our nation and hope to see another one of his children become Birdies of Eagles.

Mar. 29, 2023 – Birdie Blake Miller

Eleven-year-old Blake Miller, son of U.S. Air Force Veterans Erica and Ryan Miller, received his new set of golf clubs and his first private lesson from PGA Senior Certified Instructor and Jacksonville U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour Director Rhonda Ferguson. When we met his mom Erica-beneficiary of our Will of Iron Golf Program-last July, she shared with us that she was expecting her second child. Yesterday we had the pleasure of meeting three-month-old baby Reagan. She sat in the lesson with his big brother and judging by her face in the picture, we can confidently say she is another Birdie in the making.

Mar. 23, 2023 – The Suarez Family is Our First Foursome!

One more birdie joins the nest! Raphie Suarez is the oldest son of U.S Army Veterans Mayi and Rafael Suarez, both beneficiaries of our Will of Iron Golf Program. He is a freshman at Creekside High School where we hope he will be able to try out for the golf team next year. He started his golf lessons at TPG with golf instructor Paul Powers. The Suarez Family is our first family foursome: mom + dad + 2 birdies!

Mar. 20, 2023 – Goodwill Ambassadors Gabriel George and Eric Trinidad + 20 Years of the Iraq Invasion

We caught up with our goodwill ambassadors U.S. Navy and Army Veterans Gabriel George and Eric Trinidad for nine holes at Turnbull Bay Golf Course. Regardless of the merciless wind, we enjoyed great tee shots, balls in the water, missed putts, a giant falcon, and a great lunch. Eric reminded us that twenty years today the Iraq invasion began. He was at boot camp and deployed eight months later. The memories are vivid and raw, but they know as Gabriel says, “life is for the living”. Thanks to these men and thousands of other veterans we have the privilege to enjoy freedom an a beautiful day of golf under the sun. Watch the reel https://www.facebook.com/reel/771754451198814

Mar. 13, 2023 – Youngest Birdie Starts at First Tee

Our youngest birdie, Sophia–daughter of U.S. Air Force Veteran Josh Ray, started at First Tee at The Golf Club at South Hampton. She received her new set of golf clubs back in November 2022 but had to wait to turn five to begin the lessons. She might be a princess at heart, but Sophia is determined to get the ball in the hole.

Mar. 8, 2023 – New Birdie Princess Leah

Last Wednesday, a new birdie joined the nest. Leah Priester is the youngest daughter of U.S. Air Force Veteran Bradley Priester, a beneficiary of our Will of Iron Golf Program. She received a brand-new set of golf clubs and her first private lesson from PGA Senior Certified Instructor and Jacksonville U.S. Kids Golf Local Tour Director Rhonda Ferguson. Leah was dressed like a princess ready for a ball, but instead of a “Father-Daughter Dance”, The Zellner Foundation is pleased to provide the “Father-Daughter Golf Time.”

Mar. 7, 2023 – THE PLAYERS Highlight Zellner Foundation

March 7th, 2023. The Zellner Foundation was recognized at this year’s edition of the Military Appreciation Day at THE PLAYERS Championship by Dan Hicks, NBC Broadcaster, in front of thirty thousand people. Our mission was named next to Wounded Warrior Project, K9s For Warriors, Blue Star Families, and other veteran serving organizations.

Mar. 6, 2023 – Our Mission Stretched Out to Pensacola, Florida

On February 21, 2023, we received a submission from U.S. Army Veteran Josh Matson, who was interested in participating in our Will of Iron Golf Program. During the qualification process, we learned he lives in Pensacola, almost four hundred miles from our territory. Even though we are a small local organization with limited resources, something in Josh’s voice made us trust our motto: where there’s a will, there’s a way. We asked him to find a golf club near him and get the contact information of their golf pro. Within hours, we spoke to Grant McCormick at Lost Key Golf Club in Perdido Key, FL, and set up Josh’s lessons. Last Friday, March 3, Josh received the brand-new golf bag, donated clubs, and other supplies we shipped to him. As it is our procedure, we asked Josh for his bio. When we read it, we confirmed that we had been speaking to a one-of-a-kind patriot and a Purple Heart recipient. He allowed us to publish his story:

“My name is Josh Matson, and I am from Pensacola, FL. When I was eighteen, I watched the twin towers fall on September 11, 2001. I decided a few months later to speak with a recruiter with the Armed Forces, but I was not sure which one. I found myself sitting in the complex that had the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy next to each other. I flipped a coin- Heads Army, Tails Navy. It landed on heads. Nearly a year later, I attended boot camp as an Infantryman at Ft Benning, GA. Then, I joined the 2nd Infantry Division at Camp Casey, Korea on January 6, 2003. In 2004 we were shipped to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. On November 6, 2004, my unit was heading back to base after completing a mission in Ramadi. Before my truck reached the entrance, an Iraqi Police car rammed the front corner of the driver’s side and exploded. The explosion created a blast that knocked our five-ton truck into the air and caused a wave of fire to splash on the sixteen soldiers in the rear and two soldiers and a Marine in the truck’s cab. I lost consciousness, and my hands and face were on fire when I woke up. My unit had to find cover in a nearby house until we were medevac out of the area. I spent almost a year in the hospital recovering from physical and mental health issues until I was released back to my unit in October 2005. In December 2005, I separated from the Army to spend time with my wife and son, who was born on the day of our deployment. After several years, I felt I had not finished my service and decided to re-enlist in the Army. So, in Feb 2009, I attended Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and became a Bridge crew member with the Army Corp of Engineers. After graduating from AIT, I was stationed at Ft Polk, LA, when I was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. After returning from Operation Enduring Freedom, I was stationed in Ft. Wainwright, Alaska. During my time in Alaska, I noticed discomfort in my lower back, and we eventually decided a spinal fusion was needed to relieve the pain. Due to the nature of the surgery, I retired from the Army on Memorial Day 2015.”

We salute Josh for his faithful and courageous service to our nation. We also hope to meet him in person and play a round of golf soon.

Mar. 4, 2023 – Golf Lessons for Military Wife

Last Saturday, March 11th, we were pleased to meet Ivelisse Travieso. She served our country as a military wife for twenty-four years alongside her husband, U.S. Army-Navy Veteran Juan Travieso. After Juan became a beneficiary of the Will of Iron Golf Program at the end of 2022, Ivelisse noted a change in his behavior as golf became therapy. So, she decided to join him “in the next chapter at the links” and add it to thirty years of wonderful marriage. Spouses of military personnel share their loved ones with our nation unselfishly. The Zellner Foundation recognizes their sacrifice and is honored to include them as beneficiaries of our golf program.

Feb. 7, 2023 – Birdies of Eagles Clinic Kickoff

On Tuesday, February 7th, five of our birdies–all students of the Alexander Preparatory Academy–began their golf clinics at Brentwood Golf Course under the instruction of Monty Duncan, General Manager, and Golf Professional. The perfect weather matched the energy of these military veterans’ children. The Zellner Foundation can’t wait to see how high these bridies can fly. We will keep you updated with their progress!

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, GeoPoint Surveying, Wounded Warrior Project, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and SecureSI. If you want to support the Birdies of Eagles Golf Program for Military Children, click here.

Feb. 2, 2023 – Golf Lessons for U.S. Navy Veteran

Last Thursday, February 2nd, we had the privilege to meet Lieutenant Commander José Sellés, U.S. Navy, Retired. A proud son of Puerto Rico, José joined the US Navy in January 1991 and retired after more than thirty years. He served on board USS Independence and USS George H. W. Bush. In 2010, José served as Joint Defense Operation Center Battle Captain at Kandahar, Afghanistan, during the most complex attack on base history. For his actions, he was awarded a NATO Commendation. His awards include the Joint Commendation Medal, seven Navy Commendation medals, five Navy Achievement medals, Army achievement medals, and multiple campaign medals. He is married to LT Rebecca Sellés and has a daughter, Adrianna Sellés, who is attending Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. We salute José for his military leadership and faithful service to our nation, and we promise to help him achieve his new mission: beat his friend–also beneficiary of The Zellner Foundation–Luis Borges, in golf.

Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, GeoPoint Surveying, Wounded Warrior Project, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and SecureSI. If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program for Military Vets, click here.

Jan. 20, 2023 – Three Years & 30+ Veterans Milestone Celebration

Last Friday, we were blessed with great company, food, and beautiful golf weather to celebrate the third birthday of The Zellner Foundation and our 30+ Veterans Milestone at Cimarrone Golf Club. Thirteen beneficiaries and eleven Grateful Americans shared a round of golf in which some of us lost many golf balls but also gained many memories to cherish. We want to thank Factor Contractors, owned by US Navy Veteran Mike Talkington, for sponsoring our event and for his service to our nation. The video below, starring US Army Veteran Sean Karpf, is just a sample of the mood among the foursomes!