Dec. 31, 2022 – We Finished the Year with a Bang!
In the last hours of 2022, we met U.S. Army-Navy Veteran Juan Travieso and rang the New Year 2023. He served twenty-four years of combined Army National Guard and U.S. Navy. Juan deployed five times overseas counting the Persian Gulf War – Desert Storm/Shield (two deployments), Joint Task Force Flexible Anvil, Joint Task Force Noble Anvil, Operation Allied Force in support of the NATO response to Serbian aggression in the province of Kosovo, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom (two deployments). Juan retired in February 2011. He’s been married to Ivelisse for thirty years, proud father of Karelisse and Carlos, and grandpa of two beautiful grandkids named Aiden and Isabella. We salute Juan for his courageous and dedicated service to our nation.
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.
Dec. 19, 2022 – Golf Lessons for U.S. Navy Veteran
Before Christmas, we were pleased to meet U.S. Navy Veteran Luis Borges. He started his Navy career right after graduating high school in 1985. Serving the US Navy was his passion; he even departed for boot camp before his graduation ceremony. He retired in 2005 after twenty years of honorable service. He was a Naval Aircrewman specializing in Search and Rescue (AIRR, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and qualified as an Aerial Door Gunner. He deployed to the Middle East five times and supported the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force Counter Narco-Terrorism in Central/South America and the Caribbean. After separating from the Navy, he earned two bachelor’s and a master’s degree. In addition, he spent seventeen years working in higher education as a counselor and recruiter. Now that he is enjoying full retirement, he is focused on spending all missed time with his family and playing golf. “I am very grateful to The Zellner Foundation for allowing me to participate in this wonderful program.“
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.
Nov. 28, 2022 – Busy #GivingTuesday with two Birdies!
Last week we had a great round with two birdies. On #GivingTuesday2022 we surprised Andres Reynoso and Gustavo Suarez with new golf clubs and lessons as part of our Birdies of Eagles Golf Program for Military Children. The best part of this pairing is that their fathers–U.S. Air Force Veteran Joel Reynoso and U.S. Army Veteran Rafael Suarez–became friends and golf regularly after they met through our Will of Iron Program. We hope to see this foursome at the golf course very soon!
Our mission is sponsored by Zellner Insurance Agency Guardian Fueling Technologies, LLC SecureSI GeoPoint Surveying FCBI and Wounded Warrior Project If you want to support or donate click here or call 904.832.1586
Nov. 23, 2022 – New Birdie, Beautiful Sophia
U.S. Air Force Veteran Josh Ray has been one of our Will of Iron beneficiaries since November 2021. His youngest daughter, four-year-old Sophia, has been asking for a set of golf clubs every day because she wants to join him at the course. So today, we surprised Sophia and saw her wish of “golfing with daddy” come true. As soon as she turns five next March, The Zellner Foundation will nurture her desire to golf with junior lessons as part of the Birdies of Eagles Golf Program for Military Children.
Our mission is sponsored by Zellner Insurance Agency Guardian Fueling Technologies, LLC SecureSI GeoPoint Surveying FCBI and Wounded Warrior Project If you want to support or donate click here or call 904.832.1586
Nov. 15, 2022 – The Birdies of Eagles Golf Program Launched!
Last November 4th, The Zellner Foundation made a promise to Hilda Alexander, US Navy Veteran and Director of Alexander Preparatory Academy at the 2022 ZF Charity Golf Open. We promised to donate five golf club sets to her students, all children of military veterans. Today we are proud to officially launch The Birdies of Eagles Golf Program for Military Children. These kids are the first birdies that The Zellner Foundation will nurture, hoping that one day, they can soar like eagles through the beautiful game of golf.
Our mission is sponsored by Zellner Insurance Agency Guardian Fueling Technologies, LLC SecureSI GeoPoint Surveying FCBI and Wounded Warrior Project If you want to support or donate click here or call 904.832.1586
Oct. 29, 2022 – The ZF received its 2022 Top-Rated Badge
What can we say about our veterans and supporters besides that they are simply AWESOME!!! We requested reviews on our social media accounts on Saturday at 10 a.m. and by 5 p.m. we received the 2022 Top-Rated Nonprofit badge. Thank you!!!
Oct. 19, 2022 – Wounded Warrior Project 22-23 Platinum Sponsor
The Wounded Warrior Project logo shows a soldier carrying another to safety. That’s what the WWP has done for The Zellner Foundation for Military Vets similarly. Since late 2020, we have established a fruitful collaboration with our territory Outreach Specialist David Mynett. All 28 veterans we have benefitted through the Will of Iron Golf Program are WWP Alumni. Today, I can officially announce that the Wounded Warrior Project is our Platinum Sponsor for 2022-2023. Thank you, David, for believing in our mission and dedicating your life to our military veterans’ life improvement.
Oct. 4, 2022 – Golf is contagious!
The Zellner Foundation’s mission is expanding, and we love it! We want to honor military veterans, their loved ones, and last Tuesday we had that chance. 10th-graders Atiana Anderson and Christianna Alexander (US Navy Veterans Nichelle Anderson and Hilda Alexander’s daughters) began their golf lessons as part of our pioneer program “Birdies of Eagles“. Golf provides an endless road of opportunities, and we want our warriors’ children to benefit from them. Additionally, we had the privilege to give active-duty US Navy Lieutenant Commander Chris Anderson (Nichelle’s husband) a new golf bag and club set, so he could catch up with his girls. Golf is truly contagious.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, GeoPoint Surveying, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and SecureSI. If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program for Military Vets, click here.
Sep. 20, 2022 – Golf Clubs & Lessons for U.S. Marine Corps Veteran
Yesterday, we were honored to meet U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Bryan Johnson at The Golf Club at South Hampton. He received his new golf bag and club set to take his first private lesson with Head Coach Pro Kris Smith. Bryan completed two combat deployments to Iraq: Ah Nasiriyah in 2003 and Fallujah in 2004-2005. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and was diagnosed with PTSD. Bryan is a native of Jacksonville who found us through fellow veterans who benefitted from our mission. During his lesson, Bryan told Kris that he had decided to start golfing because he was looking for peace and quiet. The Zellner Foundation salutes Bryan for his service to our nation. We know golf will provide him with that tranquility environment he is looking for to complement his recovery.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, GeoPoint Surveying, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and SecureSI. If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program for Military Vets, click here.
Sep. 6, 2022 – Super Sponsor Geo Point Surveying
Since 2020, The Zellner Foundation has been blessed with the support of great companies, both locally and in broader Florida. Nevertheless, GeoPoint Surveying set the bar a little higher last Friday. Not only will they join us as Platinum Sponsor for 2022-20233, but also as Dinner Sponsor of the third edition of our charity golf tournament on November 4th. I want to thank Elga Azofeifa, MS. for her unwavering support as a businesswoman, but especially as a military wife.
If you want to become a sponsor of our mission, click here.
Aug. 9, 2022 – Golf Clubs & Lessons for U.S. Navy Veteran
Today, we met U.S. Navy Veteran Nichelle Anderson at the PGA Tour Academy at World Golf Village. We presented her with a new set of golf clubs and first private lesson with Senior Certified Instructor PGA Tour, Rhonda Ferguson.
Nichelle joined the Navy fresh out of high school in 2001 and was enlisted for eleven years until being medically retired in November of 2012. She took advantage of her military benefits and became a registered nurse. Nichelle practiced for three years before moving to Florida, where she became a Certified Personal Trainer. When we asked her why she got interested in golf she shared that it started as “mandatory fun” with command she was attached to. We salute Nichelle for her service to our nation and agree 100% with her command: golf should be deemed “mandatory fun” during active duty and civilian live.
Thank you to our sponsors to making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Millennium Physician Group, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and FCBI Fund. If you want to support our mission, click here.
Aug. 6, 2022 – Zellner Foundation Guest at TPC Sawgrass
Jul. 29, 2022 – Golf through the eyes of legally blind U.S. Army Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, Eric Trinidad
Jul. 16, 2022 – Gold Clubs & Lessons for U.S. Army Veteran
Last Saturday we met a very special veteran. James Hazelton joined the U.S. Army upon completing high school and served for 21 years. He deployed throughout Europe and Asia in numerous locations, “too many to list“, as he said. He was severely injured and lost his right thumb and a large section of muscle tissue in his right leg.
Nevertheless, the desire to get his life back, encouraged him to get active. Most recently, that drive led him to golf. All he needed was a set of clubs to tackle this mission. In his own words, “Golf is therapy to me. I am very thankful of these golf clubs because I had been denied in the past. I really appreciate it.” We salute James for his service to our nation and will be following up his progress with the lessons.
Thank you to our sponsors to making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Millennium Physician Group, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and FCBI Fund. If you want to support our mission, click here.
Jul. 6, 2022 – Golf Clubs & Lessons for U.S. Army Veteran
On Wednesday, we had the pleasure to meet Margarita “Mayi” Suarez at PGA Golf Academy to give her the new set of golf clubs and her first golf lesson. Mayi served in the US Army Reserve in Puerto Rico and US Army (active duty) as a Logistic Supply Specialist for eight years. She had multiple deployments to include NATO Kosovo KFOR and peace keeping/support operations while stationed in Korea and Germany.
In her own words, “I married my soulmate and best friend, and I was honorably discharged as US Army Sergeant to continue service as a military spouse for 24 years. I have three amazing boys and volunteer as a Boy’s Scout Adult Leader for my boys BSA groups.” Mayi continues serving her country as Department of Defense US Army civilian. We salute Mayi for her continued service to our nation and we look forward to seeing her golf with her husband, Rafy Suarez, also beneficiary of the Will of Iron Golf Program.
Thank you to our sponsors to making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Millennium Physician Group, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and FCBI Fund. If you want to support our mission, click here.
Jun. 30, 2022 – Golf Clubs for U.S. Air Force Vet and Future Mom of Two
On Thursday afternoon we met U.S. Air Force Veteran Erica Miller. She joined on her 19th birthday in 2008. She was security forces and received Yankee White Clearance to do presidential security. She was stationed in Germany and deployed to Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar. After separating the Air Force in 2012, Erica used her GI bill and attended Texas A&M University. She currently works for the Department of Labor as a claims examiner. Her husband Ryan, who already loves and plays golf, served with distinction in the US Navy for eleven years and was selected as the Naval Air Training Instructor of the Year and Flag Aide in Pensacola, serving two Admirals for the Naval Education and Training Command.
When we gave Erica her golf club set, she shared with us that she is expecting her second child. Nevertheless, she is starting golf lessons on Saturday and will continue to play until the “baby bump” allows it. With tears in her eyes, she thanked us for what we do for military veterans. We told her, as we have said before, we are simply giving her something she already earned. We salute Erica for her service to our nation and hope to see her beat her husband Ryan at a round of golf very soon!
Thank you to our sponsors to making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Millennium Physician Group, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and FCBI Fund. If you want to support our mission, click here.
Jun. 27, 2022 – Golf Clubs & Lessons for U.S. Marine Corps Vet
After our milestone celebration on Monday, we met U.S. Marine Corps Veteran James Watkins for his first lesson at TPG. He enlisted on September 11th, 2004. He was a Crash Fire Rescue Specialist in Iwakuni, Japan. He also served as a Rescue Technician at CBIRF in Indian Head, MD. James was planning on re-enlisting when was injured during a training operation. He’s had five knee surgeries since and was Honorable Discharged after five years of faithful service. In his own words: “The good side of me getting injured was meeting my wife, who was a medic in the Air Force. We have been married 13 years and our 11 year-old son loves golf and wants me to play with him.”
We salute James for his service to our nation, and to honor him, we will provide lessons not just for him, but also for his young son. We want both of them to share the love of golf for many years to come.
Thank you to our sponsors to making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Millennium Physician Group, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and FCBI Fund. If you want to support our mission, click here.
Jun. 27, 2022 – 20+ Milestone Celebration
Today, we had a small celebration. Since 2021, The Zellner Foundation for Military Vets has provided golf clubs and golf lessons for 20 veterans from the US Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Although not all the veterans were able to attend, we made sure to have fun for them. Thank you to our supporters who came out to share the incredible bond golf provides. Our mission to empower disabled and PTSD diagnosed military veterans to improve their mental health through the beautiful game of golf on the First Coast of Florida is unstoppable!
Thank you to our sponsors to making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Millennium Physician Group, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and FCBI Fund. If you want to support our mission, click here.
Jun. 1, 2022 – Shop Subtle Patriot with Promo Code ZELLNERSUPPORT Until the end of June
May 18, 2022 – Busy Wednesday with Wonder Women
Wednesday was another day like we like it: BUSY!
First, we had the honor to meet Logistics Officer Sharon Burns, U.S. Army retired, who served nearly 28 years and deployed on three combat tours. She is married with one grown son, two dogs and one cat. She loves supporting warfighters and emergency first responders, whether working alongside them or behind the scenes. Her volunteer work includes donating her time as the Secretary for a non-profit charity, the Defense Acquisition Professionals Alumni Association (DAP AA) Jacksonville Chapter and The Mission Continues-Jacksonville.
Then at 7 p.m. we had the pleasure to meet Navy Veteran, Joy Elliott and her sweet mom, Kim. Joy joined the Navy in 2005. Completed Aviation Ordinance “A” school in Pensacola, FL. She was stationed at NAS Brunswick in Brunswick, ME for three years in a P-3 squadron VP-8. She completed two six-months deployments to the Middle East in 2006 and 2008. She finished out her service at NAS Jacksonville after her squadron was moved in 2009. Joy was honorably discharged in 2010.
We salute Joy and Sharon for their service to our country and for taking on the challenge of golf. Watch out boys, here they come!
Thank you to our sponsors to making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Millennium Physician Group, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and FCBI Fund. Special thanks to Rhonda Ferguson, Senior Certified Instructor at PGA Tour Golf Academy, for her kindness and amazing coaching.
If you want to support our mission, click here.
May 17, 2022 – Busy Tuesday with U.S. Army Veterans
May 17, 2022
We had a busy Tuesday! In the morning, we had the pleasure to give Sergeant Major Richard Deleon, U.S. Army retired, a set of golf clubs to replace his very used ones, and a new Subtle Patriot bag. He started his lessons last week. Richard enlisted in October 1988 as a Calvary Scout. He trained and led soldiers in combat as a Sergeant and First Sergeant. Later he prepared young aspiring officers as the Senior Military Leadership Instructor at the University of Richmond, VA. He is a recipient of both the Order of Saint George and the Order of Saint Maurice. He describes himself as a loving husband of 30 years, father of two amazing men, and grandfather of one little girl.
Then, in the afternoon, we met Sgt. Eric Trinidad-Pérez and awarded him his new gear and first golf lesson. He is a native from Naguabo, Puerto Rico, and joined the U.S. Army in 2002 after 9/11. He served in the Operation Iraqui Freedom III, earning Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, and Iraqi Campaign Medal, among others. After his military service, Sgt. Trinidad continued to serve his fellow veterans as a veteran service officer for the state of Connecticut eight years, and four years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Veterans Hospital in CT and NC. Even though he is legally blind due to a traumatic brain injury, he was an incredible student, according to Jim Houston, PGA and GM at The Golf Club at South Hampton. Quoting Eric, he wants other veterans “to be inspired so they can motivate themselves.”
We salute Eric and Richard for their courageous service to our nation. Thank you to our sponsors to making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, Millennium Physician Group, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and FCBI Fund.
If you want to support our mission, click here.
May 2, 2022 – Subtle Patriot Golf Bags Donation
“It takes a village” to extend the reach of our mission, but with the generosity of brands like Subtle Patriot everything seems a little easier. The Zellner Foundation was honored to receive three new Subtle Patriot golf bags at the Edwin Watts store in Jacksonville, FL last Monday. These bags will be awarded to the military veterans in line to start their golf lessons.
If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program for Military Vets visit zellnerfoundation.com/donate
May 1, 2022 – One of our Veterans Wins at VGA Tournament
Joshua Ray, U.S. Air Force Veteran, is one of the first military veterans we met in 2020. Initially he only participated as a guest of our charity golf tournaments, but as time passed, he opened up and shared with us some of the life changing experiences he had during his service.
As our friendship grew, Joshua felt confident to ask for help last December. He didn’t need golf clubs because he been a golfer before the military. What he needed was a sponsorship to pay the fees at the competitive league Veteran Golfers Association. In addition to that, we paid for some tunning golf lessons.
Since January 2022, Josh has played seven tournaments on the First Coast, finishing always in the top five, but he wanted more. Last Sunday, May 1st, he accomplished his first victory at The Palencia Club. This win earned him a spot at the state competition, which is set to start on July 23. Out of 9,100 members, Josh is currently ranked 61st in the state and 181st nationally.
In his own words: “Golf is the best medicine you could possibly have. It is better than any prescription or drug a doctor can give. It is the one place where I can go to clear my head. I don’t have any worries whatsoever. It is just me focusing on hitting the next shot. That is what I love about golf. “
We are honored to support Josh’s determination to improve, and to witness the impact of golf on his PTSD management and overall mental health.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and Millennium Physician Group.
If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program for Military Vets visit zellnerfoundation.com/donate
Apr. 8, 2022 – Golf Clubs for U.S. Navy and California National Guard Veteran
Today, we had the pleasure to meet Leslie J de la Serna to gift him a brand-new golf bag and a set of donated clubs. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1989 to 1993 and reserves from 1993 to 1997. He eventually went back to active duty from 1999 to 2004, and later joined the California National Guard from 2007 to 2015. He retired as a Sergeant. Leslie told our President, Xiomara Spadafora, during their meet and greet, that he knew about our mission, but didn’t feel comfortable reaching out. So, we did because anything we can give him, he has already earned. The Zellner Foundation salutes Leslie for his never-ending desire to serve our nation and wish him many rounds of great golf.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and Millennium Physician Group. If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program for Military Vets visit zellnerfoundation.com/donate
Jan. 24, 2022 – ZF Qualified for THE PLAYERS Chip in For Charity
Jan. 12, 2022 – Golf Clubs and Lessons for U.S. Army Veteran
This morning we welcomed Daryl Pratt at South Hampton for his first golf lesson. His golf clubs were donated to us by a fellow military veteran. Daryl served in the U.S. Army as a signals analyst/collector from 2007 to 2016. He deployed to Afghanistan twice. The first time in 2011 with the Joint Special Operations Command, and then again between 2012 and 2103 with the 101st Airborne Division. He was medically retired in 2016. We salute Daryl for his service and wish him to maintain his contagious enthusiasm for golf.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors for making this possible: Zellner Insurance Agency, FCBI Fund, Guardian Fueling Technologies, and Millennium Physician Group. If you want to support the Will of Iron Golf Program for Military Vets visit zellnerfoundation.com/donate