Links to Freedom spend about $ 150,000 this year at Fort Belvoir , he says . As word has spread , Greiner has fielded inquiries from other military facilities about partnering with or creating similar models .
Links to Freedom spend about $ 150,000 this year at Fort Belvoir , he says . As word has spread , Greiner has fielded inquiries from other military facilities about partnering with or creating similar models .
Greiner says Links to Freedom will direct or affiliate with programs in San Diego and Salt Lake City , Utah , this year . The next step , he says , is to establish Links to Freedom ties to about 10 of the largest military facilities .
director of the Middle Atlantic PGA , helps him break the ice .
“ Dick will just walk up to them and say , ‘ Where ’ d you get blown up ?’‘’ Greiner says .
Retired Marine Gunnery Sgt . Jose Gonzalez wasn ’ t blown up , but he was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress after three tours in Iraq . Since joining Links to Freedom last year , he ’ s gone from casual to avid golfer . And in his new hobby , Gonzalez , 41 , has found camaraderie he
“ But going through the same frustrations with learning to play golf — misery loves company , right ?— you learn things that you take into your private life .”
– GUNNERY SGT . JOSE GONZALEZ enjoyed with his military “ battle buddies .”
“ Initially , I didn ’ t think of it as therapy ,” he says . “ But going through the same frustrations with learning to play golf — misery loves company , right ?— you learn things that you take into your private life . Something bad happens , you let it go and you move on to the next situation .”
For some participants , the next move can even include playing golf in Scotland . Henry went last spring among a group of wounded warriors organized by Links to Freedom and the St . Andrews Legacy veterans ’ charity .
Henry is among Greiner ’ s many disciples now into golf for the long run who help recruit and connect Links to Freedom newcomers .
“ I ’ m loyal to the game and to the program ,” Henry says . “ I say to people ‘ I promise you ’ re going to love it . Come in with an open mind and give it all you got . Make the time , bring your family and you ’ ll enjoy it .”
At Fort Belvoir , Greiner ’ s dream includes building a dedicated training facility set apart from the 30-mat driving range , chipping and bunker area , and double practice greens .
BUILDING POSITIVE OUTCOMES The grand vision for Links is not without clouds . Despite screening wounded vets to determine the suitability of Links to Freedom as a therapeutic fit , some injuries run far too deep .
“ Three people related to this program have attempted suicide . One succeeded ,” Greiner says . “ That hits you hard , because you ’ re trying to do this so that doesn ’ t happen .”
To prevent those scenarios , Greiner brought vast teaching experience to the unique challenge of working with injured veterans and their families . He interviews each participant , as he would any student , to understand their physical limitations . But he has taken classes and studied methods to better coach golfers who use a wheelchair or an adaptive cart that positions them to swing .
“ At the beginning , there was an awkwardness trying to get the information I needed ,” Greiner says . “ I was very sensitive to bringing things up that would remind the person of how they got that way .”
Greiner says retired Col . Richard Johns , a regular volunteer and former executive
Get Involved
Since 2010 , Links to Freedom has used the community of golf to help approximately 1,500 injured service members or their family members heal emotionally , physically and socially .
Formally established as a nonprofit foundation in 2015 , Links to Freedom offers free eight-week sessions in the spring and fall . Twohour classes conducted by golf pros and military and civilian volunteers are followed by a lunch . Classes cover golf fundamentals and stress motor skills , mobility and flexibility , promoting a lifetime sport while helping participants regain confidence and re-establish personal relationships .
Interested in participating in Links to Freedom sessions at Fort Belvoir or Joint Base Andrews , Maryland ? Register at linkstofreedom . org / 2017-program-registration .
For more information about volunteering or donating money or equipment , contact Rob Koon at ( 520 ) 270-6559 , Ursula Palmer at ( 410 ) 746-2005 or email L2F @ linkstofreedom . org .
vsga . org M AY / J UNE 2017 | V IRGINIA G OLFER 29