SW New Mexico News

Veterans and active-duty military in the Las Cruces and El Paso community have another opportunity to participate in the PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) program this year at New Mexico State University’s Golf Course.

"The friendships that I have seen forged through the sessions we have been blessed to offer have been special to witness," said Jason White, director of the NMSU Golf Course and PGA member, emphasizing the community-building aspect of the program.

The six-week curriculum, led by PGA professionals trained in adaptive and military cultural competency, aims to enhance the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of veterans. The program will offer two sessions, with the first meeting on Thursdays from May 16 to June 20 and the second on Saturdays from Sept. 7 to Oct. 12.

Dan Hon, a local Marine Corps veteran and ambassador for the Sun Country Golf Foundation, highlighted the inclusivity of PGA HOPE, stating, "PGA HOPE provides a path with no barriers, and everyone has a place in the program." He also shared his observations of the transformative impact of the program, noting how participants start as strangers and leave as friends, finding a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

"By the end of the program, he was laughing and cutting up like one of the boys, unconditionally accepted," Hon reflected on the positive changes he witnessed in participants. "It's in that moment he wasn’t thinking of the past, not feeling the elephant on his back, he was living in the moment and the start of many tomorrows."

PGA HOPE, the flagship military program of PGA REACH, is funded by PGA REACH and supplemented by PGA Section Foundations. Those interested in participating can register on the PGA website under "Things To Do" and "PGA HOPE." For further information or inquiries, individuals can contact the NMSU Golf Course directly.