Swinging golf clubs and supporting veterans went hand in hand at the Copperleaf Golf Course Saturday morning. The annual tournament supported Home Base Florida, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting local veterans.<\/p>\n
More than 30 veterans participated in the Copperleaf Charity Tournament, where the sound of golf swings mingled with stories of gratitude and hope.<\/p>\n
“Gratitude to Home Base, gratitude to Copperleaf for having something like this,” said Albert, an Air Force veteran.<\/p>\n
Albert, who was also at last year’s tournament, has a son currently serving in the military. He emphasized the importance of Home Base Florida, describing it as a lifeline for veterans and their families.<\/p>\n
“The organization is called Home Base Florida,” said Albert. “They say that they service veterans in Southwest Florida and their families, and it’s the ‘and their families’ part that really sets this organization apart.”<\/p>\n
The tournament shone a spotlight on Home Base Florida’s efforts to support veterans and their families.<\/p>\n
“What really motivates me is being the father of someone who’s currently in uniform,” Albert said. “This veteran thing is really just a launching off point to embrace the entire family the way this organization does.”<\/p>\n
Building camaraderie among veterans was a significant goal of the event, aligning with Home Base Florida’s mission to foster relationships.<\/p>\n
“Organizations like Home Base Florida, and thanks to opportunities that Copperleaf has afforded us today, we get to tap into camaraderie and community,” Albert said.<\/p>\n
Bill Starr, president of the Copperleaf Charitable Foundation, highlighted the role of Home Base in bringing veterans together.<\/p>\n
“Home Base is good at bringing them in to try to get them to better health,” Starr said. “And through meeting other veterans in the program, they find that it’s not a bad thing to kind of reach out and ask for advice.”<\/p>\n
Albert, known as a veteran and a father, embraced the role of a companion at the tournament.<\/p>\n
“Thanks to organizations like Home Base Florida, we get to tap into camaraderie and community,” Albert said.<\/p>\n
Since 2016, the Copperleaf Charitable Foundation has contributed more than $220,000 to Home Base Florida.<\/p>\n
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