The Military Bowl Foundation recently hosted five Purple Heart Recipients at the annual Wimps and Warriors golf tournament benefiting Patriot Point, the Foundation’s 294-acre retreat center for wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and caregivers.
Held on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the event brought together a team of service members to compete with patriotic civilians who recognize the importance of supporting those who serve the country.
“It was incredible,” said U.S. Army Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Charles Eggleston. “It gave guys a chance to relax and rehab at the same time by playing with familiar faces. We’re a band of brothers and sisters. That’s just the way it goes.”
In addition to Eggleston, other Purple Heart Recipients who participated in the event were U.S. Army veterans Matt Anderson, Matt Brugeman and Arthur Coleman and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Nat Morrow.
“Most of the Purple Heart Recipients of our age all know each other,” said Coleman, who was injured on his fourth deployment when his convoy truck ran over an improvised explosive device in Iraq. “We’re .01 percent of the veteran population. The vast majority of living Purple Heart Recipients are over 68 [years old, having served in the Vietnam War]. Recipients under that age, we all know each other.”
The Military Bowl Foundation operates events throughout the year benefiting Patriot Point, but the Wimps and Warriors tournament stands apart for its intimate nature, bringing together donors and veterans for two days of play of elite courses and a group dinner back at Patriot Point.
“It was one of the best events I’ve ever been to,” said Brugeman, who served 10 years in the U.S. Army. “Getting two days together to play is exceptional. And obviously Patriot Point is hard to beat. That place is special.”
“I knew a couple of the guys from the [Salute Military Golf Association] and I had the opportunity to make new friends with a handful of Marines that came up from North Carolina,” said Anderson, who was wounded by a land mine in a Taliban-controlled compound while on a nighttime combat patrol in 2010. “I served with Matt Brugeman both during my enlisted time and as his platoon leader in Afghanistan. We don’t get the opportunity to play golf with each other very often, so it was great to get the chance to play with him.”
The opportunity for five Purple Heart Recipients to participate in the golf events, first at the Links at Perry Cabin and then at Talbot Country Club, provided a wonderful opportunity to rest and bond with supporters and fellow veterans.
“It was great to meet outstanding non-military patriots who made sure this was not a pity party,” Morrow said. “It’s not just about the vets, it’s a brotherhood that all veterans welcome in true American get togethers. We are so thankful for them, and are always thankful and remember our brothers and sisters that are no longer with us, but drink and dine with us in spirit.”