Current and Former Members of Congress Team Up to Benefit Wounded Warriors

The U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress' Annual Congressional Charity Golf Classic raises funds for wounded warriors to get sports rehabilitation through Disabled Sports USA's Warfighter Sports program. A new chair called, the "ParaGolfer" will be used for the first time, helping wounded warriors with limited use of their lower extremities.

Additionally, PGA of America Professionals continue their partnership with local Veterans Administration hospitals and healthcare systems with veterans. Through a network of PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) chapters, PGA Professionals delivers a new level of enjoyment that enhances mental, social, physical and emotional well-being.

WASHINGTON, July 16, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the thousands of U.S. service members who have been severely injured in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, recovery from their wounds—seen and unseen—is no easy task. Disabled Sports USA and the PGA of America have helped many service members regain their confidence and independence through sports. Among the many athletic activities available to wounded warriors is the sport of golf. 

WHAT: When it comes to supporting the nation's warfighters, Republicans and Democrats are united in their efforts to recognize and support their service and sacrifice. For the past six years, the U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress has organized the Congressional Charity Golf Classic, raising more than $300,000, all donated to the Disabled Sports USA Warfighter Sports program and to PGA HOPE. This year, the largest delegation of former and current Members of Congress is expected to attend, along with a record number of wounded warriors. It will also be the first time a wounded warrior will use the ParaGolfer chair. This specially-designed wheelchair was created for the golf course terrain, and lifts the individual from a sitting to a standing position. In addition to golf, it also helps elevate the individual to eye-level with other players, and allows unrestricted shoulder movement.

WHERE/WHEN: On Monday, July 22, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Va. The tournament will open with a brief ceremony and demonstration of the ParaGolfer. Winners will be announced at 2:30 PM at an awards ceremony and luncheon, where FMC will present a check to support Disabled Sports USA and PGA HOPE.

WHO: More than 50 current and Former Members of Congress will be at the event including FMC tournament co-chairman, Dennis Hertel (D-MI);  Ken Kramer (R-CO); Mike McIntyre (D-NC); and Jimmy Duncan (R-TN). Wounded Warriors will also be available for interviews including: Staff Sergeant Charles Eggleston, U.S. Army Retired, who sustained permanent head and back injuries from multiple IED blasts in Iraq; and Sergeant Dewitt Osbourne lll, U.S. Army Retired, who sustained a spinal cord injury and shoulder and foot wounds after being injured in Iraq in 2006.

For Major Justin Constantine, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, sports literally helped save his life. After being shot in Iraq while on patrol in 2006, he suffered severe facial damage, a visual impairment, and a traumatic brain injury. For his military service, he was awarded the Purple Heart. After his injury, Constantine began to play golf and, as a result, he is now back in the fight, giving motivational speeches, and participating in numerous regional golf events in an effort to help other wounded warriors with their recovery.

SOURCE U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress