Combat vets from Afghanistan and Iraq share heartfelt insight about PGA Hope
PGA Master Professional Barry Friedman is Director of Golf at Valley of the Eagles, a beautiful Nicklaus Design near Cleveland. An eagle is a fitting symbol for Friedman’s tireless efforts with PGA Hope to help combat veterans like Trip Heaverly. “Barry and PGA Hope mean a lot to me, Barry has given me a lot of motivation,” Heaverly said. “The PGA Hope Program has helped me in a lot of ways, physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED IN ELYRIA AND SO HAS PGA HOPE
The eagle represents freedom and strength, two qualities Friedman inspires vets through PGA Hope when he golfs with veterans who served and serve our country. “Every week, everyone is looking forward to this day, me, the veterans. We’re counting down the days, until we come here and meet again,” Friedman said. Friedman proudly added that the game of golf and the golf industry have been good to him, so, PGA Hope is his way to give back to veterans in Ohio, Michigan and throughout the MIdwest.
The scenic Black River runs through Valley of the Eagles on its way to the Great Lake of Lake Erie. The Erie Indians lived along this river in the 1600s. They saw the eagle as a messenger of honor and hope. Two more qualities Barry helps restore into these brave vets from Cleveland, like Paul Heaverly, and Trip Heaverly, who are more than brothers-in-arms…they’re brothers.
PTSD, TBI AND PGA HOPE
Paul Heaverly bravely fought in Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he was exposed to bombs exploding around him. He suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, and he’s living with PTSD. Paul says Barry has been his ace in the hole every step of the way, and every putt. “Barry has been there for me if I needed a shoulder to lean on, or somebody to talk to, no judgement, and smiles all of the time,” Paul said. “Barry means a lot to me, he’s helped me navigate the space between being in the military, and being out,” he added.
Paul’s brother Trip Heaverly served two tours of duty in Iraq during the global war on terrorism in the early 2000s. Like his brother Trip, he also lives with PTSD from the battlefield, but on these lush green fairways in Elyria, Ohio, Trip drives home some powerful words about PGA Hope, and Barry. “The PGA Hope program has helped me in a lot of ways, physically mentally, and emotionally,” Trip said. “All of this helps me understand that golf is an impossibly difficult game that gives you a whole lot of opportunities to re-frame things and move forward,” he added.
“IT’S HARD TO PUT INTO WORDS”
Barry says his drive to help vets comes from being inspired by both of his grandfathers serving in World War II. “My grandfathers were very patriotic, so, to give back means a lot to me,” said Friedman. “The biggest thing that’s rewarding to me is seeing the transformation of these veterans. PGA Hope helps with their social, mental and personal well being, and to see them feel they’re part of something, and this part of something is bigger than me, the camaraderie that comes with a group, it’s hard to put into words,” Friedman said.
Barry has helped 280 veterans. He’s taught 121 PGA Hope classes. He taught the 100th class for PGA Hope at American Dunes in Grand Haven, Michigan, where he also raises money for Folds of Honor which raises scholarship money for spouses and children of fallen or disabled military members, including first responders.
“It’s so amazing to see the beautiful rewards of PGA Hope, that’s why I do as much as I can,” Friedman said. “I want to encourage other PGA Pros around Ohio, the Midwest and around the country to volunteer, because, while it does take time, it’s always worth it in the end.”