Happy New Year!

May the gift of love, happiness, peace and warmth be yours as you make a new start in 2013.

Have you ever been so grateful for something someone has done for you but felt like you will never be able to repay them? I've heard it said many times, "How can I ever repay you?" Gratitude may seem like a simple emotion, but it seems it inspires kindness, connection and even transformative life changes. Gratitude is more than a pleasant feeling; it is also motivating. It serves as a key link between receiving and giving. It moves recipients to share and increase the very good they have received.

I've noticed lately, and maybe you have too, that I am hearing more about people "paying it forward." The "pay it forward" concept is not old, however, it seems there is a renewed fervor to do so. The concept appears in the novel Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury, published in 1957, when the main character Douglas Spaulding is reflecting on his life being saved by Mr. Jonas, the Junkman: "How do I thank Mr. Jonas, he wondered, for what he's done? How do I thank him, how can I pay him back? No way, no way at all. You just can't pay. What then? What? Pass it on somehow, he thought, pass it on to someone else. Keep the chain moving. Look around, find someone, and pass it on. That was the only way..."

To me gratitude and paying it forward are synonymous with the mission of Tee it up for the Troops: To honor, respect, remember and support all those who have served in our Armed Forces for this great nation.

In 2012, Tee it up for the Troops was able to pay forward nearly $1 million to great organizations who are doing wonderful things to help our Troops.

A complete listing of Donation Recipients from our humble beginnings in 2005 can be found on our website under Make a Difference.

We are so very thankful to everyone that contributed to Tee it up for the Troops in 2012, whether it was financially, through in-kind giving, as an event sponsor or a volunteer. It is only with your contributions that we are able to "pay it forward" and express our collective gratitude to all those who have served and are currently serving in the Armed Forces for this great nation. Many lives have been changed because of your dedication and support.

We approach 2013 with great anticipation of what is in store for Tee it up for the Troops. That starts and ends with our endless thanks, appreciation, and love for our men and women who serve, and have served in our United States Military and their families.

Watch for Tee it up for the Troops events across the country during the course of the year. If you have an interest in starting an event in your area, please contact us. If you would be willing to support our efforts with a financial contribution, you can do so by clicking on "Donate Now" in the left column of this Newsletter.

Thank you for your continued support, partnership and dedication to  Tee it up for the Troops.

Blessings,

Paul Anderson

President & CEO

Tee It Up for the Troops

The event was sponsored by generous donations and in-kind contributions from businesses and individuals. Again, those words come to mind, "We cannot thank you enough for your generous support which allowed us to "pay it forward" on behalf of all of you and to say "Thank you" to the men and women that were able to attend this wonderful event!"

Congratulations to the top three finisher's in the Warrior Division for the two-day tournament:

First Place:  Tim Lang, Sergeant, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.)

Second Place: Ken Hendrickson, Petty Officer First Class, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

Third Place:  Chad Pfiefer, Corporal, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Congratulations as well to Mike Stafford, Sergeant, U.S. Army (Ret.), for winning the inaugural Warrior Shoot Out by one-stroke over DeWitt Osbourne, Sergeant, U.S. Army (Ret.).

Please consider participating in this special event in January 2014. It is a one-of-a-kind experience and as one warrior put it, "a fabulous way to start the New Year!"