The SMGA provides rehabilitative golf experiences and benefits for wounded war veterans. Eligible veterans include those wounded, injured, or suffering illness (including PTSD and TBI) as a result of participation in Post-911 military combat operations. Additionally, the SMGA promotes a family-inclusive golf instruction environment and encourages clinic participation from our veterans’ families.

Please Contact the SMGA directly to learn about:

• Instruction tailored to your physical and mental needs;
• Custom-fitted golf equipment;
• Playing and networking opportunities;
• Participation in SMGA golf clincs.

Establish a USGA Handicap Here!

SMGA Participant and Army 1st Lt. Brian Donarski inspired the crowd with an opening round 66 at the PGA's Children's Miracle Network Classic at the Walt Disney World resort. Read about his incredible story here: http://www.army.mil/-news/2010/11/18/48449-1st-lt-donarski-inspires-golf-crowd-at-childrens-miracle-network-classic/

SMGA clinics offer combat wounded veterans an entry to the game of golf. SMGA participant Justin Constantine writes about his work with PGA Professional, and dual amputee, Don Vickery at this blog post: http://blog.iraqandback.com/.

Beyond the SMGA, additional resources for injured servicemembers can be found at: www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov . The National Resource Directory (NRD) is a federal government Web site for wounded, ill and injured Service Members, Veterans, their families, and those who support them. This Web site, which is maintained by the Departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs, provides access to more than 11,000 services and resources at the national and state level to support the recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration of Service Members and Veterans into their communities.

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a Mobile App: PTSD Coach for download. The mobile app provides: reliable information on PTSD and treatments that work; tools for screening and tracking symptoms; and direct links to support and help. The app is available for download at:
www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/PTSDCoach.asp

Katzen Eye Group offers a MILITARY DISCOUNT PROGRAM--"Sight for Soldiers" for SMGA members. Through Sight for Soldiers, SMGA members can receive a 30% discount on Laser Vision Correction surgery that corrects the optical power of the eye by reshaping the cornea. To schedule an evaluation or to learn more, visit Katzen Eye Group's Facebook page or call 410.821.9490 & press option 4 for the LASIK department.

A recently released book, Exit Wounds, is a guide to pain management for veterans and their family members, and also the inspiring story of how one man fought to survive and even thrive despite his traumatic injuries and painful path to recovery.  Exit Wounds and its companion website offer veterans and family members information about:

• Acute and chronic pain syndromes afflicting veterans
• Treatment options, including medications, procedures, complementary therapies and other interventions
• Strategies for self-advocating for optimal pain care
• Medical resources inside and outside the Veterans Administration (VA) system
• Caregiver needs, perspectives and resources

The First Tee of Washington, DC, offers mentoring opportunites to SMGA participants. To learn how you can become a mentor for a child living in Washington, D.C., please visit www.thefirstteedc.org. or send an email to James Winslow (link to jdwin1@aol.com).

The SMGA has formed a partnership with giveanhour.org, a nationwide network of therapists treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury. More information about their program can be found at this link.