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 There were those who said it couldn’t be done Myself included. But then again we didn’t consider several important factors. First, was the fact that The Wounded Warrior Project is probably one of the most deserving causes one could put their time and money into. Then, we didn’t really think about the driving force behind the effort to have the event run by Alta Vista Country Club volunteers - Dick Rutledge. A man with immense dedication, tireless energy and the knowledge that nowhere on earth could be found a more willing and able volunteer staff than at Alta Vista Country Club.
That was then, this is now. Nine committee chairs, a handful of sub-committees, seventy-five on site volunteers and an untold number of man hours later, an event to make every member of Alta Vista Country Club proud became a reality. Despite those of us who had our doubts. The morning of September 17, 2007 was crisp, clear and the type of day our Chamber of Commerce touts. The kind of day that has brought millions of potential commuters to Orange County, California. The kind of day made for an event like Tee It Up For The Troops, One hundred-fifty golfers - let’s call them supporters - and seventy-five volunteers along with the hard working staff of Alta Vista gathered for a day of fun, golf, work and most importantly, supporting our Wounded Warriors and troops. Those very young men and women that have stepped up to protect those freedoms that allow the Alta Vista Country Clubs and our very way of life to exist.I don’t know when I have heard our National Anthem sung so cleary or when so many moist eyes looked proudly upon the flag of this great nation as grateful voices recited the Pledge of Allegiance. As the helicopter landed in the safety of our driving range, I couldn’t help but think of those same young men as they landed in places like Baghdad and Afghanistan under hostile fire. For us. When the dedication of the Dee Johnson memorial took place (see full story on page four), I thought of a young Dee in his P-51 defending this nation against yet another enemy striving to steal our freedoms. It is written that, “There will be wars and rumors of wars forever.” Let us hope that there will always be young people like Dee and the young men and women at our Tournament willing to step up, put their lives and young bodies on the line for our freedom. September 17, 2007 was more than just another golf outing at Alta Vista Country Club. It was an opportunity for each of us to say THANKS. We hope to see you on September 15, 2008.
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Tee it up for the Troops, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization created to help support the fallen and disabled members of our armed forces, and their families.
The original Tee it up for the Troops 3rd annual event is scheduled for Mendakota Country Club Friday September 7th,2007 in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Alta Vista Country Club will be hosting their event September 17,2007in Placentia,  California. In addition, other courses across the country will be joining us. Monies raised again this year will continue to support organizations and programs to assist the fallen and disabled members of the US Armed Forces, past and present, and their families.
We are currently securing corporations and celebrities for the Golf Tournament. We hope that you will help in making this a National Day of Golf to show support to those who provide us the freedom we enjoy.
Visit www.teeitupforthetroops.com to view other event locations
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 The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is to raise public awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of severely injured service men and women, to help severely injured service members to aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.
WWP accomplishes this mission by providing programs and services to severely injured active service members and their families during the critical time between their initial rehabilitation while on active duty and their eventual transition to civilian life.  WWP employs staff with over 55 years of combined experience in providing direct services to active duty service members and disabled veterans, including benefits counseling, representation before the department of veterans affairs, bringing public attention to the needs of wounded service members, and advocating for regulatory and statutory changes beneficial to veterans and active duty service members.
There are many military service organizations that provide services to active duty service members and their families, and many veteran service organizations that provide services and opportunities for fraternal interaction to veterans upon their discharge from service.
However, few organizations devote their resources to assisting the severely wounded during this critical period. WWP fills this vital, unmet need, bringing comfort, support, and aid to severely injured service members and their families during this challenging time in their lives
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