More than $1 million is now working to support military veterans and their families, thanks to fundraising efforts spearheaded by the PenFed Foundation at the 21st annual Military Heroes Golf Classic. The foundation, a national 501(c)3 non-profit founded by PenFed Credit Union, has raised more than $55 million over the past 23 years, and these funds have helped the lives of more than 150,000 military families.
"Freedom isn't free. Over 248 years, the brave service members of America's Armed Forces have fought 12 wars to defend our freedom," said James Schenck, President/CEO of PenFed Credit Union and CEO of the PenFed Foundation. "The success of our tournament enables us to continue taking care of our nation's veterans. At PenFed, we never forget."
The tournament, which occurred on September 9, began with a skydiving jump in remembrance of 9/11 victims and their families. A team of special operations tandem parachutists jumped onto the course while displaying the American and Purple Heart flags. FenFed Credit Union EVP Talent/Risk/Infosec/Data Maura Watson participated in the jump in the morning, while PenFed Credit Union board member and retired U.S. Army Col. Philip F. Romanelli jumped in the afternoon.
At a dinner the evening before the tournament, the PenFed Foundation honored Patrick Williams, president and CEO of Innospec Fuel Specialties, as well as Innospec President of Oilfield Services Tom Entwistle and thanked both men for their long-term partnership. Innospec has hosted several golf tournaments in Denver and Houston and has also provided more than $2 million to the foundation.
The dinner also honored the co-founder and executive director of CreatiVets, Richard Casper, who received a $25,000 grant to support CreatiVet's veteran songwriting workshop in Puerto Rico. U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Hasting, a country music artist, also performed at the dinner.
Founded in 2011, the PenFed Foundation's mission is "to improve the lives of military heroes" through a number of programs, including its Onward Ops Partnership, Veteran Entrepreneur program, Afghan Allies program and more. For more details on its work, visit the PenFed Foundation website here.
