As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, honoring veterans is central to the nation's milestone. Their courage and sacrifice have safeguarded American freedom, and their legacy of service continues to inspire the future. Our nation’s freedom has never been guaranteed. It has been defended and protected only through the courage, sacrifice and unwavering commitment of all those who have worn the uniform. Pierce County veterans have stood on the front lines of history, ensuring that each generation can live in a country where freedom is not just a word, but a way of life. They have faced danger abroad, served their communities at home and stood as living examples of dedication, honor and commitment.

For 250 years, America has stood free not by chance or accident, but because generations of veterans answered the call of duty when their country needed them. From the earliest days of the Revolutionary War to the challenges faced in the modern era, these men and women have stepped forward to protect the very ideals upon which our nation was founded.

As America marks 250 years, it is impossible to separate our story from theirs. Our veterans are not simply part of our history - they are the living embodiment of the values and principles that have carried this nation through triumph and trial. Their service, dedication and sacrifice have shaped every chapter of America’s story and made this milestone possible. The Pierce County Veteran Services Office will continue in the mission of empowering veterans and military families as we move ahead into the next 250 years.

As part of that continued mission to help veterans, our 15th Annual Pierce County Veterans Golf Tournament is drawing near and the countdown is on. Join us Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Spring Valley Golf Course to support our veterans and honor service and sacrifice - along with a day of golf, camaraderie and fellowship as we raise funds for the Pierce County Veterans Service Commission. One hundred percent of all money donated has gone directly to assisting the veterans of Pierce County. This is an opportunity to help those in need who have already sacrificed so much for their country. The Pierce County Veteran Service Commission is an emergency assistance program designed to help Pierce County veterans and their families pay for everyday items such as rent, fuel and groceries. Because of the generosity of our donors – we were able to assist Pierce County veterans in need of emergency financial assistance with over $13,104 last year. A portion of funds raised this year will be allocated for a new transport vehicle to support our Pierce County Veterans Transportation Program, which has successfully transported veterans to their appointments at the VA Medical Center and Maplewood VA for over 30 years. This service directly improves the quality of life for our Pierce County veterans – improving their health by increasing their access to health care through personalized, cost-effective transportation solutions. This ensures that our veterans, even in rural areas, have safe, reliable transportation to VA health care facilities. This is accomplished using three drivers and a 2018 Ford Transit with over 120,000 miles. Our van has definitely seen better days and should be mechanically discharged!  As the miles rack up driving to all ends of Pierce County for transports, repairs keep becoming more frequent and expensive. It also has a wheelchair lift, crucial for the service that we offer. At times we need to borrow vehicles from the Pierce County ADRC in order to make numerous transports happen on the same day or a county car, if available - which can only accommodate ambulatory veterans.

There is need for an additional vehicle with full AWD, suitable for the winter weather months and snow conditions to safely transport our veterans. Grab your clubs and that lucky visor -limited spots are available! If you need help to build your foursome, our office is here to help. The cost for the event is $100 per person which is priceless for 18 holes of golf, cart, dinner, and chances to win prizes. Check-in begins at 9 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. Shotgun Scramble. Cocktail hour and dinner will follow starting at 4 p.m. or when your round of golf is completed. If you don’t play golf, you can sponsor a hole or donate a raffle prize. There will be a need for a variety of raffle prizes; please give us a call at 715-273-6753 and we’ll be happy to assist and arrange pickup. We are looking forward to having you be a part of this event which continues to make a difference in the lives of our veterans. We are continuing to add new and improved features to all areas of our event to ensure a fun-filled day. Thank you for your continued support, together we can do so much for those who have made sacrifices for our freedoms over the past 250 years.

As we approach the 250^th anniversary of our nations founding, we are not just observing a date on the calendar – we are honoring the story that veterans have been at the heart of since the very beginning.

Register/Donate Online:

https://www.scan2scan.com/show/pierce-county-veterans-15th-annual-golf-tournament-sept-11-2026-#!/

Melissa Hildebrandt is the Pierce County Veterans Service Officer. Tami MacGregor is the Veteran Case Coordinator.