For Peter Dziedzic, PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) is the perfect way to grow the game of golf while also helping his fellow Veterans.
The 51-year-old Navy Veteran participated in the PGA HOPE program after serving his country. The experience motivated Dziedzic to become a PGA HOPE Ambassador with the Central New York PGA Section. PGA HOPE is one of three PGA REACH Central New York philanthropic pillars.
“I decided to become an Ambassador because of my love of the game and wanting to help Veterans during rough times,” said Dziedzic, who resides in Utica.
Dziedzic started golfing in his early teens while growing up in New York Mills. After serving in the Navy from 1994-1998, he returned to the Mohawk Valley and resumed his connection with golf while working at Yahnundasis Golf Club. Dziedzic currently works in the maintenance department at Valley View Golf Course.
As a PGA HOPE Ambassador, Dziedzic wants to bring Veterans together though the game of golf.
“As the old saying goes, ‘Boots on the ground pounding pavement.’, Dziedzic said. “I’ll be reaching out to Veterans and attending veteran events to help spread the word.”
Dziedzic is already making a difference. He said PGA Hope is saving Veterans lives while helping integration back to the civilian sector, and help in re-socializing with like-minded people.
“I was in a foursome not knowing anyone in the group and I noticed an individual was acting differently. I asked if he was a veteran. He said yes. So, I talked to him about PGA HOPE and now he will be attending our next session,” he said.
Dziedzic recently attended the 2023 PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week in Washington, DC. All the Ambassadors were taught new skills that focused on wellness training for Veterans and Military members. All Ambassadors are volunteers and Veterans.
“The National Golf and Wellness Week was a once in a lifetime experience,” he said. “A total bucket list checked off. I learned how to be a better public speaker. I loved the yoga portion of mind and body connections. And of course, the golf was phenomenal.”
Visions Federal Credit Union is a presenting sponsor of PGA HOPE Central New York.