By Jason Klaiber
Staff Writer
Last month Manlius resident Eric Schuster was named a Professional Golfers’ Association HOPE Ambassador in celebration of this past Veterans Day and the third annual PGA National Day of HOPE.
The intention of the PGA National Day of HOPE (standing for “Helping Our Patriots Everywhere”) is to celebrate the nation’s military personnel and to raise awareness and support for causes related to their mental, social and emotional well-being.
“It’s providing a resource for veterans,” Schuster, who works as a realtor, said.
All led by PGA Professionals, the more than 90 PGA HOPE programs across the country seek to help veterans assimilate back into everyday life through social interactions fostered by the game of golf.
Schuster was nominated for the honor by Ryan McGinnis, an assistant golf professional at Turning Stone Resort Casino.
Representing Central New York, Schuster became one of the 20 veterans nationwide honored as a PGA HOPE Ambassador following the completion of a four-day-long specialized golf instruction and wellness training program during the first-ever PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week, conducted in October at Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland.
“I have to bring it back home and look to not only expand the program at Turning Stone but also look at expanding the program in Section II, which is pretty much from Canada down to Binghamton,” Schuster said.
While there, Schuster said a friendly rivalry reemerged among the different branches of the military.
“It just was like, ‘Wow, I’m back home,’” he said. “The camaraderie was just amazing. It’s a different club. People don’t realize that. It’s a special bond between us veterans.”
The participating veterans all received golf and wellness tool kits that included training tips for the game as well as exercise techniques and recommendations for “healthy living.”
As a PGA HOPE Ambassador, Schuster will be tasked with attending fundraisers and graduations while committing to a personal health regimen and recruiting other veterans for educational purposes.
Schuster said the “solitary” essence of golf helps veterans dealing with mental or physical troubles, more so than an experience like a concert might, since something too loud could trigger post-traumatic stress disorder.
“It’s obviously an issue with the community of veterans,” he said. “We’ve heard the stats—there are 20 veterans that commit suicide per day. It’s just staggering and unfortunate.”
Schuster served as a United States Army sergeant from 1981 to 1989.
Stationed over that time in California and then South Korea, Schuster at one point injured his back in a parachute landing crash after a bout with heavy winds, but he never went on disability.
Schuster also volunteers with other organizations such as Clear Path for Veterans in Chittenango.
“We congratulate each of these 20 heroes on their successful completion of PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week,” said PGA REACH Senior Director Ryan Cannon. “Their commitment to protecting our freedoms and helping others provides inspiration to us all.”
PGA REACH is the charitable foundation of the PGA of America. According to its website, PGA REACH’s mission is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf.
For more information on PGA National Day of HOPE and to make a donation, visit crowdrise.com/pganationaldayofhope.
