Lower Gwynedd Twp., Pa. (July 25, 2024) — PGA REACH Philadelphia is pleased to announce its new PGA HOPE Ambassador, Aaron Ojard. Out of the 41 Sections who nominate veterans, only 20 are selected for this honorary position. Ambassadors are the spokespersons for PGA HOPE and by actively engaging in community events and networking, they encourage more veterans to participate in the programs.

Aaron started his military journey in 1995 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After 12 years of service, he attained the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class (E6) and was selected to the Seaman to Admiral 21 program. In May of 2007, Aaron was commissioned as a Navy Nurse Corps Officer and worked at Bethesda Naval Hospital as a critical care RN. Two years later, he was selected to deploy as a trauma RN and served seven months at the Role 3 MMU Hospital in Kandahar AFG. He retired from the Navy in 2015, with over 20 years of active service. 

Throughout his time with the Navy, golf was always an outlet for Aaron to cope and when deployed, his golf clubs followed him. With the help of his family and friends, who would send supplies and golf balls, Aaron was able to set up a makeshift golf range. He first became active with PGA HOPE in the Spring of 2022 where he joined the clinic at Union League National in Cape May, N.J. Upon completion of his deployment, Aaron struggled significantly with PTSD and it caused him to nearly take his own life and golfing with his friends was the only thing to pull him out of his downward spiral. Aaron’s role within PGA HOPE continued to grow when he was selected to be a Squad Leader in the Spring of 2024.

“PGA HOPE is an opportunity for veterans to get involved with the game of golf, from learning the very basics to honing golf skills to make them a better competitive golfer,” said Ojard.  “I love seeing the looks on brothers’ and sisters’ faces as they become more comfortable and confident standing over a ball. One member exclaimed during a scramble tournament that he made his first birdie ever…the pure joy he experienced is what keeps vets away from the bottle, or worse.”

When selecting ambassadors initially, we looked to our squad leaders, like Aaron, for their integrity, leadership, and passion—qualities essential for this role. Aaron’s ambassadorship begins later this year at Congressional Country Club where he will join others at a health and wellness conference to receive training. Aaron is enthusiastic about his new role, eager to help veterans discover the resources that were crucial in his own journey to recovery.

About PGA REACH Philadelphia 
PGA of America REACH Foundation Philadelphia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2018 as the charitable arm of the Philadelphia PGA Section, one of the 41 Sections within the PGA of America. PGA REACH Philadelphia is committed to serving our communities and growing the game of golf through our three pillars: Youth, Military, and Diversity.

For more information on PGA REACH Philadelphia and its mission to positively impact lives through golf, visit pgareachphiladelphia.com To donate to PGA REACH Philadelphia, please click here.