When a steady rain moved in on the morning of the 2013 AUSA Wounded Warrior Golf Classic, what did the nearly 180 participants do? They soldiered on, of course! This year's tournament, with BearCom and Motorola Solutions as lead sponsors, raised $43,000 for two Dallas-area charities helping injured servicemen and women. "The rain may have diminished our golf games but not our gratitude for the men and women who have sacrificed so much to protect our nation's freedom," BearCom President & CEO Jerry Denham said in a news release announcing the amount raised. "BearCom and Motorola Solutions were pleased to again serve as the lead sponsors of this fine event." Video highlights of the tournament include an incredible interview with a veteran affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. He said, "It wasn't until I started playing golf this year that I started actually feeling joy back in my life. Because when I'm on the golf course, I don't have intrusive thoughts; I don't have flashbacks. Actually, the night before and the night after the tournament, I don't even have nightmares. So, it's very therapeutic for me to be out here. And I'm getting okay with it; I'm liking this game. So, I think I'll go ahead and go to the golf academy in Dallas and try to have a career in doing something in golf. I'd like to coach and give back to what's been given to me. And maybe I can give back to other wounded warriors when they get back from war: free lessons." He was one of the nearly 180 golfers who braved the weather to participate in the tournament held October 14 at Firewheel Golf Park in Garland, Texas. The annual event is organized by the North Texas Chapter of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA), which focuses on programs raising funds and awareness in support of wounded warriors, PTSD and TBI treatment, assisting soldiers and veterans in finding civilian employment, and teaching leadership skills to individuals and organizations. Chapter President Kermit Gable said, "This year's tournament demonstrated yet again how willing good people are to show support for our wounded servicemen and women." The AUSA's North Texas chapter focuses much of that support on Heroes on the Water and Operation Once in a Lifetime. Heroes on the Water helps injured military personnel relax, rehabilitate, and reintegrate with society through fishing and the outdoors. Heroes on the Water President Jim Dolan said the tournament's donation of $21,500 will help purchase more kayaks, paddles, life vests, and fishing equipment, as well as fund more weekend fishing trips for veterans. Operation Once in a Lifetime provides free financial and moral support to U.S service members, their families, and veterans. The charity helps give them memorable experiences, such as professional sporting events, attractions, and even vacations. It also operates resale stores in Plano, Texas, and in the Fort Hood area, where veterans can shop for free for needed items. That organization is led by Patrick Sowers, who said he hopes to open a third store location, likely near the Dallas Veterans Affairs Medical Center in southern Dallas. He said he would also like to set up an emergency fund for the charity in the face of a steadily growing need for assistance. Jerry Denham summed up the event, saying, "It's been a great day. We're having a lot of fun. And it's certainly a great cause. Anything we can do to help those who have served our country, we're glad to do."