Links to Freedom was established to restore a sense of freedom for injured military service members and disabled veterans, many of whom struggle to find normalcy and reconnect with civilian life and their families. Focusing on the severely wounded, ill, and injured from all military branches, both active and retired, Links to Freedom uses golf as a rehabilitative tool to aid in recovery.
Links to Freedom was established in 2015 by Steve Greiner and a team of volunteers led by Rob Koon, a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, with the purpose of expanding the original Fort Belvoir Wounded Warrior Golf program started by Steve in 2008. Steve’s journey with the veteran community began during his tenure as the PGA Director of Golf at Fort Belvoir Golf Club, a position under the Army’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation directorate. Situated near Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Steve witnessed the profound need for a rehabilitative golf program. He saw veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with physical and mental wounds and believed golf could be a powerful tool for their recovery.
Since then, Links to Freedom has established their HERO model, which utilizes four parts: Healthy Activities, Expand Horizons, Reintegrate, and Operationalize the Program. These apply the physical, emotional, and social aspects of rehabilitation to help veterans break down barriers while building emotional and social connections.
Steve emphasizes the profound impact of support networks in addressing the challenges of suicide and harmful behaviors among service members. Links to Freedom focuses on bringing a sense of community and using the therapeutic nature of golf to provide needed support to wounded, ill, and disabled veterans. The program’s recognition by prestigious organizations, including the US Army, PGA of America, Jack Nicklaus, and the White House, affirm its use of golf for recovery.
For 2024, Links to Freedom has several ambitious goals and events planned. The aim is to bring the Fort Belvoir model to all Army installations focusing on recovery. Currently active at about half of the 13 installations, the organization seeks increased funding and support to expand its reach.
Fall programs start in August 2024, with the Links to Freedom Cup held on September 16, 2024, at River Creek Golf Club in Leesburg, Virginia. Links to Freedom continues to be a beacon of hope and recovery for the military community, striving to help service members live the lives they hoped for before their injuries. Through golf, Steve Greiner and his team are making a significant difference, one swing at a time.
If you are interested in sponsoring or donating to Links to Freedom to help support their mission, please contact Steve Greneir at greneir@linkstofreedom.org or visit their website at linkstofreedom.org.
