Valour on the Green Golf Tournament for Veterans happens in 2025 in Redcliff

Posted on November 14, 2024 by Ryan Dahlman

Southern Alberta Newspapers

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pearheaded by a proud Canadian and military and history aficionado a unique-themed golf tournament will take place at the golf course in Redcliff. 

Rhonda Burry is the organizer of The Valour on the Green Golf Tournament for Veterans.

Inspiration for organizing this golf tournament came from a veteran whose commitment to service and community continues to shape all of those around him. His example motivated me to create an event that not only honours veterans but also brings us all together in camaraderie and support. I hope that through this tournament, we can come together to celebrate all who have served, continue to serve, and honour those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” explains Burry. “Along with my love of our country, I am also proud of our history and military. I have always enjoyed watching documentaries and reading books on our country’s history and military history, which is where my pride and support for Canada’s finest stems from. I know many veterans and through planning this tournament I have met a lot more men and women who chose to serve, and others who have as much passion for supporting them as I do. I feel it is time that the Medicine Hat area does something meaningful to show our appreciation for their service. With such a large military base and numerous serving and retired people in Southeast Alberta, we need to do more. I hope this tournament improves our understanding and perspective of our veterans.

“When this idea first came to me there was only one person, I shared my vision with as he is the one I bounce all my ideas off of. I wrote down 10 pages of ideas which filled me with hope that this could materialize. I now had a massive head start and felt confident this would be something that would be of interest but also knew this would be a lot of work. I cannot convey enough how enthusiastic I am for this event to come to fruition. I feel that if you are going to work on something with a specific group in mind, that they need to be involved in all aspects of the process. I made sure to include veterans and veteran based groups during the planning stages where I met many wonderful veterans who not only shared their stories with me but were happy to hear about the tournament.”

The Veterans Association Food Bank is one of seven veteran food banks in Alberta that travel to Medicine Hat to support local veterans in need. CannaConnect, a national organization, is moving into Southeast Alberta and not only provides veterans with a safe place to go, but they also assist with navigating Veterans Affairs paperwork, obtaining prescribed medicinal cannabis and other supports for veterans and RCMP. Motorcycle groups in Southeast Alberta such as The Canadian Army Veterans and Commandos offer veterans that sense of belonging while helping within their communities. Other organizations in Alberta include Field of Crosses, Homes for Hero’s, Valour House, Courageous Companions, Wounded Warriors Canada, Project Trauma Support, Equine Therapy, Quilts of Valour, VETS Canada Transition Services, Helping Heros Heal, along with many more nonprofits and associations to support those who have served Canada. 

Many veterans own and operate companies; by supporting them you are also supporting a veteran and his, or her, family so they can give back and support one another. Some of these companies are Arrowhead Coffee Company, Corporal for Life, Six One Charlie, Mad Hatter Industries, just to name a few. 

Valour on the Green Golf Tournament will take place at Redcliff Riverview Golf Club in Redcliff on Friday, June 13, 2025. As it is on R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) Shirt Friday, do not forget your RED shirt. No veteran will have to pay to play. All others who wish to participate in the tournament will be required to pay $125 and the fee includes green fees, cart, snack, and a banquet followed by speeches in the clubhouse which will take place at the end (beverages not included). Registration on the day of the tournament will start at 11 a.m., and a shotgun start at 1 p.m.. There will be various prizes to be won. Additionally, there will be other many other what Burry describes as “extraordinary things planned for the event and a unique surprise for the veterans” that Burry is extremely excited about. 

All monies raised from the tournament will be donated to various veteran-focused organizations who will ensure that the appropriate care and support is received by those in need. 

“Thanks to everyone for all the great conversations, ideas, planning advice, words of encouragement, and letting me share my vision because without all of them, I would not be at this point. I look forward to meeting with like-minded people and in turn giving back to those who have given so much. I hope that I have been able to inspire others to volunteer, support, and give back to those who have given us so much,” explains Burry. “Let’s all come together for some swings, smiles and show of support for our beautiful countries’ finest who sacrificed to serve this country and keep us safe.”

It is her hope that this event is well received by all participants and becomes an annual event in Southeast Alberta. If you wish to sponsor a veteran to play, be a hole sponsor, donate prizes, or volunteer, please contact Rhonda Burry by email rhondaburry20@gmail.com or by phone 403-866-0127.