Celebrating Our Veterans: A Month of Stories, Strength, and Impact
Throughout the month of November, The Turn had the honor of spotlighting some of our remarkable Veteran members. We interviewed nine Veterans – one of the most meaningful projects our team has ever undertaken – and from those conversations, we shared four powerful stories each week on our website.
These stories reflect the resilience, humor, humility, and hope that define our Veteran community:
- Marine Veteran Colin Smith survived a sniper attack in Karma, Iraq, resulting in a traumatic brain injury. Nearly ten years into being a Turn member, he continues to make extraordinary strides in speech, confidence, and connection. Colin’s wish: more art classes!
- Army Veteran Earl Grant of the 101st Airborne Division served in Vietnam starting in July 1965, often sleeping in monsoon-soaked mud. Earl loves to golf and wants more people involved at The Turn as participants, because, as he says, “It’s a superior way to enjoy life.”
- Navy Veteran Mike Dzieciolowski, Naval Academy Class of 1981, flew spy planes during his service in Spain. Living with Parkinson’s, he joined The Turn to rebuild strength and prepare to play golf again with his Academy classmates at their 45th reunion. Mike’s wish for The Turn: “Stay the same—it works! Serve more people!”
- Army Veteran Larry Bostic, Jr., former MP and protective detail member for Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush, joined The Turn after a spinal cord injury. Seeing how golf and community transformed his daily life, Larry reminds donors: “Every contribution makes a difference in ALL lives.”
As we reflected on these stories, our Director of Golf – PGA Professional and U.S. Air Force Veteran Joe Sabatino – shared a powerful perspective on what our programs mean to Veterans:
“All Veterans have a place at The Turn. When they step onto the course, they’re immersed in an activity that challenges them physically and mentally—and for a moment, the disability they’re overcoming isn’t the focus. They rediscover the person they’ve always been, and they’re welcomed fully, whether they’re lifelong golfers or holding a club for the first time.”
Thanks to our community’s tremendous generosity, this storytelling campaign has already raised over $46,000 to support The Turn’s daily work – and we’re not done yet.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As we plan for the year ahead:
- If you’re interested in volunteering with us in 2026, we’d love to hear from you.
- If you are a Veteran – or a civilian – with a physical disability, we invite you to join our programs next year. Our fitness, golf, recreation, and social opportunities are designed for belonging, progress, and joy.
To volunteer or join The Turn, contact Lexi Larson, LLarson@jointheturn.org or 440-686-1074 (ext. 208)
Thank you to all who supported this campaign, shared our stories, and championed the mission of The Turn. Together, we’re creating a community where people of all abilities can thrive.
The entire Board of Directors at The Turn proudly stands behind our Veterans – and together, they are matching your generosity with a combined gift of $25,000!
Our November Veterans Thank-A-Thon is presented by:
Our November Veterans Thank-A-Thon is sponsored by:
