The Turn is proud to introduce our very first Thank-A-thon this November, a month spent honoring, supporting, and highlighting our Veteran members. Each week in November, we’ll be sharing the stories of a Veteran whose life has been impacted by The Turn – and you’ll witness firsthand just how much of a difference your support makes. From sharing their personal stories of their time serving in the military, to their transitions in life after finding The Turn, you’ll find that one main theme carries throughout our interviews: the shared wish to keep The Turn exactly as it is.
Through adaptive golf and holistic wellness, we help our members rebuild strength, confidence, and connections. We create a new mission, a new team, and a renewed sense of belonging. Veterans find strength in movement, in each other, and in themselves again.
Meet Earl Grant who served one year – from July 19th 1965, to July 19th 1966 – in Vietnam as part of the 101st Airborne Division, which was the third infantry to go into combat during the Vietnam War.
“It was an extremely difficult year,” Earl said. “The weather was hot and humid and the Viet Cong and the North Vietnamese sort of used the monsoon rains when they came to prevent air cover. And so you were either hot, humid, sweating, or you were being drenched in rain.”
Earl described the hardships he endured serving in Vietnam conducting communications efforts with the infantry, recalling how he slept on the ground, often in the rain. Food rations were given three times a day, and Earl explained how they were given two beers at the end of the day, just to get liquids in them. That year spent in Vietnam was nothing short of challenging, Earl said, but despite the obstacles that Earl endured, his attitude remains wholly humble.
“I didn’t have it any worse than anyone else,” Earl said. “I was not an infantryman, but I learned that they’re a good group to have on your side. I would go to serve with them again if I was called to do it.”
After his service ended, Earl said it was hard readjusting to civilian life – an issue most retired veterans face. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, 27% of veterans and 44% of post-9/11 veterans reported in a survey that readjustment to civilian life was difficult.
“When I first came back from Vietnam, I had trouble sleeping in a bed,” Earl said. “Noises would bother me.”
But even so, Earl maintained that he was grateful for his time spent in the Army.
“I don’t regret any of my service in the military,” Earl said. “I want to emphasize that. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
After he retired in 2011, Earl spent 10 years volunteering at the Cleveland Metroparks Big Met Golf Course, where he met friends that he still golfs with today. But complications with his lower back and neuropathy in his legs caused Earl to have issues walking.
“I had to give up my volunteer job because I could no longer bring carts out of the barn,” Earl said.
In 2024, a friend told Earl about The Turn – a nonprofit organization in North Olmsted, Ohio that specializes in helping individuals with physical disabilities. That spring, Earl was signed up as a veteran member and began classes with the organization. One of the things that drew Earl to The Turn most, he said, was the community.
“I was playing with people that had had strokes, that maybe only had the use of one arm, could only swing a club with one arm, guys that had artificial limbs below the knees,” Earl said. “They’re out there doing their best to play golf. And that was just sort of a revelation: I got it better than some of these people. I should be able to keep going. And I did.”
Earl’s time spent at The Turn has helped him keep golfing, even with physical limitations. He even continues to golf with his same buddies today.
“On Mondays, even though I can’t walk well, I play across the street at Springvale with three guys that I used to volunteer with at Big Met,” Earl said. “They know my limitations and they accept it. And so I get to play with them.”
When describing how much The Turn has impacted him, Earl said that it has left a lasting mark on his life. If he hadn’t joined the organization, Earl said he wouldn’t be golfing today.
“I probably would’ve put my golf clubs in storage,” Earl said. “To be able to, through The Turn, pick up the golf clubs and work my way back from a solo cart to a regular golf cart – and then be able to play with my friends again, it’s just been a delight. It makes you feel accomplished and sort of like a whole person again. I wish to get more people involved because I think it’s just a superior way to continue to enjoy life.”
Earl said that at The Turn, he has found a place of belonging where he can connect with other individuals in situations similar to his own and that motivates him every day.
“It’s just been tremendous for me, not only to get to play, but to watch these other people that have mobility problems or arm problems from strokes,” Earl said. “If that doesn’t inspire you, nothing will.”
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:
