Of Grit and Glory: How One Fundraiser Reached $1 Million for Wounded Warrior Project
One day each year, in the historic city of Ypsilanti, Michigan, the Washtenaw Golf Club transforms into a place of honor for those who served. Tee boxes are marked with American flags, a Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) flag flies proudly beside the Stars and Stripes, and the morning begins with a color guard gun salute.
Tammy (second from left) poses with golfers at her annual Wounded Warrior Project fundraiser, Old Glory Flags Golf Outing.
“Everything that day is about patriotism, about service,” said Tammy Haggerty, chair of the Old Glory Flags Golf Outing, the community fundraiser she has led for nearly a decade. This year, Tammy’s leadership and her community’s generosity helped the golf outing surpass a $1 million milestone for WWP.
Tammy first played in the charity golf outing years ago, knowing little about WWP. She casually offered to help when the event’s founder, Rich Keenan, mentioned they needed volunteers. When Rich became sick, Tammy stepped up to lead.
“Like most people, I had heard of Wounded Warrior Project, but I didn’t know what it was all about,” she said. “Once I started meeting the warriors, I understood.”
She recalls the courage of WWP spokesperson Jennifer Jenkins, who cared for her brother James after he was wounded in combat. She also remembers the determination of wounded warrior Dan Nevins, who survived a traumatic brain injury and became a bilateral amputee after an explosion in Iraq – along with countless others whose stories left an impact.
“They feel like my family now,” said Tammy.
A Day of Honor
Over the past 12 years, the Old Glory Flags Golf Outing has become a beloved tradition. Golfers return year after year not just for the sport, but for the shared purpose of honoring veterans.
Tammy shares opening remarks with golfers and supporters at Old Glory Flags Golf Outing.
“When I say our community is patriotic, I mean people who love their country, love their military, and show respect for the flag,” Tammy said. “I believe so many people want to give back and help, but they just don’t know how.”
Beyond the golf outing, Tammy has expanded her fundraising efforts for WWP with other events, including a formal gala, an Army-Navy football watch party, and a Kentucky Derby-themed get-together. While these gatherings reach slightly different audiences, each reflects the same goal — raising funds and awareness and keeping the community engaged in service.
Find out how you can start your own fundraiser to support wounded veterans.
Passing Patriotism Forward
For Tammy, this work is deeply rooted in passing patriotism forward. She takes every opportunity to ensure the next generation understands the sacrifices of those who served. Recently, she took her granddaughter to Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and the 9/11 Memorial.
“I didn’t explain it to her to make her sad, but we can’t erase history. We can never forget,” Tammy explained.
Looking ahead, Tammy hopes to cultivate younger supporters and fresh ideas to keep fundraising efforts strong.
Golfers gather to show their support.
“At some point, you ask yourself – when do I step back? But the work isn’t done yet,” she said. She’s recruiting new committee members for the gala and exploring ways to involve others in the golf outing, ensuring the support continues long after she retires.
Advice for Future Fundraisers
Tammy’s advice for future fundraisers is simple: Start small, stay consistent, and embrace the community.
“Every dollar makes a difference,” she said. “It’s not work when you love it. Many hands make light work. It takes a family; it takes friends. We’re all better off together than we are alone.”
Her words reflect a larger movement – last year, more than 4,000 generous people hosted community fundraisers benefiting WWP. Tammy hopes her story shows that anyone can be part of that impact, no matter the size of the event.
That spirit of service hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2025, Tammy was honored with the Service Award at WWP’s Courage Awards & Benefit Dinner – a national recognition for community leaders who go above and beyond to raise awareness and resources for wounded warriors and their families.
Wounded warrior Dan Nevins shares his story with supporters over dinner at the Old Glory Flags Golf Outing.
Through golf tournaments, galas, and countless hours of service, Tammy has proven that one person’s dedication can ripple outward, creating a legacy of care for veterans and their families – and inspiring others to serve in their own communities.
Contact: — Gracie Scribner, Public Relations, gscribner@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.489.5295
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project is our nation’s leading veteran services organization, focused on the total well-being of post-9/11 wounded, ill, or injured veterans. Our programs, advocacy, and awareness efforts help warriors thrive, provide essential lifelines to families and caregivers, and prevent veteran suicides. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.
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