Burnsville Veteran Named PGA HOPE Ambassador

BURNSVILLE, MN — Burnsville veteran Jared Fears was recently named an ambassador of PGA HOPE(Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), the organization announced.

PGA HOPE said it is a rehabilitative golf program that helps over 3,500 veterans living with physical or cognitive challenges each year.

Fears, a United States Marine Corps Staff Sergeant from 1999-2007, completed a specialized training program during PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week at Congressional Country Club, the organization said.

As an ambassador, Fears will help champion the program through the PGA Minnesota Section, according to PGA HOPE.

Fears began PGA HOPE in 2019 after being referred to the organization by his local VA, and believed it would be great for his rehabilitation journey from a physical, cognitive, and social standpoint, the organization said. He made clear goals for what he wanted to accomplish through PGA HOPE and has gained a healthier lifestyle through the program, according to PGA HOPE.

Since 2020, in which he played 120 rounds of golf, Fears began to volunteer for the PGA HOPE Minnesota programs by being a friend and mentor to other veterans, PGA HOPE said. Fears was also involved in the 2021 100 Holes for HOPE fundraiser, and helped raise over $25,000, according to the organization.

During his service, Fears received the following honors and awards:

• Navy & Marine Corps Commendation Medal
• Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal
• Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• Afghanistan Campaign Medal
• Iraq Campaign Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
• Humanitarian Service Medal
• United Nations Medal
• Combat Action Ribbon
• Presidential Unit Citation Ribbon
• Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon

You can find more information about PGA HOPE here.