By Love Wood County
As usual, the year’s edition of the annual Patriot Sporting Challenge (PSC), which will be held May 31 at Lake Fork, will offer an amazing day of fun for the thousands of attendees from Wood County and neighboring counties.
First, there is the fabulous golf tournament at The Links at Land’s End (The Links), which was recognized recently by Golf Pass as one of “Top 50 Public Golf Courses in the U.S.” Then, there’s the glamorous Las Vegas-themed night later that day at the hugely popular Neon Moon.
But arguably the most rewarding aspect of participating in the 2025 Patriot Sporting Challenge has nothing to do with the entertainment. Rather, it’s the fact that much of the proceeds from the event will go toward helping a veteran and Purple Heart recipient in Quitman adapt his home, so that it accommodates his disabilities.
“This is something we are very excited about,” said LTC Cody Roberson, US Army (RET), who is the Executive Director of the PSC (https://patriotsportingchallenge.org/). “To be able to give back to a veteran and then witness the transformation of his home will be nothing short of amazing.
“The giving back to the veteran community doesn’t end there, either. We’re also supporting Heroes Ranch, Camp Agape Texas, and a host of other Purple Heart & Folds of Honor Veterans.”
The “giving back” will be supported by those in attendance, sponsors and an online auction, which begins May 26. To see the items and register, visit https://live.classy.org/register/patriot-sporting-challenge/571c108c-dad1-44ec-99b7-f0696421a63a .
As for sponsors, Skeeter Boats is returning as the primary sponsor, as well as a myriad of other sponsors supporting the event for another year.
“The fact that we have so many returning sponsors is a reflection of the secret sauce we have created around two great events – the golf tournament and Las Vegas-theme night at Neon Moon,” said Roberson.
Meanwhile, the Wood County Economic Development Commission (WCEDC) and Wood County’s residents are powerful winners, too, as a result of the Challenge.
“Besides having a tremendous impact on veterans and their families, the Challenge also brings in important dollars to our community from residents in surrounding counties,” said Christine Thomas, Executive Director of the WCEDC.
For Thomas, the event is personal since she donates her time to various non-profits, such as PSC, that serve veterans.
“Our mission to honor and support those who have sacrificed so much for our country continues with this wonderful event. I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to serve these organizations.”