Every August, the quiet charm of Wallace, North Carolina transforms into a powerhouse of patriotism, philanthropy, and fairways.
The 16th Annual Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational at River Landing Country Club wasn’t just another golf tournament.
It was – as always — a living tribute to resilience, community, and the enduring spirit of America’s veterans.
Check out our segment here.
We always ask the same rhetorical question:
Why HOPE? Because HOPE isn’t just a word—it’s a mission.
Founded in 2006 by military families aboard Camp Lejeune, Hope For The Warriors has spent nearly two decades restoring strength, stability, and community to post-9/11 service members, veterans, and their families.
From mental health support to transition services, HOPE is a lifeline for those who’ve sacrificed everything. And more than 90% of funds raised go directly to veterans in need.
Legends Who Built—and Still Fuel—HOPE
Like past year, this year’s invitational brought out the big hitters—literally.
MLB Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, fellow Major Leaguer and University of Kentucky Hall of Famer Doug Flynn, NBA legend Jack Marin, actor Craig Conover (Southern Charm), and singer-songwriter Dillon Dixon joined a roster of celebrities, military leaders, and business pros who didn’t just play—they listened, laughed, and lifted spirits. It was storytelling on the greens, where every swing honored a hero.
Two Marine legends deserve special mention:
• Major General Bob Dickerson, commander at Camp Lejeune when HOPE began, helped launch the golf event and today remains a driving force.
• Colonel John Kopka, who runs Mess Night fundraising with a stern yet hysterical flair. His message is clear: Don’t mess at the Mess.
How Celebrity Roots Sparked HOPE
Back in the early 2000s, Johnny and Doug had a revelation while playing on the Celebrity Players Tour:
“Why are we playing golf for money?”
They wanted the dollars raised to go to people who truly needed it—to give back to those who protect us.
That’s how Hope For The Warriors was born, through the families of veterans at Camp Lejeune in nearby Jacksonville, NC.
My Mind-Blowing Revelation
When Johnny and Doug shared their story, it triggered a memory that still blows me away.
A few months after a Celebrity Players Tour event at Camp Lejeune—four or five days of golf, food, drink, and camaraderie—I was at O’Hare Airport in Chicago. I spotted a group of Marines and struck up a conversation, mentioning the golf event.
One Marine smiled and said, “You were the most protected celebrities in the world.”
What he explained was something I cannot tell you here – for security reasons.
Still, I was stunned at what was done to stop another possible attack.
And none of us golfer-visitors had any idea.
While we were teeing off and telling jokes, they were quietly guarding us.
That moment cemented for me what Johnny and Doug had realized: we owe these Americans more than applause—we owe them action.
Mess Night: Fundraising Meets Marine Humor
To make the give-back effort unforgettable, we leaned into the Marine tradition: Mess Night. And Colonel Kopka made it legendary again.
Picture a formal dinner where decorum meets comic chaos. Guests are “charged” with humorous infractions like:
• Going to the restroom without permission
• Wearing too much cologne
• Swinging a golf club like a sandbag
• Telling dad jokes on the tee box
Each charge comes with a playful fine, and every dollar raised goes straight to Hope For The Warriors. It’s storytelling, satire, and service rolled into one—and proof that healing can happen with humor.
Our segment captures some of the hilarity.
Why River Landing?
Because River Landing is more than a golf course. Nestled in Wallace, NC, it’s a pristine, welcoming community that rolls out the red carpet for HOPE. Thanks to the generosity of Murphy Family Ventures and local residents, the event has grown from a modest tournament into a full weekend of camaraderie, connection, and impact.
To make travel arrangements, visit One Travel.
The Inn at River Landing
A cornerstone of the weekend’s hospitality is The Inn at River Landing. It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a hub of comfort and connection. The Inn graciously hosts veterans, celebrities, and volunteers, ensuring every guest feels welcomed and honored.
From early-morning tee times to late-night Mess Night laughs, the Inn provides a seamless experience that lets HOPE’s mission shine. Their staff doesn’t just serve—they support.
I know. I left my reading glasses in the room. Didn’t realize it until I got home. A few days later, they arrived in the mail—courtesy of an Inn staffer. That’s HOPE in action.
Make a booking on Expedia.
Corporate Powerhouses with Heart
This year’s impact was supercharged by two powerhouse partners: Wells Fargo and CVS Health. Their support wasn’t just financial—it was foundational. And they brought the laughs, too.
From underwriting veteran programs to sponsoring golf teams and matching donations during Mess Night, these brands showed that corporate citizenship can be deeply personal. Their presence sent a clear message: when industry leaders invest in HOPE, they’re investing in lives, legacies, and lasting healing.
HOPE Changes Lives
From sponsors to volunteers, the outpouring of support was palpable. Funds raised go directly to programs that serve wounded veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan—those who’ve borne the weight of war and deserve every ounce of dignity and care we can offer.
Because every moment matters.
Whether it was a handshake with a Medal of Honor recipient, a shared laugh over a missed putt, or a quiet moment of reflection at the dinner gala, this event reminded us:
HOPE isn’t abstract.
It’s personal.
It’s powerful.
And it’s possible—when we all show up.
Want to Get Involved?
Visit Hope For The Warriors official site or check out the Celebrity Invitational page for sponsorship and donation opportunities. You’ll also find other events—beyond golf—that HOPE hosts across the country.
Let’s keep swinging—with purpose.
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John Daly and Susan Anzalone are the Co-Creators and Co-Hosts of Undercover Jetsetter, a show on travel, food, and booze. They show you how to jet set the world and at home. They also co-authored the book, The TV Studio In Your Hand: How to Shoot, Edit & Deliver the Easy Way on Your iPhone. Join them for tips and hacks on the road, at home, or in the kitchen, and all over the world. And yes, as you will see, all on the iPhone. Susan is an expert in food and wine since her childhood days in Australia and then the United States, being the daughter of two lifelong employees of Pan Am Airlines. John is also a world traveler starting when he studied in Italy through his alma mater Providence College. John is also a Nevada Hall of Fame Broadcaster during his years as a Las Vegas news anchor at KTNV. He gained international fame as the host of the first all-video news magazine show, Real TV while also securing his bartending and mixology credentials from the Harvard Bartending School. You can follow them here on the free Wingding app on the Food and Travel Channels, on YouTube, Facebook, X, and Instagram.