Nearly 20 years ago, Carl Meyer had what he calls a "crazy idea."
He works in healthcare and heard about Hire Heroes USA, an organization created to help military members, veterans, and their spouses succeed in the workforce.
Carl made a goal to play 100 holes at Chenequa Country club in Hartland and it's all to help these families.
He has kept this tradition going, every year, on July 4th, for 17 years.
Thursday morning by 5:00, Carl was already awake with his American flag flying from his golf cart, hitting golf balls for this cause.
Every hole on the course is sponsored. Carl and the organization has already raised $185,000 this year.
Hire Heroes USA was started by a man named John Bardis. Over 100 employees and 1,400 volunteers help those in need by crafting resumes, using their military skills. They also conduct mock interviews.
Learn more about Hire Heroes USA
Carl knew he had to be a part of the mission to help those who have dedicated their lives to this country. As someone who has golfed for decades, creating the 100 Holes for Our Heroes initiative seemed like a natural fit. Over the years, through Hire Heroes USA, he has helped raise over 1.7 million dollars for military families.
TMJ4's Symone Woolridge asked Carl if he ever gets to hear from some of the veterans he's helped.
"There's a number of guys that have personally thanked me but the greater good is seeing the amount of veterans that we're helping," he said. "We'll hit as a charity, late fall, 100,000 veterans and military spouses will be placed in the last 18 years."
The impact is tremendous but Carl said there is still so much work to be done.
"Give it a try," Carl said about helping those in need. "If you think you can do something try. All you can do is fail. And the cost of failure is typically very little so if you give it an opportunity to try something."
Watch: Carl Meyers practices his golf swing for a good cause.
Carl received Hire Heroes USA's 2024 Community Impact Award.
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