By Keiko Rector, Public Affairs Specialist
It took Army Veteran Chuck Zimmer 45 years to get connected with VA healthcare. When asked what made him finally get the healthcare that he deserves, he thinks back to his father, a WW2 Marine Veteran and Purple Heart Recipient, and the struggles he went through.
“He had Japanese shrapnel still in his spine and a brain bleed in half his brain at 72. That’s only two years younger than me,” said Zimmer. “He would pass out on the side of the highway and have no help. You watch what your parents go through. I think I have it tough. No, they opened that door wide open for me so that I have choices.”
Once connected to VA care, Chuck started hearing about the different games offered to Veterans but thought he wouldn’t be able to do them because of his blindness. Then, he had a moment of clarity.
“I said I have to see how others are responding to it, and I’ve loved it ever since,” he reflects.
For 14 years, he and his wife Judy have gathered with fellow Veterans to attend the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic while celebrating their wedding anniversary.
“There is no better way to celebrate our anniversary than amongst all these Veterans,” said Judy with a giant smile. “It’s so much fun to be able to connect with other Veterans who have gone through the same thing. I am probably more excited than he is for these events. I really love it.”
They work together as a team on the golf course, Judy guiding Chuck on where he should stand and aim, and Chuck cracking jokes as any husband of over five decades would. Their banter is nothing less than comical and heartwarming until a calm voice of clarity reminds them to get back to the game; it’s their youngest daughter, Amy. This year was the first year that Amy, an Air Force Veteran, was eligible to attend the clinic after becoming legally blind.
Though the Zimmers were tired after their first day of golfing, which was also Chuck and Judy 52nd anniversary, the golf clinic gave the Zimmers the most priceless gift of all…time.
“It was the first time golfing with my dad, ever in my life,” Amy said as she wiped tears from her eyes. “A lot of people maybe don’t know who their dad is or maybe never met them. I am blessed to have my parents still alive, and up and at it, and active, and trying to live a healthy life.” She pauses to gather herself as she reflects on the cherished moment, “It is such a huge blessing.”
Her parents echo the feeling. “It was my dream for her to be able to do this and for him to be young enough to be able to participate in these things,” exclaimed Judy. “Every day is a blessing; you never know when your time is up.”
Out of 223 Veterans, Chuck and Amy are the only father-daughter duo attending the clinic this year. They are both active in the recreational program at their Detroit VA, where they gather with fellow Veterans to participate in various adaptive sports programs and exercise. It’s a similar comradery that attracted them to the golf clinic.
“I want to make sure that every Veteran and their special person comes out here and gives this place a go,” encouraged Chuck. “It’s awesome, it really is. I am very happy with it.” Like-father-like-daughter, Amy agreed, saying “I love it. I hope to keep coming until I’m too old and can’t come anymore.”
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