Dan enlisted in the Minnesota National Guard in 2001 as a Field Artilleryman, receiving his commission in 2006. In 2009, he was deployed as a Platoon Leader with C Battery, 1-151st FA to Kuwait and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as Convoy Security. Dan also commanded HHB, 1-151st Field Artillery from 2012-2014. He medically retired from service in 2019.

Since 2008, he served in various roles as a Veterans’ Advocate, including Veteran benefits adjudication, as a County Veteran Services Officer (Carver County from 2014-2023), and now serves as the Federal VA’s Midwest Health Care Network’s Community Based Interventions Lead for Suicide Prevention. Dan is a PGA HOPE Graduate from the Chaska Chapter at Chaska Town Course. Throughout the program he was mentored by three PGA Golf Professionals: John Kellin, Derek Helstrom and Andrew Castle.

Through participating in PGA HOPE at the Chaska Town Course, Dan's found an amazing outlet to better his mental health. Having not been a golfer before starting the program, it has given him confidence in new skills - not just on the golf course, but also getting out of his comfort zone and spending more time outdoors. One unexpected and valuable bonus he found was the camaraderie and shared background with fellow veterans, providing a sense of community and support.

 

PGA HOPE is an opportunity every veteran should be afforded, and he's excited to raise money for this incredible cause!

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Please support Dan and help reach the 100 Holes for HOPE fundraising goal of $50,000. Your donation benefits PGA of America REACH Foundation Minnesota and its military program, PGA HOPE. Choose to make a financial pledge for every birdie made over 100-holes on July 26 or make a flat, one-time donation.