One of my favorite parts about publishing Stroll Edinburgh every month is the people I meet. Often, the residents and business partners we feature become friends. I feel so blessed to have gained new connections in the neighborhood. Sometimes they become close friends. Every once in a while, they become family. Such is the story of my relationship with Colonel Vince Apruzzese Sr. (Ret.).

I met Vince in early September 2024 after he was nominated for the upcoming Veterans Day edition of Stroll Edinburgh. Once he accepted the nomination (and if you know Vince, this did not take much convincing), we got to work. We met several times to discuss the article and the scheduled photo shoot. As we pulled the story together, Vince began sharing stories about the people who matter most to him, his Veteran community.

It was during these conversations that he invited me to be part of the Bear’s Best Veterans Charity Golf Classic. He described it as “a little golf outing.” It was anything but little. More than 100 golfers came out to play that day, and every single one of them was sponsored. Vince had set his mind on ensuring Veterans would play for free, and they did.

By the end of that first tournament in 2024, I knew I wanted to join the 2025 committee. Beginning in January, we met monthly to set goals, solicit sponsors and prizes, and work together to deliver the best possible experience for the Veterans, sponsors, and golfers attending the next event. Our committee includes Veterans and community members who deeply value service and sacrifice. The meetings often include shared war and service stories, a lot of friendly banter between branches, and always lunch. It is the highlight of my month. I am honored to sit at the table and serve alongside these ladies and gentlemen.

Vince has a way of collecting the very best people. His dear family friend, Jennifer Washington, has become a dear friend of mine as well. From the beginning, she has worked behind the scenes as a vital part of the raffle donation process. She is unafraid to ask anyone and everyone for support. Vince is much the same. He would line up large items for collection, and Jennifer would arrive in her Tahoe to pick them up. They are a dynamic duo and a constant source of inspiration for the rest of the committee. Each of us has been compelled by their leadership to do the same, and this competitive group just might be vying for the most prizes collected.

When I meet with potential Stroll partners, I often share information about the tournament and the sponsorship opportunities. It is a perfect partnership and a meaningful service opportunity for me. I come from a deep-rooted military family. Both of my grandfathers served in World War II. My dad served during the Vietnam War. I have three nephews currently on active duty and a long legacy of other relatives who have served over the years. This annual event allows me to serve Veterans in our community in a tangible way. I am grateful for the space Stroll provides to honor them often and to remind residents in Edinburgh that this tournament takes place right inside the neighborhood each November.

Our 2025 event faced challenges, including snow on the day of the tournament, but it was also filled with moments that made us proud to serve the greatest Americans. We were truly honored to raise money for the Georgia Purple Heart Association and the Georgia Veterans Day Association.

On November 10, 2025, the tournament raised more than $20,000 while ensuring Veterans played for free, reinforcing the event’s mission of gratitude and service. Bear’s Best General Manager Kenny Weiss summed up the day with heartfelt thanks.
“While totals are still being finalized, we are so thankful for the over $20,000 raised while not charging our amazing Veterans to play. Even with the cold, wind, and snow, we still had nearly 100 players of the 144 registered show up and play. Not all finished the round, but everyone got to enjoy an amazing experience. I am so thankful to our committee that took so much time and energy to support our amazing Veterans in the community. We came together to raise money, support Veterans, and provide a day of camaraderie for those who have served our country. It was another amazing event, and we can’t wait for next year’s event.”

The tournament brought out the best in everyone. More than 100 players enjoyed friendly competition, shared stories, and the unique fellowship that golf fosters. FOX 5 Atlanta’s Good Day Atlanta crew, including Paul Milikin, captured the atmosphere, highlighting the performance of The Star-Spangled Banner and a moment of silence to honor those who served. We were also blessed to have local Boy Scouts and NGHS JROTC members in attendance to honor our Veterans and volunteer throughout the day. (https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/bears-best-atlanta-hosts-annual-veterans-day-charity-classic)

It was a powerful reminder that this tournament is about far more than golf. It is about gratitude, service, and the community that comes together to ensure our Veterans are seen, honored, and never forgotten. In a month that invites reflection on devotion and commitment, this event stands as a testament to the enduring respect and appreciation owed to those who have served.

The success of this event would not have been possible without the generous support of its sponsors. Their contributions helped fund play for veterans and the tournament's overall success.

Title Sponsor: Fidelity Investments (https://fidelity.com)

Signature Sponsor: Van Hoof Family

Gold Sponsor: Jim Ellis Buick GMC Mall of Georgia (https://jimellisbuickgmcmog.com)

Silver Sponsors: Troncalli Subaru, Anderson Tate & Carr Attorneys (https://www.atclawfirm.com/)

Bronze Sponsors: 229 Vodka, Comfort Suites, Lou Sabh Honda, Bascom Law, Cassidy State Farm

(http://www.229vodkaandgin.com/, https://www.lousobhhonda.com/, https://bascomlaw.com/, sfcassidy.com, choicehotels.com/georgia/cumming)

Family Sponsors: Derry Duncan

A heartfelt thank you goes to the event’s organizing committee and volunteers whose dedication made the tournament run smoothly. Their hard work ensured that every veteran and supporter enjoyed an uplifting experience despite the early arrival of winter on the day of the tournament! 

Vince Apruzzese Sr.

Raymond Koscheck

Stephen Giacchino 

Catherine Graves

Heather Kohberger

Gerry Larsen

Ron Laurino

Walter Swemson

Jennifer Washington

Keith Wolf

Professional Photography provided by Steve Adeosun of BabaSteve Media (www.babastevemedia.com)

Our 2026 Committee is already hard at work planning a day of celebration for our Veterans. We look forward to sharing more about the event in the coming editions of Stroll Edinburgh this year!