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PGA HOPE Carolinas Ambassadors

Colton Hensley, Harold Hill, Alex Venker, and Chris Aranda

Colton Hensley

Branch of Service: US Army

Years of Service: 2009-2013

Colton Hensley is a PGA HOPE Asheville Graduate and former Cavalry Scout with the 101st Airborne Division. Since joining the HOPE program as a participant, Colton has started a journey to become a PGA Professional. After passing his Player Ability Test, Colton is now an Assistant Golf Professional at The Country Club of Asheville.

Learn more about Colton’s story HERE

Contact Colton at kingedward1388@gmail.com

Harold Hill

Branch of Service: US Coast Guard

Years of Service: 32 Years

Harold Hill is a PGA HOPE Charleston Graduate and Lead Peer Mentor at Kiawah Island. A retired law enforcement officer and Coast Guard Reservist, Harold has dedicated himself to serving fellow Veterans through PGA HOPE since 2018. He was selected to represent the Carolinas Section at the PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week.

Learn more about Harold’s story HERE

Contact Harold at harold1670@gmail.com

Alex Venker

Branch of Service: US Army

Years of Service: 2009-2024

Alex Venker is a PGA HOPE Charlotte Graduate from the Spring class of 2022. Golf is a game of joy and community for him, and his love for the game resonates in his continuous participation. Since his graduation, he has been involved in many ways, including being selected to represent the Carolinas Section at the PGA HOPE National Golf and Wellness Week in October 2024.

Learn more about Alex’s story HERE

Contact Alex at alexvenker@gmail.com

Chris Aranda

Branch of Service: US Army

Years of Service: 1984-2014

Chris Aranda is a PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach Graduate from the inaugural class of 2020. A retired U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, Chris has become a leader in the Myrtle Beach PGA HOPE community—volunteering at 29 sessions, mentoring over 560 graduates, and founding the PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach League. He was selected to represent the Carolinas Section at the 2025 PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week at Congressional Country Club.

Learn more about Chris’s story HERE

Contact Chris at Christopher.Aranda@va.gov