Bethesda, MD – After being selected earlier this year as a PGA HOPE Carolinas Ambassador, Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Chris Aranda of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, traveled to Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, to represent the Carolinas Section at the 6th Annual PGA HOPE National Golf & Wellness Week. The weeklong event, held October 8–14, brought together 20 Ambassadors from across the country for a transformative experience of advanced golf instruction, leadership development, and mental wellness training.

For Aranda, it was a moment that felt like the culmination of years dedicated to the PGA HOPE mission.

“From Day 1 to Day 6 was a truly remarkable mental health and wellness experience,” said Aranda. “I’m still in shock and awe over how special the week was. It was the TOP of the Mountain for the PGA HOPE Ambassador program.”

Throughout the week, participants received world-class golf instruction while engaging in wellness sessions focused on stress management, public speaking, and connection. Chris said the itinerary was not only productive but deeply meaningful. “Those working at the national level truly put together a special itinerary,” he shared. “I gained so much respect for the PGA of America, Mr. Chris Nowak, and his amazing staff.”

One of the standout moments came early in the week when Aranda walked into the Men’s Locker Room at Congressional and saw his own name displayed on a locker—right next to Rory McIlroy’s. “It’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments you’ll never forget,” he said.

But beyond the prestige of the venue, what left the biggest impact was the sense of brotherhood among the Ambassadors. “It felt like being back in formation with your brothers in arms,” Chris reflected. “The sense of camaraderie and unity among each other was truly felt. Story time was mentally emotional for all of us, but we all knew we had a brother to pick you up and had your back.”

The experience also gave him a broader view of PGA HOPE’s national reach and impact. “Attendance provided the BIG picture from the national level,” he said. “Meeting my other Section Ambassadors and sharing ideas and experiences was immeasurable.”

Representing the Carolinas Section and the PGA HOPE Myrtle Beach community on a national stage was a source of immense pride for Chris. “It gave me a true sense of recognition for the hard work put into our Myrtle Beach PGA HOPE program,” he said. “I’m energized to reach my Veterans within the Carolinas and ensure PGA HOPE continues to save lives.”

“PGA HOPE saves lives! Don’t hesitate to be introduced to the program,” Aranda emphasized. “Allow your local Ambassador to mentor you through this amazing journey—you’ll regret that you ever hesitated.”

As he returned home to Myrtle Beach, Chris brought back a renewed sense of purpose and new ideas for growing the PGA HOPE Graduate League and Veteran engagement opportunities in the Carolinas. “As Section Ambassadors, we all left with a better feel for the program and shared innovative ideas amongst each other,” he said. “Everyone left this week with new tools in their golf bag to assist their own Chapters and Sections.”

For Aranda, PGA HOPE continues to be more than a program, it’s a family, a mission, and a lifeline. “It’s saving the lives of America’s heroes,” he said.