Troon Honors Those Who Have Served This Veterans Day
In the heart of Troon, a community bound by history, camaraderie, and shared values, we find ourselves indebted to a group of extraordinary individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of our nation. These are our very own associates, our friends, our neighbors—Veterans who have, in various capacities, answered the call of duty and proudly carried the mantle of responsibility to protect and defend our country.
Today, we gather not only to express our profound gratitude for their unwavering service, but also to share the inspiring stories of these remarkable men and women. Each one of them has walked a unique path, embodying the values of sacrifice, courage, and selflessness. They have faced challenges, endured sacrifices, and exemplified resilience in the face of adversity. Their stories are a testament to the indomitable spirit that unites us as a community.
As we honor and celebrate several Troon associates who are Veterans, we are not only recognizing their invaluable contributions to our nation but also celebrating the strength of our community in supporting and standing alongside them. Join us as we hear their stories, as they inspire us with their journeys, and as we express our heartfelt appreciation for their service.
Jimmie Chess
Director of Golf / Manager
Joe Louis “The Champ” Golf Course Riverdale, IL
Q: What branch of the Military were you in and how long did you serve?
A: United States Army CSM (R) Jimmie B Chess
Q: What is something you learned from your experience in the military that helps you in your daily personal or professional life now?
A: The Army culture was based on a framework of “Be, Know, and Do”. “Be” a person of high morals and values. “Know” your job and be technically and tactically proficient. Always “Do” what’s Right.
Kristen Ortiz
Staff Accountant, Customer Finance
Corporate Office, Reston, VA
Q: What branch of the Military were you in and how long did you serve?
A: I served in the Army Reserves from 2001-2009 (I was in the middle of basic training when 9/11 happened). I was a Civil Affairs Specialist and deployed to northern Iraq in 2003 as part of Task Force Viking.
Q: What is something you learned from your experience in the military that helps you in your daily personal or professional life now?
A: One of my main missions was to work with the local populations all over northern Iraq to ensure the safety and security of schools, mosques, and other civilian infrastructure that was deemed important by local officials. As one of only a handful of women that deployed in support of Special Forces, I also worked as a liaison with the local female Muslim community. My experience has taught me the importance of communication and teamwork, especially in high stress situations.
Rey Tacsiat
Superintendent
Ocean Course Hokuala, Kauai, Hawaii
Q: What branch of the Military were you in and how long did you serve?
A: I was with the National Guard for 25 years. Early on, I traveled a lot: Korea, Japan, Australia. Then in 2002 they picked only four guys from Hawaii to join a team in Bosnia and lead the younger crew there and I was one of the four selected. In 2005 with Iraq, it was my whole unit that was called over. Kawika Parangan (Outside Guest Services at Hokuala) was in my unit for Iraq – I was glad to have a friendly face, someone I knew from Kauai.
Q: What is something you learned from your experience in the military that helps you in your daily personal or professional life now?
A: When we went to Bosnia, it was such a different culture and way of life over there; that’s when I realized that life is not cheap, and you must work hard for it. How I see people live over there and how the war started, it made me really appreciate where I came from and the people of the islands. Initially when I went to Iraq, I didn’t want to come home, I thought I could stay over there for a long time. But then when I experienced what I did, it made me appreciate life even more – appreciate every day, what we have at home with our families.
It wasn’t easy though – I didn’t realize I would take it (the war) home with me. I was hardheaded and didn’t want to talk about what we went through over there with anyone. I wanted to keep it all to myself, and I had to find the strength to be able to talk about it. For me, now, working is my therapy, I enjoy it and am happy to be out on the golf course every day. I have always loved the outdoors and especially now after what I experienced, I love the openness of the golf course, the surroundings and peacefulness.
Tom Nelson
Mechanic
Volcano Golf Course, Volcano, Hawaii
Q: What branch of the Military were you in and how long did you serve?
A: U.S. Air Force – Jet engine mechanic for the B-52 Stratofortress and KC-135 Stratotanker and served from 1965-1970. I was a Sargent E4 and traveled to Okinawa and Thailand during my service.
Q: What is something you learned from your experience in the military that helps you in your daily personal or professional life now?
A: “Doing your best at all times” – the work ethic that was instilled in me by my military service has carried over in many aspects of my professional and personal life.
Craig Smith
General Manager
Enger Park, Duluth, MN
Q: What branch of the Military were you in?
A: US Army, Captain (Ret), Armor
Q: What is something you learned from your experience in the military that helps you in your daily personal or professional life now?
A: My experience as both an Enlisted and an Officer has given me the opportunity to bring a strong work ethic and team building atmosphere to maximize efficiency and productivity.
Kawika Parangan
Outside Guest Services
Ocean Course Hokuala, Kauai Hawaii
Q: What branch of the Military were you in and how long did you serve?
A: Army and National Guard for 23 years. I was in both Iraq and Afghanistan and upon retirement was an E6 – Staff Sergeant.
Editor note: In 2022, Kawika was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal from the National Guard. His award noted “During his career SSG Parangan demonstrated extraordinary leadership, technical, and training skills. His career has been marked by true professionalism and dedication and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, the Hawaii Army National Guard and the United States Army.”
Q: What is something you learned from your experience in the military that helps you in your daily personal or professional life now?
A: Work ethic and responsibility; learn to communicate with others – working as a team is a big thing in the military, it’s not individual. You are always looking out for every person in your team, in front of you, beside you, behind of you, and relying on the team to complete the mission.
David Hoyt
General Manager
Stonebridge Golf Club, Rome, Georgia
Q: What branch of the Military were you in and how long did you serve?
A: I originally enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1984 and was discharged in 1987 to attend Navy Officer Candidate School. I served in the Navy from 1987 until 2014 and retired after serving 30+ years. At retirement I was a Navy Commander.
Q: What is something you learned from your experience in the military that helps you in your daily personal or professional life now?
A: The leadership and management toolkit I developed in the Navy serves me every day in my role as a golf course general manager. The ability to prioritize, multi-task, and communicate with my team members is invaluable to achieving our hospitality mission as well as discharging the routine administrative requirements of my position.
Troon's Partnership With Folds of Honor
Troon and Folds of Honor have come together in a remarkable partnership that’s built on dedication and meaningful connections. Folds of Honor, founded by Lt. Col. Rooney in 2007, has provided over 51,000 scholarships to the families of America’s fallen or disabled military personnel.
Troon plays an active role in this partnership, encouraging its owned and managed clubs and properties to support Folds of Honor through various events and fundraisers. These activities include raffles, tournaments, Missing Man tables with donation options, races, silent/live auctions, and grandiose gala events.
The Patriot Troon Card is another significant aspect of this collaboration, offering special rates at participating Troon-owned/managed properties to veterans, active-duty military, police, firefighters, and EMTs. Folds of Honor benefits directly from the sale of each Patriot Troon Card, and since 2021, Troon has raised over $1.2 million to support their mission. Together, they continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those who have served our country.
For more information visit https://old.troon.com/product/2024-patriot-troon-card/
