David Feherty's Troops First Foun­dation Holds Fundraiser in Triad

WINSTON-SALEM - Former professional golfer and current CBS Sports Commentator, David Feherty, was in the Triad Friday supporting his Troops First Foundation.

Feherty hosts six events a year to raise awareness for today's all-volunteer military, the men and women he calls, ‘True heroes.'

Friday morning injured and amputee service members took to the tees at Old Town Club in Winston-Salem.

"There's really an opportunity to create a relationship and get to know them a little bit beyond their disability and the initial kind of shock of seeing a guy hit a golf ball 300 yards on one leg, which is impressive,” said Feherty Troops First Foundation Committee member Chris Dunn.

One of the players this year was professional golfer and Army veteran Chad Pfeifer.

"I think one of the big parts is being able to be around other wounded soldiers and other soldiers in general to be able to get that comradery back that was kind of taken away from us in Iraq or Afghanistan," said Pfeifer.  

Pfeifer said events like Troops First help him, and other veterans, move forward and back into civilian life.

"They always have a good group of guys that is always fun to be around and meeting the people here at Old Town,” said Pfeifer. “It's really great."

Feherty and a friend from his native country of Ireland started the foundation in 2008. The sports journalist is a naturalized U.S. citizen.

"It means a great deal to me,” said Feherty. “I tell people there are four reasons this country is great and they are soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, in no particular order, and everything that we have we owe to them so the least we should do, as civilians given that they have given so much for us overseas, is to do our best for them."

He said these events are an opportunity to show service members some of the respect they deserve.

"It's not always the limb that's lost it's the dignity that they loose with it," said Feherty.  

Feherty said that's one sacrifice they should never have to make.

"They do so much for us and always have done. I am very proud to be an American. "

On Thursday, the Feherty Foundation held a silent and live auction that raised over $40,000. To donate or learn more about the foundation, visit here.