Session Two

Bandon Dunes - May/June 2025

We are proud to announce that after a successful inaugural session, will be heading back to the world famous Bandon Dunes from May 25th to June 11th for our second session! This session, four veterans from around the United States will learn the art of caddying while also having the time to connect as a family and build a brotherhood similar to their time in the military.

What The Session Will Look Like

For 18 days, our four veterans will embark on a journey together that will change their lives forever. For some, having the break away from their real life struggles will be a total recharge. For others, having to set goals each day or week will help them get that personal drive they need to know that once home, they can do anything in life they want. Regardless of what each veteran is hoping to get out of their time in Bandon, we know this will be a healing experience that will live with them forever.

Each veteran has their own story, their own struggles and the want to move forward in life. Our session is designed to not only help these veterans learn how to be a successful caddie, but to also find whatever form of peace they are looking for.

The veterans will live together in a beautiful new home that is minutes from the beach and the resort where they can bond and build a brotherhood through their individual stories and experiences.

They will spend their time training on three courses: Bandon Crossings, Bandon Trails and Old Mac. Each week we will set goals for them to accomplish. By the end of each week, they will know the ins and outs of each course. Where to aim or where not to aim. How putts break and how they won’t. Once the session is complete, each veteran will leave having the experience and knowledge needed to find work as a caddie and be successful at it.

As the session goes on, they will also get to enjoy some fun golf experiences with the group. Each veteran will have the opportunity to play each of Bandon Dunes World Famous courses. All of which are in Golf Digest’s America’s Top 100 Golf Course list.

Our hope is that by the end of their time in Bandon, each of our veterans are able to find some purpose and healing through golf and caddying. It will be a jam packed experience but one they will never forget.

We encourage you to follow along on their journey via our social media channels which are hyperlinked below.

Introducing Our Session Two Class

David Dvorak

Staff Sergeant David Dvorak enlisted into the Air Force in 2003. Following his first semester of college, he knew he was unsure of his path in life. Even after enlisting, he changed career fields after the first month of training and decided to become a crew chief on the A-10 “Warthog”. Later in his career, David moved over to working on the U-2 “Dragon Lady”. David deployed to the United Arab Emirates, where he supported Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He also supported conflicts in Africa. Following his deployment, he switched career fields to contract management, which he continues to do today. David separated from the Air Force in 2014, but continues his civil service with the Department of Defense. Since separating, he has worked for the US Army, US Coprs of Engineers and the US Navy.

David’s parents have always been avid golfers. During a family visit, David took them to the base golf course, where he played a round using his stepfather’s clubs. After that round, David bought a set of Jack Nicklaus clubs and has been in love with the game ever since. Now, David relies on golf to help build friendships as well as reflect on his life and the decision that got him where he is today.

David met his wife Jinny in high school and got married before enlisting. She stuck by his side through all the moves, career changes and long days. They have lived in Portland, OR, for the last ten years and plan to make that their forever home.

Eric Godinez

Eric Godinez joined the Army National Guard in November 2008, as an Infantryman. After completing his training in Fort Benning, Georgia, he was fortunate to get a slot to attend Air Assault School. After reporting to his unit, 1-124th in Hollywood, Florida, Eric was notified that his unit was set to deploy in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While deployed, Eric’s unit conducted predominantly convoy security missions. After deployment, Eric spent the remainder of his seven years of service between his unit in Florida and the 1-158th based out of Prescott, Arizona.

Eric grew up playing some golf but stopped playing during his time in the military. When he left the service, his younger brother, an Infantryman with the 4th Infantry Division, got him back into playing golf, which has played a vital role in his life. Eric and his brother have bonded over the game throughout the years. Eric has also used the game to connect with friends and other veterans, allowing him to focus on a possible career path in the golf industry. After a multiple-year career in healthcare, Eric recently decided to go full-time in golf operations.

Eric is grateful to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with Loops Fore Troops to continue challenging himself, connect with other veterans and advance in the golf industry. “I never thought I would turn a hobby into a career, but it has been my best decision, and I will ride that wave.”

Joshua Etheridge

Sergeant Josh Etheridge enlisted in the Army in 2007 after attempting college and deciding it was not his path. During his military career, Josh served as a support element for the 10th Special Forces Group (A), deploying to Iraq and throughout Africa. Josh sustained a series of injuries while deployed and during airborne operations. These nagging injuries would carry on once Josh left the service in 2016, leading to isolation and depression.

In 2023, Josh was introduced to golf through the VA’s Hope Program. Josh found that golf required all his attention, helping him shut out all the outside noise and allowing his mind to quiet. Josh’s biggest benefit from his short time playing is that it has restored his drive. Currently, Josh is the Director of Veteran Services for Volunteers of America.

Josh has two kids, Julia, 11, and Ethan, 13, and resides in Broken Arrow, Ok.

Matthew Rawls

Continuing the tradition his father and grandfather set, Matthew enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2006. After graduating from infantry school as a 0311-Infantryman, his battalion, 1/23, was attached to 3/23 to conduct security operations in the Anbar Province of Iraq from 2007 to 2008. Two years later, 1/23 deployed to the Helmand Province in Afghanistan, where Matthew worked in the Command Operations Center at Camp Leatherneck to coordinate base security and unit tracking within the area of operation.

Matthew grew up hitting pinecones in the backyard with his mother’s set of golf clubs, but his love for golf began in 2019 after a coworker invited him to play in a scramble tournament. Golf became an outlet that provided a sense of belonging, creativity, and stress relief that were missing from daily life. He met one of his two best friends, David, a fellow veteran, while golfing together at Wine Valley Golf Club in Walla Walla, WA.

Matthew’s wife, Cody, encouraged him to apply for Loops Fore Troops as soon as he told her about it. They both hope that LFT will enrich his development and network so that he can pursue his passion. They married in 2012 and live in Beaverton, Oregon.

Session Sponsors

From all of us at Loops Fore Troops, we want to thank our session Title Sponsors: Storm King & Tee It Up for the Troops . From day one, Storm King has been a believer in our mission and we can’t thank them enough for all their support! After the success of our first session, Tee It Up for the Troops graciously stepped in to help make sure our second session would be as successful as the first.

Session Location

We would like to also thank our host locations: Bandon Dunes Golf Resort & Bandon Crossings Golf Course who have graciously opened up their tee sheet and facilities to help further our mission. Our veterans will have the chance to play each course before they tackle it with a golfer. The Bandon Dunes caddies have showed an overwhelming interest in volunteering to be the players for our veterans. Their local knowledge and caddie experience will play a vital role as they will give valuable feedback to our veterans during and after the round.

Yardage Book Sponsor
StrackaLine

StrackaLine, The #1 Book (Yardage Books and Greens Guides) in golf since 2007 has graciously donated yardage books for each course that our veterans will navigate. To further their support for our mission, StrackaLine is offering all our followers and supporters a 20% discount if you use our code “LOOPSFORETROOPS” at checkout.

Clothing Sponsor
Travis Mathew

All of our veterans will hit the course in style with a full kit from Travis Mathew. We can’t thank Travis Mathew enough for stepping in to help make sure we’re all looking good on and off the course!

Other Brands Helping Us Out

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Loops Fore Troops is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization

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