Veterans Day: Rob Riggle, PXG give again to assist increase $10 million

Rob Riggle is a really humorous man. He’s identified for a few of his over-the-top roles in “The Hangover,” “Step-Brothers” and his time as a “Each day Present” correspondent, amongst varied different issues. He’s simply one of many extra recognizable faces in comedy.

However what many individuals could not know is the extremely charitable facet of Riggle.

Riggle is a retired U.S. Marine who spent 23 years of service, enlisting in 1990 and retiring in 2023 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served the primary 9 years in energetic obligation and his ultimate 14 in reserve. Like so many veterans, Riggle is captivated with giving again and serving to fellow vets re-acclimate into society.

One such method he discovered to achieve success in that endeavor was via the sport of golf, which he was gracious sufficient to element in an unique interview with Taking part in By means of.

Semper Fi & America’s Fund

The Semper Fi & America’s Fund is closing in on its twentieth anniversary subsequent spring. To this point, they’ve given greater than $320 million in grants to help 31,000 combat-wounded, in poor health, and injured service members, veterans, and navy households.

For the twelfth consecutive 12 months, PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf) and The Bob & Renee Parsons Basis are partnering with Semper Fi via their PXG Double Down for Veterans match marketing campaign.

By means of the tip of the 12 months, each greenback raised as much as $10 million PXG CEO Bob Parsons and his spouse Renee will match via their marketing campaign. If that objective is met, it can convey the entire matched as much as $100 million for the reason that starting of their partnership.

Riggle, a long-time proponent and shut pal to PXG and Parsons, continues to be a car via which the Basis displays its heartfelt philanthropic undertakings.

PXG and Riggle sharing Semper Fi values

PXG Founder and CEO, Bob Parsons, can also be a retired member of america Marine Corps.

Parsons enlisted in 1968 and shortly thereafter, discovered himself collaborating within the Vietnam Warfare. He later turned a recipient of the Purple Coronary heart Medal, Fight Motion Ribbon and Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.

All through his profession, he has overtly mentioned the impacts of PTSD from service, and has helped encourage so many to achieve out for assist. As just lately as a few weeks in the past, Parsons posted an inspirational, earnest message to veterans battling PTSD.

That’s one thing that Riggle is equally captivated with. It was the proper partnership.

“I used to be fortunate sufficient to attach with PXG after they had been beginning out, a 12 months or two after they launched. Over time, I bought to know them they usually bought to know me. We simply gravitated towards each other so far as our values and issues we care about.”

“I actually fell in love with PXG and Bob and Renee—their dedication to giving again to our service members.”

“I used to do a golf match referred to as the InVETational Golf Basic. Bob and Renee used to match no matter I raised at my match. So, I at all times attempt to make myself obtainable to what they’re doing as a result of I consider in what they’re doing,” mentioned Riggle.

The comic went on to element not solely how he discovered the sport of golf, however why it may be so helpful to veterans.

Rob Riggle finds ‘The Biggest Sport’

“I discovered an outdated set of Kenny Smith golf golf equipment hanging in my grandfather’s machine shed. They had been purchased again within the 50’s. They had been these stunning, wooden, custom-made golf equipment… thought-about very excessive finish golf golf equipment,” Riggle informed Taking part in By means of.

“I had a military bag of outdated golf balls and began whacking them out within the pasture—beloved it! I used to be most likely 12 years outdated. I hit that one magic 3-wood that went 200—possibly 210 [yards]. To me it felt prefer it was a moonshot and that was it. I used to be hooked for all times,” Riggle mentioned.

“I beloved the sport. I at all times beloved it.”

The longtime comic parlayed that zeal and love for golf into expertise on the course.

This previous July, Riggle competed in his eighth American Century Championship in Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

Picture by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Photographs

Golden State Warriors level guard Steph Curry captured the win in epic trend this 12 months, sinking a prolonged downhill eagle putt on 18 Sunday.

American Century Investments, the 25-year title sponsor of the occasion, has helped increase tens of tens of millions of {dollars} for the Stowers Establishment in addition to native charities in Southern California and Nevada.

Golf has at all times been a sport that breeds generosity and charitable ventures. However the sport, because the comic defined, can also be an effective way to assist veterans re-acclimate to society.

“I believe there are ancillary advantages to the sport of golf,” Riggle mentioned.

“You will have catastrophically wounded veterans… you might have lots of veterans which have wounds you could’t see.

“Lots of our veterans are affected by isolation. They don’t need to speak about their issues, burden different folks with their issues, they really feel a disgrace and really feel like they need to have the ability to deal with their issues.”

“What occurs is lots of our veterans find yourself isolating, which is the worst factor they will do.”

Picture by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Photographs for SAG-AFTRA Basis

However therein lies the connection I used to be after.

Riggle fantastically expressed why the game of golf can assist break that cycle of isolation and potential deepening melancholy.

“I believe golf is an excellent avenue to… be amongst pals, friends, even strangers that you’re simply assembly for the primary time. It’s a beautiful social sport. It will get you out, it will get you speaking, it will get you interacting, your physique transferring.

“When you begin enjoying it, you fall in love with the sport. Particularly in case you hit that ball properly a couple of times, you’re going to be hooked.”

Anybody that performs golf is aware of that sentiment to be true. Past how golf helps vets specifically, the accessibility of the game transcends.

“It doesn’t matter in case you are a boy or a woman… younger or outdated… it’s a sport that’s obtainable to everybody.”

“That’s why I really like golf and I find it irresistible for the veteran neighborhood.”

Riggle, together with PXG, proceed 12 months after 12 months to offer again and assist these in want.

Veterans Day is at all times a stark reminder of what those that served sacrificed for People to benefit from the civil liberties of right now. But, those that served have usually been missed in society and typically need assistance.

Studying what PXG, Riggle and others do for our veterans has been one of many extra rewarding experiences of my profession. I firmly consider that all of us ought to be a little bit extra like them and provides again after we can, whereas having fun with the world’s best sport.

If you need to donate, you are able to do so on the Semper FI & America’s Fund web site right here.

Kendall Capps is the Senior Editor of SB Nation’s Taking part in By means of. For extra golf protection, comply with us @_PlayingThrough on all main social platforms.