The Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course was founded on May 3, 2004 and immediately launched funding efforts to underwrite ambitious plans for the needed improvements, including expansion of the course to an 18 hole golf course (fully ADA Accessible), and to make the course accessible to all veterans, not just the able-bodied.  The resulting facility, once a little-known amenity, now attracts thousands of veterans every year.

The American Lake Veterans Golf Course is completely staffed by volunteers who maintain the course and provide services to the players.  Many of these dedicated individuals first came to American Lake as patients and learned first-hand of the tremendous benefits of the course experience for wounded and recovering veterans.

Over the years, the Friends have funded a covered driving range, a covered pavilion for veterans events, larger tee boxes, handicapped accessible bunkers and greens, and specialized golf carts that allow mobility-impaired golfers to play.

The volunteers who live the mission of American Lake Veterans Golf Course see the results of their work every day.

To assist with the improvement, care and maintenance of the American Lake Veterans Golf Course to enable disabled veterans to rehabilitate themselves both physically and emotionally, so all military personnel and veterans can enjoy the benefits of golf in a positive, therapeutic and accepting social environment.

As in the past, today’s servicemen and women are sustaining injuries while serving in our country’s armed forces.  All injuries are serious, some resulting in the loss of limbs or vision.  Not all injuries are readily visible, or may appear to be minor and of limited visible impact — but all have an effect on the Soldier, Marine, Sailor, Airman or Coast Guardsman.  Recreational activities like those offered at the American Lake Veterans Rehabilitation Center and Golf Course, a fully ADA Accessible nine hole golf course, located adjacent to Fort Lewis, Washington, have a positive impact on the health and recovery of veterans and their families.

Board Members

Bruce Nelson, Bruce McKenty, Cody Miller, Ed Trobaugh, Don Anderson, Pepper Roberts, Gene Daniel, Jim Sims, Jim Martinson, Michael Bickford,  Bob Krajczynski, David Walters, Wolf Fletter, Jim Jackson, Pat Gailey, Mory Manning, Ken Still, Rick Names, Stan Naccartto, Roger Gatts, Ron Harvey, Pat Steel, John Lee