Hope for the Warriors Celebrity Invitational: Stories of Service, Camaraderie, and Community

At the 16th Annual Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament, veterans, celebrities, supporters, and families gathered at the stunning River Landing in Wallace, NC, to celebrate resilience, camaraderie, and the unwavering mission of Hope For The Warriors.

In a special on-site episode of the Hope For The Warriors Podcast, General William “Spider” Nyland (USMC, Ret.) and former MLB pitcher and broadcaster Nelson Figueroa joined host Kate Dudley outside the clubhouse after a beautiful day on the dual courses at River Landing. Together, they shared memories of golf, laughter, Warrior Night, fundraising, and most importantly, the impact of Hope For The Warriors on service members and their families.

For Nelson Figueroa, this was his first experience at the HOPE Invitational, and it left a lasting impression: “The camaraderie of getting together with everyone involved in this great organization—you see how much it has grown, how people respond, and how much fun this event continues to be. I’m inviting at least five more people next time,” he shared.

Figueroa compared the annual Warrior Night to his days in baseball, where rookies learn protocol and veterans pass down tradition. “Sunday night was a prime example. People stood up not just to donate but to share personal testimony about what this meant to them and their families. There was so much respect for every branch of the military. As a civilian, it was incredible to be welcomed into that.”

General Nyland, a longtime supporter of the Hope For The Warriors, and the President of Warrior Night reflected on the event’s legacy and purpose. “I’ve been doing this for 16 or 17 years, and this ranks in the top three, if not the very best. Hope For The Warriors is such a magnificent organization. What they do for our young servicemen and women who need help is just marvelous, helping them find stability, sustain it, and be functioning members of the community.”

Nyland also highlighted the joy and energy of Warrior Night, a tradition filled with pranks, laughter, and generosity. “It’s fun being up there, picking on people with a smile, and watching donations pour in. The purpose is so poignant. Everybody understands why we’re there, to give back.”

Warrior Night has become a highlight of the HOPE fundraising event, blending military tradition with humor and heartfelt giving. From monetary fines for dress code violations to staged pranks, the evening always surprises.

“It was phenomenal to see the respect given and respect earned. People stood up to donate thousands of dollars in minutes, not for recognition, but because they believed in the cause,” Nelson said. “There was no ego, just, ‘Look how much we did together.’”

This year’s event was a resounding success, raising more than $250,000. With additional support from Wells Fargo and CVS Health, HOPE is ensuring that our nation’s heroes receive the resources they need to thrive. The Invitational weekend united 20 celebrities, 18 flag officers, 50 dedicated volunteers, and the incredible North Carolina community, proving once again that when we come together, we can achieve extraordinary things.

The Invitational is about more than golf, it’s about connection. Nelson and Spider recalled powerful stories, such as veteran Kevin Bittenbender, who dedicated the final four holes of his round to fallen teammates.

Nyland described it best. “It was like having a history lesson on somebody who made a difference for this country. Absolutely fabulous.”

Nelson echoed that sentiment. “I met veterans whose stories gave me chills. One said, ‘I don’t have legs, but I have more than that now. I have family and friends through Hope For The Warriors.’ That’s the kind of hope this organization creates, it’s not just dollars, it’s time, relationships, and constant support.”

What stood out most to both Spider and Nelson was the sense of military camaraderie and community that defines the event.“Every time I drive in here, it’s like coming home to family,” said Spider. “Seeing new faces join us each year spreads the mission. And we need fresh blood, people who will carry on the work of supporting military service members and their families.”

Events like the Hope For The Warriors Celebrity Invitational remind us that honoring service means more than words, it’s about action, community, and sustained support. With over 90cents of every dollar going directly to programs that serve veterans and their families, Hope For The Warriors ensures that generosity translates into real change.

Whether through golf, fishing tournaments, or veteran fundraising events like the Invitational, the mission remains the same: to restore hope, celebrate resilience, and build community.