United States veterans who attended the Northern Trust golf tournament in Jersey City received VIP treatment.

In a partnership with United Rentals, the “Birdies for the Brave Military Outpost” gave active military members, veterans and their families a front row seat for the tournament, free of charge.

“We basically host all of our military members both past and present…It’s a nice way to interact with them as well as some of the veterans to come out and spend a nice day here at the course enjoying themselves,” says Chris Cox, the sports and entertainment director for United Rentals.

The servicemen also got to interact with NHL All-Star Devils forward Kyle Palmieri. Fifteen veterans from Palmieri’s Squad21 military program caddied for the tour on Wednesday.

“It’s a really special opportunity to spend some time at this military outpost and get to know some really special people who have sacrificed so much for our country and for our freedom,” Palmieri said. “The opportunity to be here and be and be around such incredible people is pretty special to me.”

Pro golfers playing in the Northern Trust also showed their gratitude to the military.

 

Golfer Ryan Palmer is using a different golf bag every day of the tournament to honor the military. The bags are all customized to represent each military branch.

“At the conclusion of each day we're leaving those in the locker room. All the players are signing those and then we will be auctioning them off through the Birdies for the Brave website,” Cox says.

Army veteran Carlos Vazquez says that the experience has been a dream come true. He says that he has lived in Jersey City his entire life and has always wanted to see the Liberty National Golf Course.

What they are doing for us is unbelievable. The support that organizations like this give us at this time is very badly needed and at the same time welcome by all of us,” Vazquez says.

United Rentals also gifted the Jersey City VFW a new handicap-accessible van for veterans.