Road to the Veterans Cup: Supporting non-profits promote well-being among current, former military members

As the Veterans Cup approaches on Aug. 6, The Aspen Times will highlight respective non-profits supported by this event each week in July. Through these stories, we’ll explore how these organizations impact the well-being of veterans. 

The Veterans Cup, an annual event in the Roaring Fork Valley, is a premier golf tournament held at the Aspen Glen Golf Club. Its mission is to support veterans in the community. Founded by former Pitkin County Sheriff Joe DeSalvo and former Air Force Special Tactics Officer Ryan Del Grosso, the Veterans Cup Foundation aids several non-profits, including Warrior Saber, Music Therapy Retreats, and Huts for Vets.

One of these organizations, Warrior Saber, is run by veterans and honors those who continue to serve their communities post-military. This includes veterans working as first responders, teachers, volunteers, and coaches. Recognizing their efforts helps those struggling to transition to civilian life.

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“We reward veterans who are still serving their community after service,” Warrior Saber President Shawn Wentz said. “It’s the people still making a difference who we highlight.”

Warrior Saber hosts military-style ceremonies to honor these veterans, inclusive of their families, friends, and colleagues, presenting them with a ceremonial sword as a token of appreciation.

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These ceremonies can be life-changing.

Dan Timmons, a former U.S. Navy Veteran who worked in aviation ordnance, received his award at a pivotal moment.

“This happened at a magic time,” he said. “I was working full-time at a ranch and kept wondering if I was doing the right thing.”

He runs Allegiance Ranch, a non-profit offering a safe place for horses and veterans to heal and find purpose.

“Imposter syndrome set in pretty hard. There are a lot of people counting on you, and veterans’ welfare needs to be met,” he said. “I don’t want to say I was having a self-pity party, but I was headed in that direction.”

One Saturday, June 29, a group of veterans, including some unfamiliar faces, showed up at his ranch.

“All of a sudden, this guy pulls up, and I wondered, who is that?” recalled Timmons.

The visitor was Wentz, there to present Timmons with an award. It was a complete surprise.

“I thought it was so cool that they had all of my veterans (from Allegiance Ranch) and their veterans there, too,” Timmons said excitedly. “Everyone lined up as they would in the military, standing at attention and parade rest, and Shawn presented me with a saber.”

That moment was transformative for him. His doubts vanished, and he felt re-affirmed in his mission.

“It was the kick in the ass that I needed,” he admitted. “I realized that I have other support, and other people believe in me.”

Today, Timmons remains friends with Wentz and has even hosted another Warrior Saber presentation at his ranch. Both men highlight the importance of veterans helping veterans, and they extend their gratitude to all supporters, veteran or not.

To support non-profits like Warrior Saber, participate in or sponsor the Veterans Cup by visiting veteranscupfoundation.org.

For more information on Warrior Saber or Allegiance Ranch, or to donate directly, visit warriorsaber.org and allegianceranch.org.

Westley Crouch covers the City of Aspen and general reporting for The Aspen Times. He can be reached at 970-384-9124 or wcrouch@aspentimes.com.