Hometown Hero Outdoors’ 9th Annual Charity Golf Tournament Sets a New Standard at Stillwater Country Club
One week ago, more than 160 golfers, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters gathered at Stillwater Country Club for the 9th Annual Operation Birdie, proving once again what can happen when a community rallies behind those who have served.
Despite heat index temperatures climbing to nearly 105 degrees, participants embraced the challenge, enjoyed a beautiful day on the course, and helped raise more than $50,000 to support the mission of Hometown Hero Outdoors.
Operation Birdie has become one of Minnesota’s premier charity golf tournaments, with proceeds helping provide outdoor adventures and peer support opportunities for veterans, active-duty military service members, and first responders nationwide. This year’s event reached another milestone by selling out in just 14 hours—a testament to the incredible support from our community and partners.
A New Home at Stillwater Country Club
For the first time, Operation Birdie was hosted at the beautiful Stillwater Country Club, and the experience exceeded every expectation.
From the moment golfers arrived, the professionalism, hospitality, and attention to detail from the Stillwater Country Club staff were evident. Their team helped create a first-class experience that perfectly matched the growth of Operation Birdie, and we’re incredibly grateful for their partnership.
A Patriotic Start to an Unforgettable Day
The opening ceremony reminded everyone why Operation Birdie exists.
Following a moving rendition of the National Anthem by our friend Cindy Jo, several beautifully restored World War II aircraft flew overhead moments before the noon shotgun start. It was a breathtaking tribute that honored the service and sacrifice of the military members, veterans, and first responders we proudly serve.
Throughout the day, golfers enjoyed:
- Sponsor activations across the course
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka experiences
- Golf Ball Cannon challenges
- Hole-in-One contests
- Longest Drive competitions
- Closest-to-the-Pin contests
- Firearm raffles
- Silent Auction
- Live Auction
- 50/50 raffle
- Survivor Ball and Mulligan Ball games
The evening concluded beneath the large outdoor event tent with a Bones Brothers BBQ dinner, tournament awards, live auction, raffle drawings, and a celebration of another successful year.
Volunteers: The Backbone of Operation Birdie
Events like this simply do not happen without volunteers.
From setting up before sunrise to working long hours in extreme heat, directing golfers, staffing registration, selling raffle tickets, preparing the evening program, and staying until every last chair and table was packed away, our volunteers demonstrated exactly what servant leadership looks like.
To each of you who gave your time, energy, and heart—thank you. Hometown Hero Outdoors is stronger because of you.
Thank You to Our Community Partners
We also want to recognize the organizations that helped make the day even more special.
Thank you to:
- Stillwater Country Club
- Washington County Sheriff’s Office
- Stillwater Police Department
- Stillwater Fire Department
- Washington County Veterans Service Office
Your presence helped create an event that celebrated service while strengthening the partnership between our nonprofit and the communities we serve.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Operation Birdie would not be possible without the incredible generosity of our sponsors.
Special thanks to:
- Renewal by Andersen
- Action Rental
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Cockleman Financial
- Whitetail Garage Doors
- Edward Jones
- Platinum Bank
- TSI Plastics
- Water Street Inn
- Stone Arch Commodities
- Outdoor Operations
- Kaeser Compressors
- Polar Tool
- State Farm
- Dan Stoudt
- T-Rex Utilities
- Cornerstone Automotive Group
Your investment in this event directly supports life-changing outdoor programs for veterans, military members, and first responders.
Looking Ahead to Operation Birdie’s 10th Anniversary
While we’re incredibly proud of what we accomplished this year, we’re already thinking about what’s next.
Operation Birdie 2027 will mark our 10th Annual tournament—a milestone we’re excited to celebrate.
If this year’s event is any indication, next year’s tournament will fill even faster than the 14 hours it took this year. We’re already brainstorming new experiences, bigger moments, and exciting ways to make our 10th anniversary the most memorable Operation Birdie yet.
If you’d like to become a sponsor, donate auction items, volunteer, or secure your place for future events, we encourage you to follow Hometown Hero Outdoors on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for upcoming announcements.
Together, we’re changing lives—one adventure at a time.
About Hometown Hero Outdoors
Hometown Hero Outdoors is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the mental wellness of military service members, veterans, and first responders through outdoor adventures, peer support, and meaningful connections. By reducing barriers to participation and building lifelong relationships, Hometown Hero Outdoors continues to create opportunities for healing, resilience, and hope across the country.
