Submitted photo: Gowrie native Katelyn Johnson stands with the Black Hawk Helicopter and (left to right) CW3 Bryan Laleman, pilot in command; CW2 Travis Becker, pilot; 1SG Jason Zeliadt, crew chief; and SPC Zane Nelson, crew chief. American flags and combat boots (above) represent the 22 service members lost to suicide every day.

GOWRIE — Katelyn Johnson’s “Swingin’ Fore Soldiers” project has grown beyond her wildest dreams in a very short period of time.

What started as a local golf tournament to support the United States military has grown into a full-fledged fundraising force in the region. This past weekend alone, the fourth annual event accrued $42,000 and attracted participants from all over the midwest.

As big as it continues to get, Johnson’s motivation remains constant: Swingin’ Fore Soldiers will always be about perspective and philanthropy, not profit.

“The day’s objective is to support our military, veterans, and their families by honoring the dedication and sacrifices they and their families make to protect our future and our freedoms,” said Johnson, a Gowrie native who now resides in West Des Moines. “I also strongly encouraged folks to become aware of the 22 service members we lose to suicide every day. As a community, it’s time to break down the stigma around mental health. Every single one of us struggles in our own ways but yet we all are so quick to pass judgment upon our neighbor. Instead of being quick to judge, it’s time we put out our hand to support those around us, including our service members, and eliminate the 22 a day.”

Every year brings new challenges and motivations for Johnson, a 2009 Prairie Valley High School graduate. The event may be generating more interest and money than Johnson had initially envisioned, but that only allows her to branch into more military service areas moving forward.

Photo by Julie Vinsand, The Gowrie News: American Legion Peterson Post and Sons of American Legion stand together during the “Swingin’ Fore Soldiers” golf tournament. Pictured left to right is Norris Smith, Paul Johnson, Byron Chalstrom, Steve Cathcart, Duane Davis, Justin Soloman, Dave Carlon, Alan Burger, Jon Telleen, Greg Anderson. Jim Hunter, Dave Rolfes and acting Commander Dan Rurup.

“I have always had a big heart to give back to those in need,” Johnson said. “Through various visits to the homeless shelters, I noticed a high volume of veterans. Not only this, but as a Medical Sales Manager, I enter into several VA facilities. I quickly became aware of a gap in the system between our service men and women and the government. “As I looked up various non-profits to start supporting it was hard to find ones where actually 100 percent of proceeds go into the right pockets. I decided to start Swingin’ Fore Soldiers to address all of these issues and give back 100 percent of any donations received no matter how big we get.”

Golf is the fun part of the day. The field is always full, with 27 teams of four packing the nine-hole Gowrie course.

The tournament is what draws people together in the same location to address the main focus and purpose: honoring the military.

“Every service member — including active duty, reserves, veterans, and Gold-Star families — received a free meal and gift to thank them for their service and to honor the sacrifices they made during their time of duty,” Johnson said. “Gifts included custom iron flag pieces, coolers, hats, blankets, gift cards and more. A static display of 22 combat boots was placed to honor the 22 service men and women who lose their battle to suicide every single day. A Battlecross was displayed to show honor and respect and to recognize the men and women who have died while serving our country.

“A POW/MIA table was displayed inside the clubhouse, with its own table to honor those who never made it home from our wars and those who died as prisoners of war. Lastly, all military divisions were displayed around hole No. 9 to recognize each military group that protects our future and freedoms.”

Photo by Julie Vinsand, The Gowrie News: The Color Guard provided by American Legion Riders out of Farnhamville & Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 39-1A Northwest Central Crew rides during the “Swingin’ Fore Soldiers” golf tournament.

There were a number of silent-auction items both big and small to help raise money, spearheaded by donations from individuals and businesses from across the area.

“I am proud that the community and state of Iowa share the same vision and passions as I do,” Johnson said. “Swingin’ Fore Soldiers would not be possible without the hundreds of supporters behind us. I simply lead the pack so that they have a place to trust, (knowing) that every penny placed goes to our service men and women to let them know that we are there to support them.

“Honestly, five years ago if you told me we would raise $42,000 in one day I would have never believed it. The truth is, though, I still believe our country has a lot of good in it. (It’s sometimes easy) to believe that kindness, love, and peace is a dying phase, but it’s not — at least not within Swingin’ Fore Soldiers. We are a force to be reckoned with, and mark my words, we will make this community, state, and — one day, the entire country — a better place.”

Johnson confirmed that Swingin’ Fore Soldiers has distributed over $60,000 since 2019 to support active duty, reserves, veterans and Gold-Star families.

“One-hundred percent of proceeds we raised is given back in various ways, including medical expenses, car and rent payments, utility bills, food and gas, emergency funding, Brushy Creek Honor Flights, care packages overseas, thank-you gifts, an annual holiday turkey and ham giveaway, adopting military families to aide with Christmas gifts and meals, gifts at patching ceremonies, funeral expenses, and so much more,” Johnson said.

Photo by Julie Vinsand, The Gowrie News: American flags and combat boots represent the 22 service members lost to suicide every day.

The challenge has been for Johnson and her volunteers to keep up the pace of demand. But she sees the extra required sweat equity as a good problem to have.

“As quick as this day has evolved, it takes double the amount of work as we continue to grow each and every year,” Johnson said. “It’s quite humbling, to be honest, to see a community, with no questions asked, be kind enough to put forth their hard earned money to support my cause when I approach them. They trust me wholeheartedly, and at times, it can get a little overwhelming as I plan this event, because I am a ‘go big or go home’ kind of gal. I want every single small detail to be perfect and inspiring to those who encounter it.

“This day is offered so that, for 8-10 hours, everyone can enjoy themselves and remember where our freedom comes from. My son is my biggest inspiration…knowing I have those two little eyes watching me keeps me on a quest to be the best version of myself daily. My parents (Kathleen and Paul Johnson) instilled in me as a young child to treat all those around you with respect, to love deeply, and to always be proud to be an American. I just try to continue to be that for them and my family.”

Johnson also noted the efforts of “Curt Valentine, the city of Gowrie workers, Aaron Alliger, Jordan Klingson and his staff put countless hours into this event and all went the extra mile to make the Gowrie Golf Course and Country club look immaculate and exceptional.”

Johnson knows her vision and passion for Swingin’ Fore Soldiers is being shared and echoed by countless others. Because of that, the sky will continue to be the limit as the organization becomes a collective force.

“I am only one soul with a dream to change the world,” Johnson said. “I can’t do that alone, so to have thousands of souls joining in behind that vision now lights my heart with energy and fire to continue being there, day in and day out, for those who are taking the oath to protect our future and freedoms on the front line.

“We are those who don’t have the strength to serve but a heart to help.”