Navy SEAL to spearhead TOUR's military outreach

text size

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- The PGA TOUR has appointed former Navy SEAL Stephen Kupcha to the position of Manager, Public Relations & Community Outreach, where he is responsible for overseeing PGA TOUR Charities, Inc.'s Birdies for the Brave military outreach initiative (www.pgatour.com/birdiesforthebrave). The announcement was made by John Hugghins, the PGA TOUR's Senior Vice President of TPC Operations.

"Stephen's integrity, strength of character, and proven leadership skills make him ideally qualified to help lead the TOUR's community activation efforts through its TPC Network of clubs in support of the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families," said Hugghins. "Stephen's insight and experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand Birdies for the Brave throughout the TPC Network as well as during events on the PGA TOUR, Nationwide Tour and Champions Tour."

In his new position, Kupcha will spearhead Birdies for the Brave fundraising events held at TPCs benefiting six military homefront groups that are supported by TOUR players, including: Homes For Our Troops and Special Operations Warrior Foundation, supported by Phil Mickelson; Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, supported by Rory Sabbatini; Naval Special Warfare Foundation, supported by Jerry Kelly; Wounded Warrior Project, supported by Frank Lickliter, Nick Watney and Jason Gore; and Operation Homefront, supported by Corey Pavin.

Kupcha also will oversee military outreach activities including VIP experiences for members of the military and patriotic celebrations held during PGA TOUR tournaments; letter-writing campaigns for the troops; the distribution of care packages to troops stationed abroad; and the TOUR's Adopted Wounded Warrior Program -- a collaborative effort with the Wounded Warrior Project in which honorary TPC memberships are awarded to local wounded warriors to aid in the rehabilitation process.

Kupcha is well suited for his new responsibilities. During his 12 years as a Navy SEAL, he served in a succession of leadership roles, most recently Division Officer -- Advanced Tactical Communications Training at the Naval Special Warfare Advanced Training Command San Diego, Calif. Kupcha was awarded numerous commendations during his military career, including the Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat "V"; the Combat Action Ribbon; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; and multiple Navy Achievement Medals. Following his retirement from the Navy in 2008, Kupcha joined TPC Sawgrass as Outside Services Operations Manager.

A native of New Jersey, Kupcha moved to San Diego to join the Navy after graduating from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Science. He and his wife, Erin and their two children reside in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.