Name:
Nathan
Blewer
Rank: Troop Sergeant
Regiment: 2nd
Royal Tank Regiment
Why did you decide to join the military?: I had
been an Army Cadet when I was much younger. My best mate from school joined the
Royal Tank Regiment and loved it. I had been to visit the Royal Tank Regiment
as a 14 year old Army cadet in Fallingbostal, Germany.
Date joined: 12 Dec
2000
Length of service: 13
Years
Reason for leaving/cause of injury,
illness etc: Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Afghanistan while in
Helmand
Province, on the road to Sangin, suffering multiple injuries.
How did this injury/illness occur?: Whilst
commanding a Warthog Armoured Vehicle (no Challenger 2 Tanks were in
Afghanistan).
When and how did you hear about On Course
Foundation?: Through friends Sam Stoddart, Stu Harris and
Mick Foulds, who were On Course Foundation beneficiaries at the time.
What was your golfing experience prior to
joining On Course Foundation?: I had played a bit, no real
coaching, and not too seriously. Since joining OCF I have become a
self-confessed golf addict!
Your experience of On Course Foundation so
far – what do you take out of the events
that you attend?: I have
been very lucky (extremely lucky) to have been involved with On Course
Foundation for a few years now. My first event was just before some of the lads
were going off to America and I was hearing about what they were going to be up
to and thought this was unbelievable. In the three & half years that I’ve been a member I have been to many one day and
three day events, had some fantastic coaching from the coaches, been to Florida
and Spain and also managed to qualify for and play in two Simpson Cups at Royal
St. George’s at Royal Birkdale. Playing in these events are probably the
closest I’ll ever come to feeling like a professional golfer. It has taken my
game to another level and I have made some friends for life along the way.
Your employment experience/aspirations
with On Course Foundation: I am lucky enough to have a pretty
steady job as an electrician / plumber. However, I would love to work in the
industry one day when perhaps money isn’t as important as it is now.
‘’We are all naturally competitive and golf gives us the platform to
compete against each other, regardless of our injury. I’m honoured and
privileged to be a member and can’t wait for the season to start. ‘’
What
do you hope to gain from On Course Foundation in the future: I am
currently hovering around the mid-teens (handicap). I believe that I have it in
me to get to single figures, and with some more regular golf, and tuition from
OCF I would hope to get there. My
mates from the Military are now spread far and wide and I don’t get to see them
as much as would like. OCF gives a me a large group of like-minded friends. We
are confident being around each other and have an awesome time. We are
all naturally competitive and golf gives us the platform to compete against
each other, regardless of our injury. I’m honoured and privileged to be a
member and can’t wait for the season to start.
ABOUT US
On Course Foundation continue to provide positive provision for wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and veterans - supporting their recovery and transition to civilian life through confidence building golf events and opportunities for employment in the golf industry. As a sport, golf offers a unique platform where players of all skills and backgrounds can compete healthily, improving not only their physical but mental strength too. With many lacking self- belief, it’s our aim to help our beneficiaries realise their potential and set them on a fulfilling path. Formed in 2010, we have seen first-hand that that participation in golf can have a profound positive effect on the rehabilitation of our beneficiaries.
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