For the brave men and women who serve their nations, all help is welcome in their post-military lives. But often the greatest help of all is that which comes from fellow veterans, who better understand their traumas (and adventures) than civilians like us. 

It is in this spirit that On Course Foundation (OCF) was founded, seeking to bring old friends and allies back together, and restore that sense of belonging that only life in the Armed Forces can create. 

For Maryland’s Marty Caraway, that imperative to help his compatriots runs deep. As the son of a Green Beret, and with a long family lineage of service, he decided to forge his path by joining the US Marine Corps in 1999. His was officially a four-year enlistment, but, following 9/11, he was stop-loss at the end of his term, and deployed for the invasion of Iraq (and once more thereafter). 

And even when the combination of PTSD, TBI and heart problems brought his military career to an end in 2005, he continued to dedicate his life to the cause. 

“When I returned home from my last deployment, I was looking into submitting a re-enlistment package for recruiting," Caraway recalled. "At an event I spoke at, I was offered a position with Minnesota Dept. of Veterans Affairs. It was an opportunity I couldn't refuse, and since then I have spent my entire post-military career helping fellow veterans, and advocating for them to obtain services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs.”

He continued: “I am now the strategic advisor to the Chairman of the Board of Veterans Appeals. My career aspirations have been, and remain, to continue to change the most lives I possibly can from the position I am in.”

It was in his previous role as a County Veteran Service Officer that Caraway’s path crossed with OCF, and he has since become a prominent figure in championing the great work the charity does.

“I first joined OCF about five years ago, and was in awe of the programme they had in place," the 41-year old commented warmly. "OCF has offered me positions in the golf industry and training. It was very tempting, but I've learned that being a Veteran's advocate affiliated with OCF is more beneficial to its members.” 

Caraway added: “OCF and its members have inspired me to grow in all facets of life. It is easy to say this is a golf organization, or a veteran employment charity. Yes, those are true statements. But it is also an organization that offers hope, inspiration, confidence, trust, and friendship. I have met people in this organization that have been there for me in my life’s most trying times. To me, this has been a life-altering engagement. Which serves as my motivation to continue to be part of this organization – and, of course, Team USA too.”

Team USA. The Simpson Cup. The pinnacle for all OCF members. It’s a fray Caraway entered when he made his debut at The Maidstone Club in 2018, and he’s been an ever-present since. He’s also proved to be a formidable player, racking up four wins in his six matches, and he has now been rewarded for his efforts with the privilege of leading his team in the Simpson Cup at Baltusrol Golf Club.

“As veterans, our service to our respective nations is transformational in our lives,” Caraway noted with earnest. “It is essentially the cornerstone in the foundation of life. Being named the captain of this team is truly an honor. More importantly, to lead these warriors - who have overcome adversity, disabilities, and illness to compete and represent the country on the biggest stage - is surreal, an honor, and truly humbling.”

The 2022 Simpson Cup will be an extra-special occasion, marking the 10th anniversary of the inaugural event. And it’s fair to say that the Americans couldn’t have picked a finer ambassador than Caraway to lead them during this momentous week – typified by his gracious response when asked what his fondest Simpson Cup memory is to date.

“My personal favorite is making an up-and-down par from the road hole bunker to win my singles match at St Andrews Links Old Course in 2019,” Caraway grinned. “But the most meaningful moment came minutes later as Team GB hoisted the Simpson Cup in victory.

“While our hearts were broken – on the turf where golf legends had their hearts broken for centuries - in our heartbreak was also a genuine joy for our competitors’ victory. They knew our pain, and shared their victory with us. A remarkable display of sportsmanship, class, and camaraderie.”

And it is that sense of camaraderie which will once again be a feature of the Simpson Cup when it gets under way in New Jersey. Caraway knows he has a strong group of players to call on as the host nation bids to extend their lead to 6-4 in the overall series. But, win or lose, he’ll be savouring every moment of an unforgettable week.

FUN QUESTIONS - RAPID FIRE:
Player to look out for this year? Charles Young is clutch, but don’t fall asleep on Dathan Edwards
Teammate with worst fashion sense? Charles Young. It is rumored that he showed up to his formal member guest banquet in a jumper. Respect!
Teammate with best sense of humour? Look no further than Mike “The Hammer” Stafford. His wit in combination with his deep southern accent will leave you in stiches!
Favourite sports team? The Minnesota Vikings…SKOL!
Childhood Hero? My dad, Lee Caraway. He was big, strong, smart, former Army Green Beret. It was his fatherhood that inspired all of what I am
Favourite Food? Lasagne with garlic bread and merlot
Favourite Drink? Old fashioned with muddled cherries
Favourite Band? Jack Johnson
Score prediction for Simpson Cup? What kind of captain would I be if I didn’t predict a USA sweep? Team USA 10.5 Team GB 8.5