Wheaton’s Ramon Padilla can never quite leave the “Valley of Death” in Afghanistan. After suffering a near-fatal attack in 2007 that cost him his left arm and a chunk of his skull, Padilla has had periodic nightmares of the firefight, but only worse, as they involve his wife, Judith, and his son, 4-year-old Ramon Jr.
The dreams are rare, but always come back. Padilla, 34, figures these images will remain with him for the rest of his life.
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So it is with particular pleasure that Padilla can enjoy a round of golf. A former high school athlete in Southern California, Padilla took up the sport when he was rehabilitating at Walter Reed Medical Center.
“It’s so peaceful,” said Padilla. “The views of the holes are beautiful. I can relax and enjoy myself for a few hours, regardless of what’s going on in my life.”
Padilla was exposed to the sport through the Salute Military Golf Association. Established by local teaching pro Jim Estes, the organization gives wounded solders an opportunity to rehab — their bodies and minds — through golf.
Several local courses have provided support including Montgomery, Mount Vernon, and Argyle. Earlier this fall, Manor Country Club in Rockville, with the help of SigNet Technologies, hosted SMGA outings for three straight Saturdays, providing free instruction and 9-hole rounds for up to 40 wounded warriors.
“When we became aware of this program, the question was: How could we not get involved,” said Manor member Randy Dyer. “It was a no-brainer.”
