As he has done for the past 10 years, Carl Meyer will be spending the Fourth of July on a Wisconsin golf course to increase awareness about the work of Hire Heroes USA and to fundraise in support of its mission. It is a very personal effort that has already raised over 675,000 dollars for the national nonprofit, and - this year – Meyer is inviting golfers nationwide to join him in dedicating some rounds in July to the same cause.

Hire Heroes USA, which is now in its 11th year, provides free employment services to transitioning military members, veterans and military spouses across the United States and around the world, and it is the leading veteran service organization specifically targeting the issues of underemployment and unemployment among veterans. In May, the organization announced its 25,000th hire, a milestone that represents more than $1.25 billion in first-year earnings pumped into the U.S. economy.

For Meyer, who has a handicap of 11 and typically averages 75-to-80 rounds a year, the annual 100 Holes for Our Heroes golf event allows him to take something he absolutely loves and, as he describes it, transform it into a means for good. On July 4th last year, he played 180 holes – a full 10 rounds of golf – to mark the 10th anniversary of his annual fundraiser. It was an all-day effort that started well before sunrise and ended not long before nightfall.

"I feel so lucky to live in a country where there are men and women who are willing to put their lives on the line for us, that my spending some time to play some golf, and mail letters to supporters of my efforts, is just a very small way of trying to say thanks," said Meyer, Executive Vice President at The Wetrich Group.

Since 2008, when Meyer first started his annual 100 Holes fundraiser, he has played a total of 1,341 holes of golf on behalf of Hire Heroes USA and the men and women who seek the nonprofit's free career services. He will add at least 100 more holes to that total this year.

"What Carl does every year on behalf of our organization, and the military members, veterans and military spouses we serve, is nothing short of amazing," said Christopher Plamp, CEO of Hire Heroes USA. "Carl's deep passion for our armed forces is matched only by his absolute enthusiasm for golf. The uncompromising motivation, stamina and guts that it takes for him to play 100-plus holes every year on America's Independence Day is not only incredible – it's awe-inspiring."

One of the things Meyer enjoys most about golf is that it's a game where people of all skill levels can compete. It's an interesting parallel to the work Hire Heroes USA does every day to help all ranks of transitioning military members and veterans compete in the civilian workforce.

"Eleven years ago, I don't think anyone envisioned Hire Heroes USA as it sits today," said Meyer, citing the nonprofit's 4-star Charity Navigator rating for a third consecutive year and its GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency. "When you ask someone to support a nonprofit, especially one that is as bona fide, verified, worthwhile, and quantifiable as Hire Heroes USA, that makes the ask a lot easier." He added, "Yeah, there's a lot of work every year and I spend more time writing thank you notes, and asking people for money than I do playing golf – but every donation has a direct impact on the lives of veterans and their families. That's a powerful statement."