Project Gallantly Forward

Stars, Stripes and Ugly Sweaters: PGF's 3rd Annual Fundraiser
2025-12-05 18:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Beni Event Room, 1200 Mountain Creek Rd, Chattanooga, TN, 37405, United States
Don your ugliest Christmas sweater for a night of fun where we can raise awareness for Veteran suicide, and raise funds to support our mission to help Veterans move forward together. This is a charity event to raise funds for PGF’s year-round Veteran retreat programs. Project Gallantly Forward’s annual fundraising event is more than a festive gathering. It’s a chance for our community to come together in support of those who’ve served. With live music, food, raffles, auctions, and plenty of holiday cheer, this event helps fund the healing work PGF does all year long.
Details and tickets at https://www.projectgallantlyforward.org/ugly25/

Fishing with a Veteran Tournament
2025-11-01 04:00 - 19:00 | Chesterfrost Park, 2277 Gold Point Cir N, Hixson, TN, 37343, United States
Details and registration can be found at www.fishingwithaveteran.org
Veterans fish for free!

Join us for a memorable day of camaraderie and competition at the Fishing with a Veteran Tournament hosted by Project Gallantly Forward (PGF). At this event, fishermen are paired with Veterans to see which team can bring in the biggest catch.
Project Gallantly Forward (PGF) offers R&R at a retreat in rural Tennessee to Veterans with their families who are located nationwide, as well as opportunities for local Veterans to connect. Participation in programs is free of charge. Through these programs, PGF provides time and space for veterans to begin healing while in the company of other veterans who are on the same path. Data shows time in nature, to be healing for those struggling with PTSD. PGF is thrilled to host this tournament and provide Veterans the opportunity to connect with fishing professionals and other Veterans while enjoying the natural beauty of Chickamauga Lake.

“Last year I was in a dark space in life and I reached out to Lucas Lewis the founder of PGF and he invited me out to a work day with other vets. That day was pretty special. Working with other vets was calming and just a great experience to be back with military family. I found a purpose in life again. Fishing has always brought calmness to me…Getting out on the water and nature is a natural calming. I spoke to Lucas Lewis, Founder and President of PGF, about having a fishing tournament for Veterans as an added program to PGF and he gave his blessings and Fishing with a Veteran Tournament was born.” – Gary, Tournament Organizer

Register Now

When: November 1, 2025
Launch: First safe light
Weigh-In: 1530
Location: Chester Frost Park Boat Ramp
Details:

Each Veteran and boater team will have a 5 fish limit.

Boater registration fee is $100.
Veteran fishes for FREE!
If the boater is a Veteran, the boater is still responsible for the registration fee.

Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place at weigh-in. Prize will also be awarded for biggest fish.

For the winning team, boaters will receive monetary prizes and Veteran will receive prizes donated by sponsors.
$80 of each registration fee will be split between 1st, 2nd and 3rd place boater
$20 of each registration fee goes toward the big fish winner.

TWRA Rules apply – all fisherman must have a valid fishing license.
Must Register in Advance
Registration closes October 25, 2025 – one week prior to the event
Pre-check in will be available at the Project Gallantly Forward Office in Soddy Daisy from 4p-7p on the evening before: Friday October 31, 2025.

Fishing Nights at PGF
2025-09-29 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-22 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-08 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-09-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-08-04 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-21 18:00 - 20:00, 2025-07-14 08:00 - 17:00 and 3 more dates | Project Gallantly Forward, 81 Potts Rd, Graysville, TN, 37338, United States
We welcome Veterans with their families to come to the retreat on Monday evenings from 6-8p eastern time for catch-and-release fishing. Pond is stocked primarily with bass, crappie and catfish.

REQUIRED: email Christine@projectgallantlyforward.org and let us know if you will be coming so we can expect you!
Bring your own poles and gear.
Pond is located at 818 Suzanne Rd Graysville, TN 37338, nearby the cabins.

Challenge 22 Sequatchie
2025-09-27 08:00 - 17:00 | Harris Park, 245 Cedar Ave, Dunlap, TN, 37327, United States
Project Gallantly Forward will be a non-profit recipient of funds raised at this year’s Challenge 22 Sequatchie event.
Details and registration can be found at their website at:
https://www.challenge22sequatchie.org/register
https://www.facebook.com/Challenge22Sequatchie
From their website:
“Our next 2.2-mile “Walk/Run to End Veteran Suicide” will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025. There will also be a 22-mile ride for motorcyclists to participate in led by our local American Legion Riders chapter.
Check-in/registration starts at 8:00 AM CST at Harris Park in beautiful downtown Dunlap, TN.
There is no fee to register. Donations will be accepted at the event.

Disc Golf Tournament
2025-09-19 08:00 - 2025-09-20 17:00 | Project Gallantly Forward, 81 Potts Rd, Graysville, TN, 37338, United States
Details TBD

SeptemberFest on Station Street
2025-09-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Station Street, 24 Station Street, Chattanooga, TN, 37408, United States

Holy Smokes Cigars Poker Run
2025-08-30 14:00 - 18:00 | Holy Smokes Cigars, 6729 Ringgold Rd, East Ridge, TN, 37412, United States
Poker run benefiting Wounded Warrior Project. PGF will be there, so come by and see our volunteers!

U-Pick Flowers
2025-08-10 14:00 - 17:00, 2025-08-03 14:00 - 17:00 | Project Gallantly Forward, 81 Potts Rd, Graysville, TN, 37338, United States
Zinnias and Cosmos planted at the retreat by Hendon Farm are exploding! We want to share them with local Veterans and PGF supporters by having a pop up “U-Pick” day! Bring a bucket and some scissors and pick some flowers. Suggested donation $5 to help support PGF Veterans Retreat

Fishing Nights at PGF
2025-06-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Project Gallantly Forward, 81 Potts Rd, Graysville, TN, 37338, United States
We welcome Veterans with their families to come to the retreat on Monday evenings from 6-8p eastern time for catch-and-release fishing. Pond is stocked primarily with bass, crappie and catfish.

REQUIRED: email Christine@projectgallantlyforward.org and let us know if you will be coming se we can expect you!
Bring your own poles and gear.
Pond is located at 818 Suzanne Rd Graysville, TN 37338, nearby the cabins.

PGF Veteran Retreat Open House
2025-05-31 15:00 - 21:00 | Project Gallantly Forward, 81 Potts Rd, Graysville, TN, 37338, United States
You’re invited to come to PGF Veteran Retreat to celebrate the grand opening of the cabins and dedication of the flag, generously donated by WoodmenLife Chapter 6.

May 31, 2025
Food Trucks and Activities: 6p estFlag Dedication: 7p est
Drop by Hours: 3p-6p

Come take a look at the progress, enjoy the bonfire and get some food from Southern Sips and Sandwiches food truck, or sourdough and cakes from Cynthia’s Kitchen. There will be lawn games, giveaways, and more! These cabins were made possible by so many of you! Festivities begin at 6p, however, feel free to drop by as early as 3p if you’d like to see the progress.

The flag will be raised by Trail Life USA Troop 180. Following the flag dedication there will be a presentation by Quilts of Valor, as well as the unveiling of the tiny library donated by the Soddy-Daisy Community Library READ 20 Outreach Program.

If you’ve purchased a Memorial Shield for the Memorial Fenceline, this is a great time to visit it. Information about the shields is available at https://www.projectgallantlyforward.org/memorial-shields/

Want to help furnish the cabins? There’s an Amazon registry for that! Ship items directly to the retreat in advance and you’ll be able to see your items placed in the cabins.

You can find PGF’s Cabin Housewarming registry at https://www.amazon.com/regist…/gl/guest-view/38DK75565KQMM

Cabins were made possible by YOU! Through numerous volunteer hours, donations and items sent through the Amazon Registry, the cabins were truly a community effort.
Amazon Registry
135 items were purchased by 35 people totaling almost $4,000
The following businesses are sponsors of the Open House event and contributors to the cabins:
Gold Sponsorship – $1000
84 Lumber – Chattanooga
Brannon’s Heat and Air
Chattanooga Tree Service
Consolidated Pipe and Supply
Floyd’s Hardware
Foametix
Palmer’s Turf Farm
Rent All Store
Rooster Trail, LLC
Southeastern Salvage
SVECares
Tile Liquidators
Weathered Oak, LLC
Wholesale Supply Company, Inc
Woodmen Life, Chapter 6

Silver Sponsorship – $500
Home Depot – Chattanooga
Home Depot – Hixson
Murmaid Mattress

Bronze Sponsorship – $250
Dunlap Chamber of Commerce
Lowes – Battlefield Pkwy
Lowes – Hixson
Tritex Services
The Westin Chattanooga

THANK YOU!

Wreath Pick Up for Wreaths Across Chattanooga
2025-01-25 08:30 - 10:30 | Chattanooga National Cemetery, 1200 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN, 37404, United States
Project Gallantly Forward is bringing our community together to help Wreaths Across America retire the wreaths on the graves of each solder. Below is the info from their website. See you there!
Home

*****WE NEED YOUR HELP*****
Wreath Retirement – JANUARY 25, 2025 AT 8:30AM
We’re looking forward to a beautiful (albeit chilly) day of service and Honor for our service men and women resting in Chattanooga National Cemetery.
Bring gloves, bring a friend, bring your patience. Rakes or short pieces (10 ft) of rope are handy as we carry wreaths to the roadside.
When you enter the main gate from Holtzclaw, turn right and proceed SLOWLY. There will be lots of people in a small space and we don’t want anybody hurt.
We will park on the edge of the roadway on the RIGHT (OUTSIDE) of the circle ONLY. Please do not park in the grass.
Look for workers and volunteers in a green safety vest for directions and information.
Thank you each and every one of you for stepping up. This does NOT happen without you!

PGF is not organizing the event, but coming together to support the work that Wreaths Across Chattanooga is doing.

Ugly Sweater Party
2024-12-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Mint, 1208 King St, Chattanoga, TN, United States
See www.projectgallantlyforward.org/ugly-sweater for tickets and more details!
Get ready for a night of philanthropy and festivity! The Ugly Sweater Party is back and uglier than ever.
When: Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 6p-9p eastern
Where: Mint Chattanooga
1208 King St #105 Chattanooga, TN
Located behind Moxy Chattanooga, next to Goodfellas Pizza

Purchase Tickets

Join Project Gallantly Forward at Mint Chattanooga with your ugliest Christmas sweater for a night of fun where we can get to know each other better, raise awareness for Veteran suicide, and raise funds to continue work on building the Veteran retreat.
This is a charity event to support Project Gallantly Forward, a Veterans retreat 45min north of Chattanooga. Project Gallantly Forward’s mission is to help Veterans move forward together.
Included with your ticket:

Dinner (details TBD)
1 drink ticket, good for beer or wine
Swag Bag with PGF merch and donated items from local businesses
2 Raffle tickets
Exclusive access to live auction, led by Victoria Underwood of Meek’s Auction.
Silent auction with items ranging from custom, local hand made to experiences.
Watch, in person, as the Charity Beard Competition comes to an end and declares a winner.
Speakers:

Lucas Lewis, US Army Veteran and PGF Founder
Seth Kizer, USMC Veteran and PGF Board Member

Private access to Mint until 9p

It’s a night you won’t want to miss. Details will be added as the event approaches.
For more information about donating items for the auction, sponsorship and marketing opportunities, please see our sponsorship package or email Ashley Latham at Ashley@projectgallantlyforward.org.

Free Oil Change For Veterans - Soddy Daisy Speed Shop
2024-11-11 08:00 - 16:00 | PGF Office – Soddy Daisy, 9632 Dayton Pike #102, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, 37338, United States
Where: Soddy Daisy Speed Shop
9632 Dayton Pike
Soddy Daisy, TN 37379
When: 8a-4p
Details: Must show proof of Veteran status. Includes 5 quarts of full synthetic oil and a filter. Car must be in a bay by 4p to redeem promotion.

G.R.I.T. Training - Class #4
2024-11-06 18:30 - 20:00 | PGF Office – Soddy Daisy, 9632 Dayton Pike #102, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, 37338, United States
Grunt Resiliency Improvement Training – Fourth of 4 Monthly Classes
Register at G.R.I.T. – Project Gallantly Forward
Any Job.
Any Rank.
Any Branch.
We are all now grunts in the same trench. The new trench of finding who we are outside of the military. It is a completely different world than the military and can leave the most adept soldier scrambling for a foothold even years later. When the identity of who we are as soldiers is gone, developing resiliency and GRIT are critical for moving forward.
G.R.I.T. training is co-facilitated by:

Cindi Sanden, Certified Resiliency Trainer and Executive Director of Keeping Soddy Daisy Beautiful
Dr. Mark Miller, Psychologist, US Army Veteran and PGF Board Member

Training focuses on:

Building Resilience: Learn techniques to enhance your emotional and mental resilience.
Community Support: Engage with other Veterans in a supportive and understanding environment.
Practical Tools: Gain practical tools and strategies to manage stress and improve overall well-being.

Honoring our Heroes - Veteran Appreciation Concert
2024-11-02 16:30 - 20:30 | Project Gallantly Forward, 81 Potts Rd, Graysville, TN, 37338, United States
Doors Open: 4:30p EasternConcert Starts: 5:30p Eastern

In anticipation of upcoming Veteran’s Day, Project Gallantly Forward is hosting a Veteran Appreciation Concert to say thank you in the best way we know how – with a live band on a trailer in the middle of the field on the farm, complete with bonfire. Local band, the Kinship, will be playing and Bre’s on Wheels food truck will be selling burgers and more!

Cost: Veterans are FREE! Donations from the general public are appreciated, and will go toward paying the band and supporting our mission.

Be sure to bring a blanket or camp chair and enjoy an evening at the retreat!

Love disc golf? PGF and C4 Church are hosting a tournament earlier in the day to support Advocates for Africa. Details at https://www.discgolfscene.com/…/Plastic_Explosive…

Vendors are welcome to come to the concert for free, but registration is required. Please send a message for more info.

Plastic Explosive Open - Charity Disc Golf Tournament
2024-11-01 09:00 - 2024-11-02 16:30 | Project Gallantly Forward, 81 Potts Rd, Graysville, TN, 37338, United States
Welcome to the Plastic Explosive Open – Charity Disc Golf Tournament, hosted by C4 Church on the property of Project Gallantly Forward. This tournament is a fundraiser for Advocates for Africa, a missions organization providing education, housing, and food for families in remote Africa. This mission was founded by Veteran, Jarod Smith and his wife Katina. Currently they are working on an expansion of Advocates Christian Academy, a beautiful middle school facility that will serve as an expansion of their current elementary school, allowing them to reach hundreds more children and their families.
ATTENTION VETERANS!!!
Project Gallantly Forward has graciously offered to pay entry fees for 10 Veterans to enter this tournament!!! Due to PDGA regulations, you must register and pay for this tournament like normal, but Project Gallantly Forward will reimburse the entry fees for the first 10 Veterans who come to the PGF table at the tournament and show them your Veteran ID. Thank you for your service!
Register at Plastic Explosive Open – Charity Disc Golf Tournament (CEP Charity – Rated) (2024, C4 Church) · Disc Golf Scene
Schedule

Friday, November 1, 2024

9:00am
– 4:00pm
Cash Prize Dubs Tourney (last tee off at 4pm). Register for Dubs here: www.dgscene.com/PEFridayDubs

9:00am
– 6:00pm
Course open for practice. Early Check-In

Saturday, November 2, 2024

8:00am
– 8:45am
Check-In/Warm Up

8:45am
– 8:50am
Players Meeting

9:00am
– 12:00pm
Round 1 (approximate)

12:00pm
– 1:00pm
Lunch Break (will be 1 full hour after last card finishes). Sourdough Cuppa Joe food truck on site.

1:00pm
– 4:00pm
Round 2 (approximate, will be 1 full hour after the end of Round 1)

4:15pm
– 4:30pm
Awards Ceremony & Prizes (must be present to claim Ace, CTP, Raffle prizes)

About this tournament
2 Rounds of 18 Holes at Project Gallantly Forward Temp Course in Graysville, TN (between Dunlap and Sale Creek about 35 minutes north of Chattanooga)
Sponsor Opportunities Available (see below)!
Pro and Amateur Divisions
Amateur will be Trophy Only
Divisions must have 3 participants the day of the tournament. If there are less than 3, players will be moved to an applicable division.
A Pool (long tees): MPO, MP40, MA1, MA2, MA40
B Pool (short tees): MA50, MA60, MA3, MA4, FA1, FA40, FA2, FA3, FA4, MJ18, MJ15, FJ18, FJ15
1st Place Trophies for every division.
2nd and 3rd place trophies for divisions over 10 people.
FRIDAY DUBS & PRACTICE
Course will be open 9am to 6pm on Friday, November 1st for practice. A cash prize Dubs Tourney will also take place during this time with tee times.
Register for Dubs here:
www.dgscene.com/PEFridayDubs
PLAYER’S PACK
-custom stamp (Advocates for Africa or Project Gallantly Forward) MVP disc
-event t-shirt
-1 raffle entry (additional entries can be purchased for $1 each, must be present at awards ceremony to claim your prize)
PRIZES
Raffle prizes will include a practice basket, disc sets, discs, bags, disc retrievers, disc cleaners, chalk bags, and various other disc golf related gear (must be present at awards ceremony to claim your prize).
CTP Buy In – $2
Money from the CTP Buy In will be donated to Advocates for Africa. Buying in enters you to win a prize on numerous CTPs that will be present throughout both rounds. Some will be based on division/pool, some will be for the whole field.
CTP Prizes will include a mixture of discs, minis, gift cards, and various apparel (must be present at awards ceremony to claim your prize).
Ace Prize Buy In – $2
Money from the Ace Prize Buy In will be donated to Advocates for Africa. Any player who buys in and hits an ace will receive a $50 gift card to a local disc golf store (must be present at awards ceremony to claim your prize).
LUNCH
Sourdough Cuppa Joe will have their coffee and food truck on site for the tournament. Coffee and bakery items available in the morning, and a variety of lunch options for the lunch break.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Title Sponsor. The cost is $500 and includes Name in tournament name (____ Plastic Explosive Open – Charity Disc Golf Tournament), logo or name on all event marketing, and a banner at tournament central. There is a limited number of these spots per PDGA rules, and will be available on a first come first served basis.
Presenting Sponsor. The cost is $250 and includes name in tournament name (Plastic Explosive Open – Charity Disc Golf Tournament presented by _____), early registration, logo or name on all event marketing, a sign at tournament central. There is a limited number of these spots per PDGA rules, and will be available on a first come first served basis.
Event Sponsors. The cost is $50 and includes early registration, logo or name on all event marketing, a sign at tournament central, automatic entry into the Ace Prize and CTP Buy Ins, and 5 Additional Raffle Tickets. There is a limited number of these spots per PDGA rules, and will be available on a first come first served basis.
Hole Sponsors. The cost is $25 and will also include name or graphic on a tee sign along with early registration and 5 Additional Raffle Tickets. There is a limited number of these spots per PDGA rules, and will be available on a first come first served basis.
CANCELLATIONS
All cancellations after 11/4 are subject to a minimum of a $5 fee. Players getting in off wait list will be limited to remaining player pack choices available, particularly on items with sizes.
Over 7 days from the tournament: Players will have 48 hours to accept spot by completing registration if they are promoted.
Under 7 days from the tournament: Players will have 24 hours to accept spot by completing registration if they are promoted.
Under 24 hours from the tournament: Players must immediately accept spot by completing registration if they are promoted.

Refund policy
C4 Church is responsible for all refunds/cancellations.

Charity Beard Competition
2024-11-01 08:00 - 2024-12-14 20:00 | Online
The PGF Beard contest pits one beard against another. Vote by donating to the beard you like best. $1=1 vote.

Vote for a Beard

Meet the contestants:

Click on their individual fundraising pages in the leaderboard below to find out more about each contestant and why helping Veterans is important to them.
Whoever raises the most for PGF will win a gift basket of beard-tastic items. All money donated goes toward our mission to build a retreat where Veterans can move forward together.
BUT, we’re sweeting the deal. If over $10,000 is raised overall, Lucas Lewis (founder and president of PGF), Seth Kizer (PGF board member), and Gary Phillips (PGF Volunteer) will SHAVE their beards!
Start Date: Monday Nov 1, 2024. Contestants will have all of No-Shave November to bask in the glory of their beard and raise funds.
End Date: Saturday, December 14 during the Ugly Sweater Party (www.projectgallantlyforward.org/ugly-sweater)

Work Day
2024-10-26 09:00 - 16:00 | Project Gallantly Forward, 81 Potts Rd, Graysville, TN, 37338, United States
9a-4p Eastern
Lunch will be provided for volunteers by Kathy and Ed Fickley
Primary projects include prepping bathhouse, cleaning fenceline, installing fence, and making the entrance sign

G.R.I.T. Training - Class #3
2024-10-02 18:30 - 20:00 | PGF Office – Soddy Daisy, 9632 Dayton Pike #102, Soddy Daisy, Tennessee, 37338, United States
Grunt Resiliency Improvement Training – Third of 4 Monthly Classes
Register at G.R.I.T. – Project Gallantly Forward
Any Job.
Any Rank.
Any Branch.
We are all now grunts in the same trench. The new trench of finding who we are outside of the military. It is a completely different world than the military and can leave the most adept soldier scrambling for a foothold even years later. When the identity of who we are as soldiers is gone, developing resiliency and GRIT are critical for moving forward.
G.R.I.T. training is co-facilitated by:

Cindi Sanden, Certified Resiliency Trainer and Executive Director of Keeping Soddy Daisy Beautiful
Dr. Mark Miller, Psychologist, US Army Veteran and PGF Board Member

Training focuses on:

Building Resilience: Learn techniques to enhance your emotional and mental resilience.
Community Support: Engage with other Veterans in a supportive and understanding environment.
Practical Tools: Gain practical tools and strategies to manage stress and improve overall well-being.
