Barry Schalkle and Dan Osterman. Photo: Chris Emeott
Pickleball tournaments raise money for USA 4 Veterans foundation.
Dan Osterman and Barry Schalkle were on the pickleball court when they had the first conversation about starting a veteran support organization. Last July, they launched USA 4 Veterans Foundation “to empower, foster and invest in military personnel … to enhance their well-being and enjoy the principles they have protected through service,” according to the foundation’s mission statement.
“We were at Colby Lake Park playing pickleball, and I said, ‘What if we start a pickleball tournament for veterans?’ and Barry said, ‘Let’s do more!’” Osterman says. The duo recognized that pickleball, a fast-growing and popular sport, is a way of building community and creating connections.
“It’s about letting people know about the cause but also letting those people get together,” Schalkle says. “Pickleball has this dynamic range, from young kids to our 90-year-old friend, Shirley. It’s a common community where friendships and acquaintances develop where you wouldn’t expect.” Developing these connections and bringing people together has been their main focus in the first year of the foundation. “The idea started with pickleball, but it’s about raising money and raising awareness for the community,” Schalkle says.
The foundation looks at existing support organizations for veterans, and if their mission statements align, the funds generated through their pickleball tournaments are donated directly to these aligned organizations. The Minnesota Military Family Foundation and Pat Tillman Foundation are recipients of funds from USA 4 Veterans Foundation. The duo acknowledges that there are many resources available to veterans, but it can be difficult to know what’s out there and how to engage. “The awareness factor is huge,” Schalkle says.
Osterman and Schalkle have organized pickleball tournaments in multiple states—including Duel in the Desert on May 3 in Mesa, Arizona, proving that their idea of merging one of the country’s most popular sports is a great way to educate and engage communities in support of a cause. “The people have been so responsive,” Osterman says.
Schalkle, whose career was as a CPA and retirement planner, is a United States Army veteran, and many of his family members also served. Osterman was in the construction industry for over 50 years and is the only nonveteran on the foundation’s board, but he is passionate about the cause. “I am passionate about what we’re doing for veterans because the cause is so great,” Osterman says. Both Osterman and Schalkle are enthusiastic about creating connections across generations and among various people in the community.
“Many of the people who play pickleball may not be veterans, but they have family members who are or can connect with us and understand our passion. If you have one common denominator, it’s easier to come together,” Schalkle says.
USA 4 Veterans is committed to local engagement alongside their multistate tournament schedule. “There are 15,000 veterans in Washington County, and while there are these great national organizations, they don’t always focus on smaller communities. We’re focused local,” Schalkle says.
