TS Custom Suits Proud to Support Will of Iron: Empowering Veterans Through Golf
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Our Second Year as Proud Sponsors of the Will of Iron Golf Classic
At TS Custom Suits, we believe that true distinction extends far beyond the garments we create. It's reflected in the causes we champion, the communities we serve, and the values we uphold. That's why we are immensely proud to announce our continued sponsorship of Will of Iron, a remarkable Jacksonville-based golf foundation dedicated to empowering disabled and PTSD-diagnosed military veterans and their families.
This marks our second consecutive year as a sponsor of the Will of Iron Golf Classic, and we're honored to contribute to this year's silent auction, with all proceeds supporting veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. As we prepare for the 2025 tournament on November 7th at Cimarrone Golf Club, we want to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary work this organization does right here in our Jacksonville community.
The Mission Behind Will of Iron: Healing Through the Game of Golf
Will of Iron was inspired by Arnold Palmer's timeless words: "Thank God for the game of golf." The foundation's founders, Jeff and Xiomara Spadafora, believe there is something truly exceptional about this sport—and they're dedicated to sharing that gift with those who have served our nation.
The organization's origin story is both moving and serendipitous. In December 2018, Xiomara and Jeff met an active-duty Marine Corps 1st Sergeant at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society office at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. This Marine had completed seven tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan during operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and New Dawn. That fateful encounter revealed not just the physical wounds of service, but the invisible scars carried by veterans and their families.
What began as The Zellner Foundation for Military Vets in January 2020 evolved into the Will of Iron we know today—a mission focused on empowering disabled and PTSD-diagnosed military veterans and their children to improve their mental health through the beautiful game of golf on Florida's First Coast.
Transforming Lives One Swing at a Time
The impact of Will of Iron extends far beyond teaching veterans how to play golf. Since their founding, they have benefited over 260 military veterans, spouses, and children, providing them with much more than equipment and lessons—they offer healing, community, and purpose.
The Programs That Make a Difference
Will of Iron operates two exclusive programs designed specifically for disabled and PTSD-diagnosed veterans and their children (ages 7 to 17) living in North Florida counties including Duval, St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, and Baker:
Veterans Program: Provides disabled and PTSD-diagnosed veterans with free golf equipment and private golf instruction. The program recognizes that golf offers more than recreation—it provides therapeutic benefits, social connection, and a sense of normalcy that many veterans struggle to find after service.
Youth Program: Extends support to the children of disabled and PTSD-diagnosed veterans, ages 7 to 17. By involving veteran families in the healing process, Will of Iron acknowledges that service impacts entire households, and recovery should too.
The foundation's approach is comprehensive, providing golf equipment and private golf instruction to participants as a token of gratitude for their courage, for wearing the uniform, knowing it would take them away from their families, and for keeping our homeland safe.
Beyond the Course: The Will of Iron Podcast
Understanding that healing requires more than physical activity, Will of Iron created a groundbreaking podcast: "Where There's a Will, There's a Way." In this podcast, founders Jeff and Xiomara Spadafora provide a familiar and uncensored space for mission beneficiaries to share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs. They recognize that becoming civilians is the last and, many times, the most harrowing mission for disabled and PTSD-diagnosed servicemen and women.
This platform gives veterans a voice—allowing them to share their stories authentically, connect with others facing similar challenges, and find strength in community. It's yet another example of how Will of Iron goes beyond surface-level support to address the complex needs of veteran mental health.
Recognition and Impact in the Jacksonville Community
Will of Iron's exceptional work hasn't gone unnoticed. The organization has been recognized by THE PLAYERS Championship organization at the Military Appreciation Day ceremony in both 2023 and 2024, and served as their guest of honor at the Volunteer Leadership Party in 2023. They also received two PLAYERS Championship grants in 2024: the Red Coat Community grant and the Storytellers grant.
Most recently, in June 2025, Will of Iron was selected for a grant through the Make Golf Your Thing Grants Program administered by the American Golf Industry Coalition—further validation of their innovative approach to veteran support and mental health.
These recognitions reflect what those of us in the Jacksonville community already know: Will of Iron is making a profound, measurable difference in the lives of veterans and their families right here on Florida's First Coast.
The Will of Iron Golf Classic: Where Community Meets Cause
The sixth annual Will of Iron Golf Classic will take place on Friday, November 7, 2025, at Cimarrone Golf Club in Saint Johns, Florida, with a shotgun start at 1:00 p.m.
This premier fundraiser tournament represents more than just a day on the course—it's a community coming together to honor our nation's warriors in observance of Veterans Day. The player package includes 18 holes of golf, catered lunch and dinner by Cimarrone's Stone & Barrel Taphouse, two drink tickets, goody bag, $100 FootJoy apparel gift card, Hole-In-One contest, and awards ceremony entertainment.
The first tournament, held on October 9th, 2020—despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic—drew eighty players, including more than thirty military veterans from different war eras who shared what golf meant to them. That inaugural event crystallized the mission that continues today.
Why TS Custom Suits Supports Will of Iron
Our partnership with Will of Iron represents a natural alignment of values. Just as we honor tradition and excellence through eight generations of tailoring mastery, Will of Iron honors those who have served through programs rooted in respect, dignity, and genuine care.
Both organizations understand that details matter. Whether we're hand-stitching a bespoke suit using techniques perfected over 130 years, or Will of Iron is providing personalized golf instruction tailored to each veteran's unique needs, the commitment to excellence and individual attention remains paramount.
Our showroom's location at Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club creates another meaningful connection. We witness daily how golf brings people together, provides solace, and creates community—the very benefits Will of Iron extends to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
Our Contribution: Silent Auction Donations
For the second consecutive year, TS Custom Suits is proud to donate products to the Will of Iron Golf Classic silent auction. Every dollar raised goes directly toward providing golf equipment, private instruction, and support services to disabled and PTSD-diagnosed veterans and their families.
We encourage our clients and community members to participate in the auction, attend the tournament, or contribute to Will of Iron in whatever capacity feels meaningful. Whether through sponsorship, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, every action makes a difference.
The Values We Share
The core values that guide Will of Iron resonate deeply with our own principles at TS Custom Suits:
Integrity: Both organizations operate with unwavering honesty and ethical standards, whether we're crafting a garment or supporting a veteran.
Compassion: Understanding that behind every veteran is a unique story of service and sacrifice—just as behind every suit is a client's individual journey and important moments.
Discipline: The same discipline required in military service and perfecting the craft of tailoring drives our commitment to excellence.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for the quality of our work and the impact of our support.
Perseverance: Continuing the mission despite obstacles, whether that's maintaining tailoring traditions across eight generations or supporting veterans through complex healing journeys.
How You Can Support Will of Iron
The work of Will of Iron depends on community support. Here are ways you can make a difference:
Attend the Golf Classic: Registration is open for the November 7, 2025 tournament at Cimarrone Golf Club. The cost is $300 per player, and the experience is invaluable.
Become a Sponsor: Businesses and individuals can sponsor the tournament at various levels, gaining visibility while supporting a worthy cause.
Donate Directly: Monetary donations directly fund golf equipment, lessons, and program operations. Visit willofironforvets.org to contribute.
Participate in the Silent Auction: Bid on items generously donated by local businesses, including TS Custom Suits products, knowing all proceeds benefit veterans.
Spread Awareness: Share information about Will of Iron with your network. Many veterans who could benefit from these programs may not know they exist.
Volunteer: The foundation welcomes volunteers for events, administrative support, and community outreach.
A Shared Commitment to Excellence and Service
At TS Custom Suits, we've spent over 130 years perfecting our craft, honoring tradition, and serving our clients with unwavering dedication. These same principles—excellence, tradition, and service—define Will of Iron's approach to supporting veterans.
When our clients wear a TS Custom Suits creation to the Will of Iron Golf Classic, they're not just wearing a finely tailored garment—they're wearing a statement of values, a commitment to community, and support for those who have served.
Looking Forward: Continuing the Partnership
This is our second year supporting Will of Iron, but it certainly won't be our last. The relationship between our organizations continues to deepen as we witness firsthand the transformative impact of their programs on Jacksonville's veteran community.
We invite our clients, partners, and community members to join us in supporting this exceptional organization. Whether you're a golfer or not, whether you have military connections or simply appreciate those who serve, there's a place for you in the Will of Iron mission.
Join Us in Making a Difference
As we prepare for the 2025 Will of Iron Golf Classic, we reflect on what it means to truly give back to our community. It's not just about writing checks or donating products—though those are important. It's about standing alongside organizations like Will of Iron that do the hard, meaningful work of changing lives.
Every veteran who receives golf equipment through this program, every child of a veteran who learns to play alongside their parent, every PTSD-diagnosed service member who finds peace on the fairways—these are the reasons we sponsor, support, and celebrate Will of Iron.
We encourage you to learn more about this remarkable organization at willofironforvets.org, consider attending the November 7th Golf Classic, and find your own way to support veterans in our community.
Because at the end of the day, the measure of a community—and a business—isn't just what we create, but what we contribute. TS Custom Suits is proud to contribute to a cause as worthy as Will of Iron.
To learn more about Will of Iron or to support their mission: Website: willofironforvets.org Email: info@willofironforvets.org Phone: 904-832-1586
To learn more about TS Custom Suits and our community partnerships: Website: TScustomsuits.com Showroom: Hidden Hills Golf and Country Club, Jacksonville, FL
Thank you to all our clients who support causes like Will of Iron through their patronage of TS Custom Suits. Together, we're not just creating exceptional garments—we're building a better community.