SERVPRO Hero Outpost Returns to the Chubb Classic with Unparalleled Support for First Responders, Active and Retired U.S. Military

By Doug Milne

 

NAPLES, Fla. - Once again this year at the Chubb Classic presented by SERVPRO, a special group of individuals and families were provided deserved first-class treatment by way of the SERVPRO Hero Outpost. 

 

The gesture was extended to all active and retired U.S. military and first responders.

 

Located on site near Tiburón’s 17th green, the unique vista provided a spacious and special haven, complete with comfortable seating and complimentary food/beverage from Naples’ own Michelbob’s Championship Ribs & Steak.

 

In addition to the culinary perks and exclusive arena, the SERVPRO Hero Outpost provided the American heroes an outstanding vantage point from which to catch all the action on and around the 17th hole.

 

“We are incredibly proud to host the Hero Outpost at the Chubb Classic and other tournaments across the country,” said Brett Ponton, Chief Executive Officer, SERVPRO. “Creating a space where active-duty military, veterans, and first responders can relax, connect, and enjoy a first-class experience is deeply meaningful to our entire SERVPRO family. Their service inspires us, and this is a privilege for us to give back.

 

“One of the most meaningful aspects of the Hero Outpost is the camaraderie that naturally happens inside it,” continued Ponton. “Whether that is veterans reconnecting over shared experiences or first responders meeting others who understand the weight of the job. If we can provide a comfortable space where they feel valued and can simply enjoy the day together, even if just for a few hours, then we’ve accomplished exactly what we set out to do.”

 

“We have come out and enjoyed – and appreciated – this nice perk to the Chubb Classic tournament every year,” said Glen Gust, Vietnam Veteran Purple Heart and 30-year volunteer fireman. “What SERVPRO does with its sponsorship of this is just amazing.”

 

Gust and his wife, Barb, make the trek down to Naples each winter and have always put the Chubb Classic on their schedule.

 

“This feature to the Chubb Classic really is incredible, in that they do this just for first responders, retired vets and those still in the service. It’s very, very nice,” said Barb Gust. “It’s also very convenient for those older first responders and military men and women to be able to get out of the sun, enjoy complimentary food and drinks….and just sit down to relax in a comfortable setting.”

 

“I’ve also been fortunate to meet a number of vets who, like me, were with the 101st Airborne,” Glen added. “There aren’t many of us left, so that was really cool, too.”

 

Beyond the perks and convenience of the Hero Outpost, all that goes into its creation and operation is far from lost on the couple.

 

“We really appreciate and respect SERVPRO and all the others who work to put this on for us each year,” Glen said. “There are a lot of people who really work their tails off to make this available to us. They make it a very enjoyable tournament for all of us who come to be a part of it.”

 

Because first responders and military are all over the U.S., so, too, are the SERVPRO Hero Outposts. In addition to this week’s Chubb Classic, they are featured at a variety of other PGA TOUR Champions events, as well as stops on the PGA TOUR and LPGA Tour schedule.

 

“When we first heard about this and all SERVPRO and the Chubb Classic were doing for us, we couldn’t believe it,” said U.S. Army veteran and Wisconsin snowbird, David Krech. “It is something really, really special for us.”

 

“First and foremost, we have to thank SERVPRO for their partnership as our presenting sponsor,” said Sandy Diamond, Chubb Classic Executive Director. “They allow us to build the SERVPRO Hero Outpost which allows all current and retired military and frontline workers - including doctors and nurses, police and firemen - to get in for free. We are thrilled that we can give back to them in this way, because they all do so much for us.

 

“Plus, Michelbob’s restaurant provides free food while Pepsi, our beverage provider, offers free sodas and water,” continued Diamond. “Without all of them, we couldn’t do it. This is a small way to pay them back for all they do for us as Americans.”

 

“We partner with SERVPRO, who is simply awesome,” said Lou Bavaro, Michelbob’s partner. “Pepsi donates all the drinks, while Michelbob’s donates all the food. We’ve been getting upwards of about 175 people in here every day.”

 

Michelbob’s restaurant is decorated with a number of patriotic paintings and pictures produced by a Wisconsin native and Armed Forces veteran. One of them was auctioned off Sunday.

 

So, while only one individual walked away as this week’s Chubb Classic champion, courtesy of SERVPRO, a host of many others – already champions – came to watch in style and experience well-deserved first-class treatment…already as champions.