About Through The Rough — Veteran & First Responder Mental Health Nonprofit
Our Story
About Through The Rough
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Serving Veterans, First Responders & Medical Providers
Our Mission
Through the Rough exists to empower Veterans, First Responders, and Medical Providers navigating the hidden battles of PTS, trauma, and suicide risk — guiding them through life's rough patches with resilience, peer support, and purpose. Through golf-based outreach, community engagement, and mental health advocacy, we help warriors and protectors find connection, healing, and a renewed sense of direction.
In Memory Of
MSG Ryan McCarthy, US Army
A Teammate. A Brother. A Golfer. A Light.
Master Sergeant Ryan McCarthy was the kind of man whose presence filled a room long before he ever said a word. A US Army Green Beret, US Army Ranger, and Sapper Leader — and the 2017 US Army NCO of the Year — Ryan represented the absolute best of what the Army produces. His career was defined by elite achievement, relentless excellence, and a standard of service that few could match.
But behind every decoration and qualification was a man of extraordinary character. Fiercely competitive, endlessly humble, and deeply loyal, Ryan lived his life with the same intensity and purpose that defined his military career. He was not just a warrior — he was a teammate, a brother, and a friend who made everyone around him better simply by being present.
Golf was one of Ryan's greatest escapes. Whether he was grinding on the range, walking nine with friends, or breaking down PGA stats like a human encyclopedia, the game gave him peace, challenge, and connection. He approached golf the same way he approached life: with grit, humor, and a relentless drive to get better every single day.
Ryan's happiest moments were spent outside — playing sports with his two boys, coaching tee ball and hockey, or spending summers on Belgrade Lakes in Maine. He loved competition, but he loved people even more. If you were in his circle, you felt it. If you needed him, he showed up. If you were struggling, he carried the weight with you.
His legacy is one of leadership, laughter, and unwavering brotherhood. Around campfires, in garages, on deployment, or on the golf course, Ryan brought energy, joy, and a sense of belonging that made everyone around him better.
Through The Rough honors Ryan not only for the warrior he was, but for the man he was — a father, a husband, a son, a teammate, and a friend whose impact continues to ripple through every life he touched.
Accomplishments & Qualifications
- US Army Green Beret
- US Army Ranger
- Sapper Leader
- 2017 US Army NCO of the Year
“This retreat carries his name because it carries his spirit: camaraderie, connection, competition, and the belief that no one should walk through life's rough patches alone.”
How We Started
Born Out of the Rough
Through The Rough Inc. was founded on a simple but powerful belief: that the people who dedicate their lives to protecting and healing others deserve the same care, community, and support in return. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization built specifically to address the mental health crisis among Veterans, First Responders, and Medical Providers.
Too many Veterans come home carrying invisible wounds. Too many First Responders absorb trauma day after day with nowhere to put it. Too many Medical Providers pour themselves out for patients until there is nothing left. The rates of PTS, depression, and suicide among these groups are staggering — and too often suffered in silence.
Golf became our vehicle — not because it is glamorous, but because it works. A round of golf forces you to slow down, breathe, and be present. It creates four hours of uninterrupted time with people who understand your world. It builds the kind of easy, shoulder-to-shoulder camaraderie where the real conversations happen — the ones that save lives.
We pair that with faith-centered community, peer support, and a commitment to mental health advocacy. The result is something that goes far beyond a golf outing — it is a lifeline for those who have given everything.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Our founders have a combined 100+ years of service to this country. Their commitment to Veterans, First Responders, and Medical Providers is not just organizational — it is deeply personal. Every decision made at Through The Rough is rooted in lived experience, sacrifice, and an unwavering dedication to those who have given so much.
Co-Founder
Tim Shay
Chief Executive Officer
Co-Founder
Kent Gavin
Chief Financial Officer
Co-Founder
Bryan Otero
Chief Operating Officer
Volunteers & Key Roles
Leadership Team
Beyond our Board of Directors, Through The Rough is powered by dedicated volunteers who step up to fill critical roles. Their service to this organization reflects the same selfless spirit they have shown throughout their careers.
Co-Founder
Brian Walker
Treasurer
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Honor
We honor the sacrifice of those who serve by showing up for them — not just on the course, but in life.
Community
Healing happens in relationship. We build genuine, lasting bonds between people who understand each other's burdens.
Purpose
Every round, every retreat, every conversation is an opportunity to help someone rediscover their reason to keep going.
Faith & Hope
Grounded in Something Greater
At Through The Rough, faith is not a requirement — it is an invitation. We believe that purpose, hope, and healing are deeply connected to something greater than ourselves, and we create space for those conversations without pressure or judgment.
Whether someone comes to us with deep faith or deep doubt, they will find a community that welcomes them exactly where they are.
Ready to Be Part of the Story?
Join us on the course, support our mission, or reach out to learn more about what we do.