Potomac, Maryland — Our Military Kids was named 2017 Military Charity of the Year by the Tiger Woods Foundation and Quicken Loans National Wednesday, during the QL National golf tournament’s opening events in Potomac, Maryland.

During a lunch, co-hosted by longtime OMK partner, Lockheed Martin, Rick Singer, president and CEO of Tiger Woods Foundation, paid tribute to OMK for helping children cope while their military parents are recovering from war wounds or are deployed.

“A lot of times,” Singer said, “we forget the kids are handling stress and strain as well.”

Billy Hurley III, defending QL National champion, and the only military veteran on the PGA tour, gave advice to military kids in attendance who had received OMK grants for golf. “Keep it fun,” he said. “Playing other sports is important.”

“That’s a great message,” said Linda Davidson, OMK’s executive director. “It speaks to the importance of our program in that children have the opportunity to explore and get involved in a variety of activities.”

Davidson said, “I’m so grateful to the Tiger Woods Foundation and Lockheed Martin, and all those who care for the awesome kids like the ones enjoying this tournament. These are kids who, once empowered, can do anything.”