Honoring Wayne Zellers: A Decade of Service to Virginia Veterans

This past May, friends, family and community supporters gathered at the Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech for the 10th Annual Wayne Zellers Memorial Wounded Warrior Tournament, continuing a decade-long tradition of supporting Virginia veterans and their families.

The tournament was founded by Wayne Zellers, a U.S. Air Force Vietnam veteran and avid golfer, with a desire to give back to fellow veterans and families in need. What began as one veteran’s commitment to helping others has grown into an annual tradition that continues to make a meaningful difference throughout Southwest Virginia.

Since its inception, the Wayne Zellers Memorial Wounded Warrior Tournament has raised more than $80,000 in support of veterans and their families. Proceeds from the tournament support the Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) program, helping provide assistance to veterans and families facing financial hardship and other urgent needs.

Although Wayne has passed, the mission he started continues in his memory. His wife, Sheila Zellers, along with the tournament’s planning committee and officers, has helped carry forward Wayne’s commitment to serving others and ensuring the tournament remains a lasting tribute to his life and service.

Wayne’s legacy also continues through a scholarship awarded to an incoming Virginia Tech Cadet in his honor, extending his commitment to service to the next generation.

The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation extends our sincere appreciation to Sheila Zellers for continuing what Wayne began and for keeping his dedication to veterans at the heart of this special event. We are also grateful to the tournament’s organizers, golfers, sponsors, donors, volunteers and the staff at the Pete Dye River Course for their continued generosity and support.

Ten years later, Wayne’s vision continues to bring people together for a common purpose: helping Virginia veterans and their families when they need it most. We are honored to be part of that legacy and thankful to the Zellers family and everyone who has helped keep Wayne’s mission moving forward.