Close to 200 people hit Lakeview Golf Course Saturday for a tournament benefiting a very important cause. Patriotism was in the air at Lakeview Golf Course in Harrisonburg.

Bay of Pigs Veteran and Harrisonburg resident, Bill Wilson, says, "It's a very good atmosphere. Everyone here is feeling very patriotic. I can see it, you can feel it."

While Wilson is happy to play golf Saturday, he says what is really important is being able to help war veterans of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He says, "It means a whole lot to me that we can do this for these wounded veterans. It really is nice."

The Wounded Warrior Program was established in July of 2008. It's purpose is to provide support to recent veterans who have brain injuries and debilitating wounds.

As a Vietnam vet, Vince Burgess from the Virginia Department of Veteran Services says the program connects the dots when it comes to getting veterans and their families the services they need.

Burgess says, "These more rural communities have to go to the more metropolitan areas to get the kind of service they need and we just want to make sure we get it as close to home as possible."

Burgess also says the tournament's turn-out shows how dedicated the Valley is to its war vets.

He says, "This is very emotional for me, to see the kind of outpouring and commitment this community has for it's service."

Harrisonburg Disabled Veterans member, Wayne Mcdorman, says it's all about embracing the troops. He hopes the program can give help to vets that many did not receive in past wars.

Mcdorman says, "I want to do everything I can to make these veterans feel like they have been real heroes for America."

Virginia has deployed about 140,000 troops for the War on Terror. Organizers of the tournament say 50,000 of those soldiers will deal with at least some sort of mental health issues.

One of the key features of the Wounded Warrior Program is that it also provides needed help to families of returning veterans.