Bunkers in Baghdad was honored during half time of Sunday’s Buffalo Bills ‘Salute to Service’ game versus the Kansas City Chiefs for its unwavering commitment to supporting U.S. military men and women deployed worldwide.

The non-profit charity, founded in 2008 by Goldberg Segalla partner Joseph M. Hanna, was recognized as the ‘Highmark Community Hero’ for its work in collecting and sending donated golf balls, clubs and other equipment to troops stationed at home and across the globe. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield also made a $2,500 donation to Bunkers in support of its mission. Earlier in the week, the company donated a wide array of golf equipment to the charity during a rally at its Seneca One headquarters in Buffalo held to commemorate Veterans Day.

“It is such an honor to have Bunkers in Baghdad recognized as the 2024 Highmark Community Hero for our commitment to bringing ‘a little slice of home’ to our troops and veterans around the globe,” said Hanna. “We are tremendously grateful for this recognition by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Buffalo Bills and appreciate their partnership in supporting our troops and veterans in all 50 states and more than 80 countries. Their generosity continues to effectuate positive change in the lives of countless service members who have given so much to protect our many freedoms and democracy.”

By providing an outlet for recreation, Bunkers offers troops a much-needed opportunity to de-stress from the rigors of military life. Its work also extends to military veterans and to Wounded Warriors, who are aided in their rehabilitation through the use of equipment donated through the charity.

Over its 16 years in existence, Bunkers in Baghdad — which is supported entirely by the generosity of its donors and sponsors — has sent nearly 16 million golf balls and more than 1.5 million clubs to our brave men and women in uniform. Bunkers in Baghdad also brings an educational aspect to its work through its “Bunkers Buddies” program, a component under which the charity has partnered with more than 2,000 schools nationwide, teaching students about the importance of community service while providing them the opportunity to write thank you letters and decorate golf balls to send some gratitude and joy to the troops.

“It is truly a privilege to serve our troops who so selflessly serve our nation,” said Hanna. “The sacrifice made by our troops, and their families, to protect our freedoms and way of life is one we will never take for granted and we are committed to always letting them know they are in our thoughts.”