About Founder James Tipton
About James "Tip" Tipton
I proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1985 until my medical retirement in 2010, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Over nearly 23 years, I worked my way up from nuclear weapons technician to Munitions Superintendent, also serving seven years as a First Sergeant responsible for the welfare, morale, and discipline of hundreds of Airmen. My career took me across the world with deployments to Iraq, Kuwait, Turkey, Spain, Korea, and Italy in support of major operations including but not limited to, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. I completed two combat tours in Iraq, experienced the realities of war, and lived by the values of discipline, resilience, and service before self. For my dedication, I am honored to hold lifetime memberships with the American Legion, AmVets, and the VFW.
After a life-changing accident cut my military career short, I faced years of physical and emotional challenges, but rediscovered purpose through adaptive sports and mentorship. Today, I serve as the Executive Director of the Florida Panhandle Golf Therapy Alliance, Inc., an organization I founded to help veterans, first responders, and adults/children with disabilities to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being through golf. I am also the director of the Florida Panhandle Chapter of the Stand Up and Play Foundation, serve as a peer mentor with the Oscar Mike Foundation, and coach at the National Disabled Veterans Golf Clinic. My journey from combat zones to community service has taught me that even in the darkest times, light can be found again—especially when we commit to lifting each other up.
2025 Board Members
Dr. Dennis Michael Dillenschneider, Sr. FLPGTA
Dr. Dillenschneiderhas a Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration on Information Security Management. Dennis has extensive experience managing projects, personnel, and equipment for the US Air Force, and multiple DoD contracts. Dennis’ work experience includes empowering s
Dr. Dennis Michael Dillenschneider, Sr. FLPGTA
Dr. Dillenschneiderhas a Doctorate in Business Administration with a concentration on Information Security Management. Dennis has extensive experience managing projects, personnel, and equipment for the US Air Force, and multiple DoD contracts. Dennis’ work experience includes empowering students with computer and IT knowledge as a college professor. While working at a mental health facilitator, Dennis learned many important self-empowerment techniques from doctors and clinicians on working with and helping individuals experiencing PTSD and other mental disorders. Dr. Dillenschneider is a member of the Veterans Golfers Association and Florida State Golf Association. Dennis enjoys playing golf in various formats, learning golf techniques, and helping others learn how to play the game of golf. Dr. Dillenschneider has a strong belief in faith and plays guitar at church on Tyndall AFB every Sunday. Dennis is a servant leader who believes in listening, guiding, and mentoring others to accomplish their personal and professional goals. Dennis’ favorite activities include playing guitar, golfing, fishing, boating, riding his motorcycle, and camping.