Abba's Army 2nd Annual Golf Tournament Tees Off

On a perfect 83-degree Saturday afternoon, over 100 golfers, 30 volunteers, and the staff of the family-owned and operated Foster Country Club joined together to celebrate 5 esteemed veterans and raise money for a great cause. House Representative Minority Leader Mike Chippendale alongside Senator Minority Whip Gordon Rogers presented Janna Mullaly, E5 Boatswain's Mate of the US Navy; Wayne Salisbury, Corporal of the US Marine Corp; Tyler Domingos, Sergeant of the US Marine Corp (not pictured); Joel Neiman, Specialist of the US Army; Kasim Yarn, Lt. Commander of the US Navy; citations thanking them for their unwavering loyalty, patriotism, and integrity.  This small gesture made possible by the efforts of Abba’s Army and their family of volunteers, galvanized all in attendance to not only enjoy a perfect day for golf, but also that every effort counts, every dollar raised can truly help a hero, and reminded everyone in attendance how the selfless actions of a few afforded us an opportunity to enjoy our friends and family. Kasim Yarn, Director for Veteran Affairs of Rhode Island wrapped up the opening ceremony with an empowering and passionate speech to commence the day's festivities, with a high five to each and every team.

Mike Chippendale, Wayne Salisbury, Kasim Yarn, Joel Neiman, Janna Mullaly and Gordon Rogers.

Thanks in part to the more than 50 unique sponsors, the 112 golfers, the staff at Foster Country club, and the relentless efforts of the Abba’s Army team, over $43,000 was raised! Eclipsing $40,000 for both years the tournament has been running, and including the smaller parties and events held as well, Abba’s Army, less than three years since inception has garnered over $100,000 in donations! Staying true to their word “A Force for Good.” Abba’s Army has already taken not only the money raised, but their own time and resources to help aid veterans in need by building ramps, cleaning gutters, aiding in financial distress, purchasing wheelchairs and other tools to aid physically impaired veterans, as well as countless other good deeds. 

Created by Jason Iadevaia and his siblings to honor their matriarch “Abba” and her passion for helping others (especially veterans), Abba’s Army was formed. Becoming an official 501(3c) in 2022, Jason, Jodi, Heidi, Melissa, and Geoff comprise the central nucleus aiming to create a positive impact in the lives of others, in the same way they watched their mother make a positive impact in the lives of everyone she met. Add in the husbands, wives, cousins, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and “Army” is the only word left to describe this family. There are few people, if any, to interact with anyone in Abba’s Army and do not walk away feeling like they now have a second family. This feeling is created through genuine passion and a love that pairs best with the word “unyielding” On Jul 20, 2024, we saw this bellicose love in the form of their 2nd Annual Golf Tournament. Seeing close to 200 people coming together for the same cause, feeling the same sense of pride and purpose, and the joy on each and every one of their faces can only be summarized as “perfect.”

This year after the 2nd successful tournament, Abba’s Army will set its sights on helping as many veterans in need as possible. The goal is always to use their own hands and their own time. Raising money is necessary, but the purpose and fulfillment comes from spending actual time with veterans, showing them we care and are always available, and giving back to them for everything they gave for us. If you know of or are a veteran who needs help, would like to participate in an event, or are looking to sponsor or donate, please check out abbasarmy.com. 

A special thanks to our sponsors:

Tito’s Handmade Vodka; Freedom Tech; New Tech Transmission; Sweetspot Farm, Mill Street Inn, Bills Bread and Breakfast, Kellher Construction, Stone House Inn, Rawson Materials, Jolly Precast, Advanced Ultrasound, Merylyn Rocks, Helen’s Place, Cerroni’s Service Center, Variety Auto Sales & Collision Center, Danti & Sons Plumbing and Heating, DH Copeland Builder Inc, Echo Septic Services, Tetreault Glass Co., Scituate Portables, The Enthusiast Inc, Halls Garage, GS Inc., BCB Tools, Fredrickson Farms, CME Corp, Applebee’s, O’Reilly Auto, Breanna Marie Lusignan Photography, Weston Family Trust, Bailey Hill Woodworking, The Watering Hole, Provost, Brentwood Irrigation, Knox Towing, General Automotive, Thom’s Well and Pump, Hills Home Improvement, Phil Doar’s Dumpsters LLC, TNT Fracking.