Cruz Sponsors Project Stay Golf Tournament
[Quinton, Virginia] – Cruz Associates was honored to begin its involvement with Project Stay at their 2nd Annual David Jay Benfield Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament. Project Stay’s mission is to honor Jay Benfield by supporting active-duty service members and veterans, raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health, and encouraging those who are struggling to speak up, seek support, and remember that they are never alone. You can find out more about Project Stay at https://www.projectstayinc.com/.
Cruz Sponsors LaSertoma Charity Golf Tournament
[Yorktown, Virginia] – Cruz Associates continued its association with LaSertoma International at their 2026 Charity Golf Tournament. LaSertoma International organization is dedicated to practical, community-focused service with a strong emphasis on youth, education, and literacy. You can find out more about LaSertoma International at https://lasertoma.com/.
Cruz Sponsors Folds of Honor
[Yorktown, Virginia] – Cruz Associates continued its association with Folds of Honor at their 2026 Military Appreciation Golf Tournament. Folds of Honor provides scholarships to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. This year’s tournament at Colonial Williamsburg’s Golden Horseshoe raised over $91,000 for their scholarship foundation. You can find out more about Folds of Honor at foldsofhonor.org.
Cruz Supports the Virginia Helicopter Association
[Williamsburg, Virginia] – Cruz recently supported the Virginia Helicopter Association as a Legacy sponsor for VHA’s 20th anniversary celebration and first ever “Helicopter Day” at the Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport.
The Virginia Helicopter Association (VHA) is a locally based 501(c)(7) organization made of professional helicopter pilots, locally owned helicopter operators, maintainers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts. The VHA is dedicated to supporting the local helicopter and aviation community through regular meetings and events where we host short seminars, safety briefings, and of course, show off helicopters.
The event hosted privately-owned helicopters as well as aircraft from the Virginia National Guard, Virginia State Police, and local Fire Rescue. An estimated 1,000-1,400 people showed up for the event.
Cruz Becomes Official SkillBridge Provider
[Yorktown, Virginia] – Cruz has joined the list of official Department of War (DoW) SkillBridge providers.
The DoW SkillBridge program is an opportunity for service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through specific industry training, apprenticeships, or internships during the last 180 days of service. DoW SkillBridge connects transitioning service members with industry providers in real-world job experiences.
Service members can be granted up to 180 days of permissive duty to focus solely on training full-time with approved industry providers after their chain of command, field grade commander, provides written authorization and approval. These industry providers offer real-world training and in-demand work experience while having the opportunity to evaluate the service member’s suitability for future employment.
You can learn more about SkillBridge opportunities at www.skillbridge.mil.
Cruz Presents Night Stalker Award
[Fort Campbell, Kentucky] – Eric Cruz, President of Cruz Associates, Inc., recently awarded the Night Stalker Association’s Three-Five Gas and Guns Maintainer of the Year Award to Staff Sergeant Brandon Bates from Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC) 1-160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne) (SOAR(A)). This award is presented annually to a 160th SOAR(A) Soldier serving in an Armorer, POL, Armament or Ammunition Handler position who has made an outstanding individual contribution to Special Operations during the previous calendar year. As a unit Jumpmaster, SSG Bates led multiple airborne Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) operations and executed a non-standard FARP in a combat zone. As POL section sergeant, he managed over 20 fuelers and regularly volunteered to train sister battalions on A/MH-6 refueling. His leadership during six major Special Operations events and his combat-proven expertise highlights his immense value as a leader, soldier, and airborne professional in the Special Operations community. We, at Cruz, are proud to be associated with this humble hero, and we wish him and his family the very best.
Cruz Supports HEART
[Williamsburg, Virginia] – Cruz Associates continued its long-time association with and support of HEART at their annual golf tournament. This year’s tournament raised more than $36,000.
The mission of H-E-A-R-T (Hope Exists After Rape Trauma) is to provide HOPE for victims of sexual assault through the provision of essential and therapeutic support, by affecting positive change in laws influencing their lives, and by educating both the public and professionals commissioned to serve victims.
You can learn more about HEART at www.h-e-a-r-t.org.
