Love for the Game Scores Good-Will
Eric Bartok, Managing Director – Investments and financial advisor based in the Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Virginia Beach office, has developed a way to combine his love for hockey, with giving back to veterans and their families.
Eric has enjoyed playing hockey since his childhood. He had always hoped that one of his four daughters would want to take up the sport. When they didn’t, he continued to play with some of his long-time-childhood hockey friends, and other skaters who simply enjoy the team sport. Eric learned that he was playing with several Navy seals, and one in particular who shared several childhood friends. This connection turned into a meeting with players who were leading the not-for-profit, Warrior for Life Fund, which included a retired Navy pilot as well. Through this introduction, Eric was invited to skate for a cause. He immediately loved the idea of being able to apply his passion for the sport, while providing good-will. He joined their team to help spearhead a hockey program to teach and mentor veterans and their families the fundamentals of ice hockey.
Eric commits to two early morning sessions before going into the office each week. While his routine was impacted due to the rink’s operating limitations during Covid, he is looking forward to the re-opening at the end of this month.
However, he continues to spend countless weekends mentoring, coaching and teaching veterans’ and their children through this initiative. This program has also offered support for veterans and active members to de-stress, and in some cases relieve and cope with some of the symptoms of PTSD. Additionally, Eric has aided in planning and executing the inaugural Warrior Charity Golf Tournament on September 11th, 2020. All of the proceeds will be applied towards expanding the program and developing a sports facility complex in Virginia Beach.
We are extremely proud of Eric for giving back to veterans and their families through the Warrior for Life Fund.