Giving Back to Vets: Steve Kappes on the Wounded Warrior Tennis Program | Episode 9 of Twist of Fate

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“From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.”

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This famous quote from Arthur Ashe has long stuck with Episode 9’s Guest on Twist of Fate. Host Douglas Younger III talks to Steve Kappes about the Wounded Warrior Tennis Program, and how this nonprofit gives hope to veterans who are suffering from both mental and physical disabilities. He also delves into how the spirit of giving was the basis for a successful new venture. 

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Everyone Is Welcome 

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Steve Kappes is a noted Navy veteran in San Diego, and he’s been formally recognized for both his work in the service and his work helping veterans recover and reintegrate when they exit the service. 

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The Wounded Warrior Tennis Program was originally a way to fill a niche in sports rehab programs for vets. A recreational therapist asked if Kappes, who was already an avid tennis player, could add tennis to the list of sports organizations that were already available to veterans. He couldn’t have been prouder to be involved. 

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Younger, who grew up in the tennis community himself, points out that the sport played a huge role in helping him shape the kind of discipline he would eventually need to start his own company. In the program, all vets are welcome to join, regardless of age, disability, branch, etc. Like all sports, tennis is excellent for mental and physical health. It’s a way for people to work through anything from general frustration to chronic back pain. 

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Steven Kappes is dedicated to giving back whenever and wherever he can, which turned out to be the catalyst for this nonprofit. 

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An Unlikely Entrepreneur 

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Kappes didn’t think of himself as an entrepreneur. In the Navy, you’re not exactly encouraged to be your own boss or take the unbeaten path. But his instincts ignored just how much work he’d already done to prepare. Structured days, stellar work ethic, commitment to a bigger cause: these steadfast qualities of Kappes proved to be just the ticket. 

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Douglas Younger III’s grandfather was in the military, and he made sure that his grandson knew the value of preparation. All the ethos practiced and preached in the military makes it a more streamlined transition from vet to business owner than you might think. (Incidentally, the 2.4 million veteran-owned firms enjoy multiple benefits, including loans with better terms and conditions.)

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The Wounded Warrior Tennis Program tennis program is so much more than a few haphazard games. It’s a community of people who network and get to know one another. It’s veterans seeing how they can transition from one role to another. 

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The feedback has been phenomenal for Kappes, and Younger is quick to highlight the many honors that Kappes has enjoyed because of his efforts. Kappes is exceptionally proud of his program participants being honored in the Military Appreciation Day of the San Diego Open. During the Open, the vets in the program were singled out on center court, an inspiring moment for all involved. 

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However, what both host and guest want everyone to understand is that real entrepreneurs aren’t driven by untold wealth. That may fuel an organization for months or even years on the basis of profits alone, but it will only get you so far. For Kappes, he had an insatiable need to do what he could, where he could. He’s proud to live in a city that’s so supportive of its vets, and he hopes that everyone in his program can live the lessons they learn on the court.  

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