Discovering pickleball was a game-changer for US Navy combat veteran Joe Wilson.

The 44-year-old is adamant that participating in America’s fastest-growing sport has done him a world of good now that his service career is over.

Wilson shared his story with The Press Enterprise contributing columnist, Carl Love, in a piece entitled "Temecula resident helps veterans thrive — with pickleball," which was published on Sept. 12.

"After transitioning from the military, I found transitioning into civilian life difficult. I sought out different activities to help alleviate these difficulties, and that is when I came across the game of pickleball," said Wilson, who left the Navy in 2013. "Pickleball is a way to get out. It helps me feel good about life."

After joining the picklesphere just two years ago, Wilson quickly experienced the incredible social benefits first-hand, and he's hoping to get fellow veterans involved with the game to help facilitate that same transition back into civilian life as well.

As the CEO of the National Veterans Pickleball League (NVPL), a non-profit organization, Wilson is planning to stage a pickleball tournament at a local facility sometime in November to get veterans and their families together.

He started a GoFundMe page to solicit donations for the purchase of equipment, including paddles, balls, portable nets, safety glasses, and court rental fees.

"Pickleball has improved my mental, physical and overall well-being. I have met some of the kindest, encouraging people on the pickleball courts," wrote Wilson on the fundraising page. "It is my greatest hope to see other veterans and their families benefit as I have from playing pickleball."

He has raised $500 to date. The goal is $5,000.

Love shared that "long term, Wilson would like to have a permanent place where veterans could play locally" and "he’d also like to do more for veterans with disabilities."

This is truly a noble cause.

"My hope for the NVPL is that no veteran, including their family, would be discouraged from participating because they do not have the required equipment," added Wilson on the fundraising page.

Click here to donate to the NVPL.