The Annual United Warrior Survivor Foundation Charity Golf Tournament was greeted by a beautiful sunny San Diego day on May 31, 2008.
This event was the seventh golf tourney put on by the UWSF, and if one was to include all charity golf events put on in other parts of the country on our behalf, the UWSF has been beneficiary to 12 charity tournaments.
This year, in addition to helping the UWSF raise money to fund the foundation’s efforts and programs our sponsors also helped us honor our fallen heroes and their
surviving spouse’s sacrifice. Special thanks to: Freedom is not Free, NAVY Federal Credit Union, Burnett-Haase Construction, Fremont Associates, Miller Beer, Taylor-Made, Dennis Kern, PKL Services, Tammy & Eric Gustavson, Oltmans Construction, Julian Mann, Scott Guenther and The Hugh Hewitt Show.
The day started out with our golfers competing in a putting contest sponsored by Debbie Dahber of the GOLF CHANNEL, a Bar-B lunch, the presentation of the flag and pledge by a NAVY color guard. Then the crowd was treated to an amazing rendition of the National Anthem by Broadway singer/performer Julie Garnye. This year’s tournament director Annie Nelson secured several other generous celebrities to participate in the event: Actor Ron Lester -Billy Bob from Varsity Blues; Bob Cicherillo - Professional body-builder & Mr. USA; and Pro snowboarder/stuntman/Extreme athlete Chris Bartimioli. The UWSF was also honored to have a foursome of combat wounded warriors play as well, including an inspirational man Josh Cope, a double amputee.
Our silent and live auction included a wide variety of autographed sports and celebrity prints and memorabilia including a signed John Wayne print with a authentic Winchester rifle mounted in it, a Fender guitar signed by the Rolling Stones and a Tom Brady signed picture.
UWSF board member and the surviving spouse of Major Paul Syverson, (U.S. Army Special Forces), Jackie Syverson was an honored speaker as well. Jackie spoke of the “safe and healing” nature of the approach that the UWSF takes with the surviving spouses we are committed to assist. As well as the significance of an organization whose goal it is to not only serve as advocate for these wonderful women; but also to show them there are those in our society, outside of the military, that appreciate and honor their family’s sacrifice for our country.
If you have not had the opportunity to participate as a player or a sponsor of a UWSF golf tournament please keep watch out for our UWSF newsletters and web site announcements for any and all future events!!!!!!!!! www.UWSF.org