Marines

Photo Information

A golfer strikes the ball during the Military Heroes Golf Classic June 15 at the Jacksonville Country Club. The event was a part of a series of fundraisers that includes a gala later in the year.

Photo by Lance Cpl. Jackeline M. Perez Rivera

Golf tournament draws community, business leaders for military cause

15 Jun 2012 | Lance Cpl. Jackeline M. Perez Rivera Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune

Members of the community gathered for the second annual Military Heroes Golf Classic to have fun in the name of a good cause at the Jacksonville Country Club June 15.

The Museum of the Marine and Hope for the Warriors hosted the event to commemorate the sacrifices of wounded Marines in the area and to raise awareness and funds for the two organizations, according to the Hope for Warriors website.

Twenty-four teams, three comprised of wounded warriors, with more than 100 participants gathered for the event.

“This community likes golf,” said Dave Brown, the executive director of the Museum of the Marine.

Brown said people enjoyed the fundraiser and many business leaders came to support the nonprofits through the annual Military Heroes Golf Classic.

Robert Jackson, the vice president of acquisitions, sales and marketing for American Homesmith, came to support the organizations.

“We have a strong propensity to give back where we are doing business,” said Jackson. “We support organizations that give back to the community endeavors and philanthropic organizations. We don’t only give back to organizations financially; we like to participate in events and donate our time to help in other ways.”

Jackson said his company looks to support organizations that meet needs in the community. Hope for the Warriors provides assistance for wounded service members in ways not typically provided through other means, and the Museum of the Marine fosters the link between the Marine Corps and the community, and draws people to the area.

“We’re honored to participate, and we’d like to find ways to participate further,” said Jackson. “The community has a responsibility for stewardship.”

Similar goals drew the Museum of the Marine and Hope for Warriors together for the event.

“This event is about honoring and supporting our military community,” said Kathryn Pavia, the southeast region event coordinator for Hope for the Warriors.

Carl Wilson, a participant of the event, enjoyed the opportunity to support the organizations while spending time with friends playing a sport he takes pleasure in.

“I do anything I can for wounded warriors and other causes like theirs,” said Wilson. “I contribute what I can to them.”

Wilson said golf is a game where one’s personality shines brightest, an even-tempered player tends to be pleasant to be around outside of the game, while a hot-tempered player likely isn’t.

“People who get upset really easily in life get upset real easily in golf,” said Wilson. “People who take things in stride, have a good personality, laugh and enjoy themselves tend to do the same thing on the golf course, and I like playing with those guys.”

Pavia felt the event drew people from all different areas of life together.

“It’s a great way to come out and enjoy a beautiful day to play golf and have fun while honoring the military,” said Pavia. “We hope people walk away with new memories, new friends and a goal to help make a difference in the military community.”

For more information, visit www.h4wmotmgolfclassic.kintera.org/2012.