Travis, Beale Airmen - Golfing for wounded warriors fundraiser hits hole in one

  • Published
  • By Ellen Hatfield
  • 349th Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  In my years in the U.S. Air Force and Reserve, I've observed nothing gets our military folks together like the promise of a friendly golf tournament. Given the chance to help our wounded warriors by playing a round of golf, Airmen from Travis and Beale Travis Air Force Bases came together, and played in Lincoln, Calif., Aug. 12, for the cause.

On that day, Billy Casper Golf hosted 110 simultaneous golf outings, across 28 states, all supporting the WoundedWarriorProject. Both active and Reserve players from the 60th and 349th Air Mobility Wings at Travis, and the 9th Reconnaissance and 940th Wings at Beale, played in competition, in what was billed as "the world's largest golf outing," for amateur players of all skill levels.

The event in Lincoln was organized and planned by Chief Master Sgt. Michael Delgiacco, 70th Air Refueling Squadron, at Travis, and Chief Master Sgt. Brent Hammond, 13th RS, Beale. According to Delgiacco, 124 golfers played, bringing in more than $7,200 in donations. Lincoln Hills Golf Course donated a golf membership for a year that was auctioned off, bringing in another $3,000.

The event started off with a brief ceremony to honor all the services' wounded warriors. When the public address system malfunctioned and delayed the National Anthem, Chief Master Sgt. Timothy White, 349th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, stepped up to lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and get the day rolling.

"The course was beautiful," said Chief Master Sgt. Kari Sumner, 349th Maintenance Squadron, an avid golfer. "I can't remember a tournament with so many teams, and for such a low entry fee." She said they all enjoyed beverages and snacks throughout the day, and enjoyed a barbeque lunch after the round.

"It was a wonderful event, and a joy to play for a cause so near and dear to our hearts," said Chief Master Sgt. Darlene Chaboude, 349th Aerospace Medicine Squadron.

Across America, more than 10,000 golfers came together to share their passion for golf and helping their fellow service members who are hurting. At the end of the day, they raised more than $700,000 for our wounded warriors.