FORT HOOD, Texas - More than 100 Fort Hood Soldiers attended the 2014 Sun City Texas "Thanks to the Troops" Vet - AM Golf Tournament at White Wings Golf Course in the Sun City community, Georgetown, Texas June 26.
The tournament is held every two years with this year being the 4th, said Ann Henry, a Sun City resident and tournament coordinator. Henry attributes the event to one thing - showing Soldier appreciation and support.
"This event is more than golf, it is an opportunity for our community residents to thank our heroes for their dedication and support to the nation," Henry said.
The Soldiers received transportation to and from the event, lunch, one round of golf, gift bags, live music and dinner, she added. The Soldiers were put into teams of four with one player being a veteran of the military.
Henry said she the idea for the event came to her in 2008 after seeing very little support in a welcome home receiving line for 1st Cavalry Division Soldiers returning from Iraq.
"After attending the receiving line I was shocked. I thought for sure there would be more people lined up to show their support," Henry said.
From that point on, Henry single-handedly came up with and organized the event that received approximately $36,000 dollars in donations and sponsorship from residents throughout Sun City and Georgetown, she said.
Each housing area or resident within Sun City were allowed to sponsor a Soldier, team or course hole to provide for the event, said Henry. The residents also donate golf clubs, food and their time to make the event a success for the Soldiers.
"[The event] may be my dream, but it is the community that makes it possible for the Soldiers to have their day," Henry said.
Tom Davis, a Sun City resident and retired Army colonel, said he is proud to be a part of the event and having sponsored a Soldier makes it more worth it.
"I feel the troops need the recognition they sometimes don't get," he added. "[Soldiers] are fun, courteous and have exceptional camaraderie."
Davis said he heard nothing but phenomenal feedback from the Soldiers about the welcome they received.
"I had no idea how large the event was going to be ... I was in complete shock," said Spc. Matthew Cabral, an Artilleryman with the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd brigade Combat Team, 1st Cav. Div., Fort Hood.
Cabral, from Thetford, Vermont, said he had never seen support like this. He was excited and grateful, especially for all the veterans who he played golf with.
"Hanging out with veterans ... there is nothing better, they are who we are," said Cabral.
Cabral said the event was an incredible experience and has hopes of attending again in two years.
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