"Black Jack" troopers scramble for fun, charity

FORT HOOD, Texas- The work pace before a deployment is usually pretty brisk. Soldiers are busy packing, planning and preparing everything they will need, and that doesn't leave a lot of time for relaxing. That's why it's important to fit it in whenever you can.

For the Soldiers of the 2nd "Black Jack" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, April 21 was an opportunity to escape their hectic workday and relax with friends during the brigade's golf scramble at the Courses of Clear Creek on Fort Hood, Texas, while helping raise money for the brigade's Sgt. Audie Murphy Club, which supports local charities.

Dozens of teams of Soldiers and "Black Jack" supporters competed for the lowest score.

"I love it," said Spc. Daniel Fields, a Soldier with the 2nd BCT. "It's a great chance to come out here with some buddies, get off work early and just play."

In addition to having fun, Soldiers were also helping raise money for local charities.

"The Sgt. Audie Murphy Club wanted to host this event to help support charities that support Soldiers and their families," said Sgt. 1st Class Mark Haliburton, a Midway, Ala., native and the noncommissioned officer-in-charge of the planning office for 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT.

The fees charged for mulligans, raffles and games all went to the SAMC, which will donate them.

"This is a good way to help people that need it," said Sgt. 1st Class Donna Hunter, the brigade medical NCOIC. "By doing these fundraisers we can do more for the organizations, the families and the Soldiers."

But aside from helping charities, Soldiers were also building on some important things they will need downrange.

"This boosts morale and esprit de corps and allows leaders to fellowship and team build prior to deployment," said Haliburton. "It also gives Soldiers a chance to sit back and enjoy each others company."

While there might not be any games of golf to look forward to during the deployment, Soldiers can look back with relish on this day and feel good knowing their good time helped support local charities.