FORT BENNING, Ga., (June 10, 2015) -- The Fort Benning community turned out June 6 to celebrate the opening of Jack's 19th Hole, a new food and beverage addition to the recently renovated Fort Benning Golf Course clubhouse.
The celebration kicked off with a demonstration by the Silver Wings, Fort Benning's aerial parachute team, who jumped onto the golf course carrying an engraved commemorative bottle of Jack Daniel's whiskey. Following the demonstration, a traditional whiskey barrel roll and ribbon cutting took place.
"We have some very special guests with us this morning - a group of our Gold Star fathers," said guest speaker Col. Michail S. Huerter, garrison commander. "Gentleman, it's truly an honor to have all of you with us today. In the military, coming together to share our challenges as well as our joys and accomplishments is what makes us a strong Army Family. We support each in the good and bad times, and understand the unique challenges of having a loved one serve in uniform."
He thanked the Gold Star fathers for their dedication to the Army, and reminded them that their children were not forgotten.
"We honor all of them, here, today," Huerter said.
Huerter also took a moment to acknowledge that June 6 marked the 71st anniversary of D-Day, where 2,499 U.S. Soldiers and 1,914 of our Allies made the ultimate sacrifice to liberate Europe from Nazi Germany. He noted that the Fort Benning Golf Course memorializes three incredible general officers - George C. Marshall, Omar Bradley and George S. Patton, all who played significant roles in the planning of the invasion on Normandy.
Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. was also in attendance, and presented Jack's 19th Hole with a certificate of congressional recognition.
"On behalf of the 100 members of the U.S. Senate, the 435 members of the House of Representatives, the 730,000 people of the Georgia Second Congressional District and the President of the United States, I want to present a certificate of special congressional recognition to the Fort Benning Golf Course Jack's 19th Hole," Bishop said. "In recognition of outstanding achievements, service and public distinction. You have no idea how much this facility and golf course means to the men and women of the Chattahoochee Valley as they come and enjoy the morale, fellowship and friendship here at this facility."
Joe Bollinger, a Brown-Forman executive who oversees sales of the company's products at military installations, concluded the ceremony by thanking the Fort Benning Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation for all of its hard work and participation in the renovations.
"It is an honor and privilege for Brown and Forman to partner with the Fort Benning Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to open Jack's 19th Hole," Bollinger said. "The goal of Jack's is to provide a world class facility for golfers and nongolfers to enjoy. Our hope is that as troops come through Fort Benning, whether for service or coming home from down range, they'll take a little piece of Jack's brand with them on to their next assignment."
The DFMWR hosted a free golf tournament, a golf clinic and a cook-out after the ceremony.
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