CARY, N.C. - Four North Carolina National Guard veterans of three wars sized up their situation: terrain difficult, several hazards and at least one hidden bunker. If their approach is too aggressive the bunker awaits, too tentative and they will most certainly come up short. The solution, a five iron and if needed a mulligan.
This team of veterans joined nearly 240 other golfers, many volunteers, staff and fans at the 4th annual EDM4USTroops Golf Tournament raising money for NCNG Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund, Inc. (SAAF), Enable America, Make-A-Wish Eastern North Carolina and wounded veterans at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, June 8, 2015.
"It is probably the largest military golf tournament on the East Coast," said retired Sgt. Maj. Dennis Roach, a leader with SAAF.
The golfers gathered for the opening ceremonies at the clubhouse to honor those who served. The NCNG presented the U.S. Flag, then a NCNG chaplain lead prayers. After the prayers, a NCNG Soldier played Taps to bowed heads, salutes and tears.
"You can just see the support, it hits the heart in a special way," said Beth Bridger with paws4people, a charity that provides service animals for veterans.
A quick speech by the host introduces the guests of honor including wounded veterans Marine Corps Cpl. Ryan Wightman, Army Pfc. David McDowell, Spc. Melverton Mclaren and NCNG's own Sgt. Michael Beck and Staff Sgt. Dale Beatty.
Many before the start line up to shake hands, hug and take photos with the warriors. However, they were not the only veterans.
One sponsor found out they invited a veteran to their team without knowing their prior service to the country.
"We did not know. He was a good customer and he surprised me when he said he rappelled out of helicopters," said Lee Weaver, a graphics communication sales executive with Ricoh, a sponsor of the event.
Most of the teams host a veteran as part of their golf group providing a rare opportunity to play on a championship golf course.
"I just wanted to but never got the opportunity," said Mclaren, who on his first game of golf ever, sank three putts as part of the Enable America team.
After about five hours, the teams return to the clubhouse with new friends, plenty of laughs, stories and scorecards for bragging rights.
"We got a lot of greats folks out here, it was an honor to play with Dale," said Arun Singh, EDM vice-president global operations and chief operations officer and host of the event.
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