Golf tournament raises money for military-appreciation programs

  • Published
  • By 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD, Fla. --  Homestead Air Reserve Base servicemembers teamed up with civic and business leaders to compete on the links and raise money for military-themed causes at the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee Golf Tournament on Friday.

Altogether, 30 golfers from the 482nd Fighter Wing, U.S. Southern Command and the Florida Air National Guard played for free in the tournament at Redland Golf and Country Club alongside the participants who sponsored them in the 38th annual tournament.

"We know that we have a military presence at Homestead, but people don't always know the people who work at the base," said Rob Griffitts, owner of Homestead Transfer and Storage, an agent for North American Van Lines, Inc. "The tournament gives the community a chance to meet and interact with military members."

The tournament is the biggest single fundraising event for the Military Affairs Committee. The money goes to the base quarterly awards program, JROTC scholarships, family gatherings at military bases and accolades and prizes awarded to top military performers. The MAC also donates money to the Armed Forces Service Center at Miami International Airport to support military travelers.

It's a great opportunity to meet people in the community and from other units on Homestead ARB, said Tech. Sgt. Greg Larkins, a Florida Air National Guard 125th Fighter Wing, Detachment 1, propulsion technician.

"I met someone on my team who worked on the F-16s over at the 482nd FW that I had never known before today," Sergeant Larkins said.

While the tournament is meant to focus on fun, charity and networking, some of the military golfers proved they know their way around a golf course. Staff Sgt. Justin Rickles, 482nd FW Security Forces Squadron, teamed with Dmitri Sandler, Manny Lara, Steve Bateman and Squadron won the tournament.

"The tournament is one of the many ways the MAC continually supports Homestead Air Reserve Base, and we're thankful for the opportunity to play some golf and enjoy the great relationship with our community," said Col. Randall Falcon, 482nd FW commander.

After the morning competition, a luncheon with silent auctions and raffles capped the golfing competition. For information about the Greater Homestead/Florida City Chamber of Commerce and the benefits of membership, visit their website at www.chamberinaction.com or call their office at (305) 247-2332.