Golf tournament thanks military, raises $$$ for Military Affairs Committee

  • Published
  • By Jake Shaw
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MIAMI, Fla. --  Civic and business leaders teamed up with local military members May 25 in a golf tournament organized by the Chamber South Chamber of Commerce.

The tournament, held at the Miccosukee Golf and Country Club in Kendall, culminated a month filled with programs designed to raise awareness and appreciation for our local military. May was designated as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 by the United States Senate.

This year's 16th annual tournament is the biggest single fundraising event for the Chamber South Military Affairs Committee and raised approximately $20,000 according to Ms. Erica Dominguez, marketing coordinator for Chamber South. The funds allow the MAC to support local military units with care packages and phone cards during deployments, family day gatherings at military bases as well as prizes that are awarded to top military performers. The MAC also donates money to the Armed Forces Service Center at Miami International Airport to support military travelers.

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. A military team from Southern Command placed third overall in the tournament. The foursome of Mr. Dave Speik, Mr. Raymond Clayborn, Mr. Doug Quets and Mr. Michael Moore received a trophy for their efforts.

Another golfer from Homestead Air Reserve Base received top honors in the long drive contest. Major Sean "THOR" Carpenter, an F-16 pilot from the 93rd Fighter Squadron, hit a 295-yard drive to capture the trophy, despite unfavorable conditions.

"The sun was in my eyes, people were heckling me and the wind was blowing in my face," he said.

Altogether, 57 military golfers from the Homestead Air Reserve Base, U.S. Southern Command and other local bases played for free in the tournament, alongside the business leaders who sponsored them.

Tournament coordinator and former MAC chairman Mr. Bill Thiele says this is the highest number of military golfers that have been sponsored in the history of the tournament. As the tournament coordinator, Mr. Thiele reaches out to local businesses and gives them a chance to support their military by paying the fees for military golfers.

"You don't know if you'll be playing with a sergeant or a general, and it's all for a good cause" boasts the brochure Mr. Thiele used to promote the tournament.

Mr. Thiele says he is thankful to the many generous sponsors whose donations made the event a success.

For information about joining the Chamber South Chamber of Commerce and the benefits of membership, visit their website at www.chambersouth.com or call their office at (305) 661-1621.