Another busy Friday afternoon as the Military/Member Mixer got underway. American flags lined the tee boxes as 68 soldiers from Fort Hood came ready to play golf. Killeen Hooters and McLane Company served a lunch buffet prior to the tournament. Cathy Permenter of PEFEO a local events company was in charge and getting teams organized and ready to go. Members of Mill Creek Golf Club were available to play along with a team of soldiers. Cathy had things ready to go for a 1:00 P. M. tee time. As things work out it always takes a little longer for all soldiers to arrive from Fort Hood Military Base which is located 35 miles from Mill Creek in central Texas.
As our military guest arrived in force they hurried to get to their proper golf carts and be ready to go. Soldiers are always glad to get time away from the base and have a chance to play golf with a member of Mill Creek in Salado, Texas. There were many who showed their appreciation and thanks for a fun day of golf even if the temperature were hovering around 103.
Some of the soldiers were anxious to get on the golf course but a little putting on the practice green is a good way to get in the groove. This event was organized by Cathy and members of this area and Mill Creek community paid a fee for each soldier to have this opportunity to play golf for free.
The game played was a Scramble where you take the best tee shot of the team and everyone hits from that spot. It is a fast way to play and many golfers who are not that knowledgeable about golf can get a chance to participate.
There are times when that golf ball just doesn’t want to go where everyone intends it to go. So we have some soldiers looking for their ball, it is all part of the game and that is why scramble games are welcome so everyone can take part.
After the game is over there were winners and losers but we all seem to be winners here. There is always a time after the game to check on winners such as SGT. Brent Greear, 1LT Garry Flanders, CPT. Adam Forrest and CPT Alex Restrepo. Closest to the pin was CPT Adam Forrest and Longest drive went to MSG Rick Yankee. We congratulate all the winners and those who helped make this event a success.
Look for more events in the future as three more weeks are available on August 18, August 26 and September 2. Anyone interested in sponsoring a soldier in a free round of golf should contact me at my email address and I will give you all the details. This is a well worthwhile event to let our soldiers know we appreciate all their efforts on our behalf.
