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Warriors of the North plan to help AF Enlisted Village with golf tournament

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Luis Loza Gutierrez
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Warriors of the North plan to help generations of Airmen and Air Force spouses day and night with clubs in hand and their eyes on the ball.

Airmen from the 319th Air Base Wing Safety Office will attempt to raise awareness and funds for the Air Force Enlisted Village by hosting a golf tournament scheduled to take place Aug. 15 at the Plainsview Golf Course located on the base's south side next to the commercial gate.

"We join other Air Force installations in taking care of our own," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy R. Davis, one of the golf tournament coordinators from the wing safety office. "Military spouses have made countless sacrifices that allow those of us in uniform to serve and do our mission, and they continue to do so today."

Davis elaborated further by saying that circumstances such as low pay and frequent military moves leave some spouses without careers, home equities, retirement plans or any significant assets.

"The Village provides assistance and a home for such spouses," added Davis. "Spouses are an important part of our Air Force family, and when some unfortunately become widows they turn the Air Force family for help. You and I are part of the Air Force family, so in essence these widows are looking at us to help. This tourney is a great way to do just that."

The Air Force Enlisted Village is a nonprofit organization in Shalimar, Fla., that provides a home to retired enlisted Air Force widows, moms of active-duty or retired Airmen, retired Air force enlisted couples and surviving spouses of Airmen who have died while on active-duty.

The Village extends a helping hand to not just Airmen, since it also provides a home and assistance to widows and retired couples of other military services.

Air Force widows live there with dignity, hope, compassion, independence and camaraderie among peers while sharing memories of military life.

The format will be a four-person team scramble. The cost for each person is set at $45 for enlisted members in the pay grade of E-6 and below, while competitors in pay grade E-7 or higher is $50.

Fee Includes nine holes normal golf, nine holes night golf, golf cart, one LED golf ball (extras $5) and two glow sticks which must be worn during night golf.

Teams interested in participating must sign up by Aug. 11. Teams must bring flashlights. At least one flashlight is required to be on while driving the golf cart during night golf.

Registration is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tee-off time is set for 7 p.m. for the front nine and 10 p.m. for the back nine with a meal consisting of hamburgers, chips and drinks to be served in between.


Tournament prizes include:
● Ray Richards Golf Course- Four complementary nine holes of golf with Cart Passes
● Valley Golf Course - Four complementary nine holes of golf
● Plainsview Golf Course - Four complementary nine holes of golf]
● Grand Forks Country Club - Four golf passes
● Golf Center- $30 gift card
● Sinclair Gas Station- Four $25 gift cards
● Paradiso Mexican Restaurant- three free lunch cards and two dessert card for flan
● Carmike Cinemas- Six movie passes
● Sakura Japanese Steak House & Sushi- Six $20 gift cards


Tech. Sgt. John Oldham, another tournament coordinator, said the event is not just for golf enthusiasts and players.

"The tourney is also a great opportunity for anyone looking to volunteer and show they care about supporting our base community," said Oldham.

The safety office is looking for volunteers to help out with food service, setup crew and tear-down crews among others.

"We need at least ten volunteers, but twelve would be ideal," said Oldham.

"I know the tournament is just around the corner, but the Airmen of this base have shown they know how to step up and lend a hand when they are called. Well, this is our call to fellow brothers- and sisters-in-arms."

Davis added that he and Oldham look forward to a successful golf tournament.

"With your help, success will be guaranteed," said Davis. "Your involvement truly makes a difference in the lives of our Air Force widows. We look forward to your support."

To sign up to compete in the golf tournament or to volunteer, call 701-747-3366; to learn more about the Air Force Enlisted Village, visit www.afev.us.