The inaugural "Land of the Free" Veteran's Day Golf Tournament was hosted by the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills, California. The Land of the Free Foundation is committed to celebrating the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States, past, present and future. It supports programs that help our armed service personnel and their families and will ensure that the commitment of our nation's heroes will never be taken for granted and that all Americans recognize, because of the sacrifices of our armed service personnel, we will always live in the "Land of the Free".
The event started off with perfect weather at a perfect golf resort. Breakfast and a putting contest were followed by a ceremonial tribute including a fly-over by World War II airplanes. Golfers drove to the first tee to start the Shambles tournament with patriotic music including the playing of Waltzing Matilda, the 1st Marine Division's song, played by bagpipes. Various contests were throughout the course including the chance to win a Lexus with a hole in one! Many sponsors supported the cause including great gifts for the golfers! Upon completion of the course, the golfers were treated to a cocktail hour and then a scrumptious dinner. The Land of the Free Foundation raised over $1Million to support a number of charities including TAPS and the Oakland Military Institute, Any Soldier and each of the Armed Services Acadamies. The Foundation presented the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund with $160,000--a most generous and appreciated donation that will help assist many wounded and their families. Our deepest gratitude goes out to Kent Valley, John Semcken, Ed Roski, the Pacific Palms Resort and the many, many people that sponsored or volunteered to make this event a success. Please see the website, www.landofthefreefoundation.com for more information.