The TrueNorth GCRO is honored to have four veterans from the GIVE Foundation tee it up Tuesday to start off the activities in the second of the Dave Wright Nissan Subaru Pro/Ams at Hunters Ridge Golf Course in Marion.
The vets, who went through the GIVE (Golf for Injured Veterans Everywhere) Foundation program, will tee off at 1:30 p.m. off the first tee.
A collaboration between the Riverside Casino & Golf Resort, the Iowa City VA Health Care System and the Iowa Section of the PGA, the program enables injured or disabled veterans the opportunity to play golf again.
The GIVE Foundation foursome is being sponsored by Rim Enterprises of Cedar Rapids.
“I think the idea of having veterans playing in the pro-am is a wonderful idea and I was happy to make this happen,” said Paul Copping, president of RIM.
“I did not serve, but I cannot tell you how much respect and appreciation I have for those who are and have served to protect our nation and its citizens,” continued Copping. “I feel that there are far too many people who do not understand how special a gift they have given to us.”
Come out and support these heroes. The four veterans participating include:
Don Hartvigsen – Enlisted U.S. Army 1951 and served in Korea in the 839th EAB. He graduated University of Iowa in 1955 and retired after 35 years as the University of Iowa Assistant Director Information Technology. He plays golf three times a week in leagues.
Jim Cannon – U.S. Army, Army Reserve, Iowa National Guard 1961-1969. Served at Ft. Knox, KY and Ft. Sam Houston TX. Retired after 35 years with the University of Iowa Information Technology. A realtor with Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors.
Kyle Comer – U.S. Navy 1967-1972. Served nine months in Vietnam waters aboard destroyer DD 764 USS Lloyd Thomas. Retired mathematics teacher at Lone Tree schools. Now works at Blue Top Ridge Golf Course.
Rex Flansburg – U.S. Army, late 1960’s to early 1970’s. Served in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division – Screaming Eagles (1969-1970). Retired plumber and electrician.
The GIVE Foundation has been one of the beneficiaries of the TrueNorth GCRO each of the last two years. For more information on the organization, go here.
The GCRO has given back over $158,000 to the community since its inception in 1999. Last year the GCRO made charitable contributions of over $17,000.