THFC Veterans Cup Tees Off at (*cue heavenly music*) Sanctuary

After a sunny start to this year’s Veterans Cup tournament, the severe-weather horn sounded mid-round and play was delayed for an hour by a fast-moving, lightning-filled rainstorm. But the 120 players and supporters of The Home Front Cares easily took it in stride. After all, they were at heavenly Sanctuary, playing the most coveted round of golf in Colorado.

Event emcee/honorary chair Troy Calhoun with THFC’s executive director April Speake

On Wednesday, July 1, golfers and guests descended on Sedalia to support the cause, mingle, play on the pristine Sanctuary course and simultaneously take in spectacular Colorado-centric views. THFC and Sanctuary staff readily took care of everyone’s comfort in style—players could chow on meals, on-course snacks and beverages throughout the day. Denver’s KEZW (AM 1430) radio was broadcasting live on the scene as golfers checked in and grabbed brunch, and it was all golf until the weather-horn sounded. A portion of golfers hunkered in shelters on the course, while others were close enough to the clubhouse to relax and maybe down a beverage or two before play resumed.

USAF Academy’s head golf coach George Koury (left) with cadet golfers Brenden Bone and Troy Berglund

Throughout their round, all golfers had three opportunities to win a car, putt for prizes and also use a stellar drive from a member of the USAFA golf team for a mere $50 donation. One cadet said most of their drives were in the 370- to 410-yard range. (Seriously!) The USAFA Football foursome of Troy Calhoun, Clay Hendrix, Dallas Massey and Mitch Mann defended their Veterans Cup title once again with the low score of the day.

After golf, guests perused a silent auction, checked their tickets against prize-winning numbers, then sampled a buffet of delicious selections prepared by Sanctuary catering. USAFA head football coach (and tournament co-champion) Calhoun spoke to the crowd and served as emcee for golfer awards. Event chair Bob Peterson and THFC’s Executive Director April Speake also offered remarks during the dinner program.

Golfers head out to the course for the last eight holes.

Veterans Cup results:
First Place
USAFA Football
Dallas Massey
Clay Hendrix
Troy Calhoun
Mitch Mann

Second Place
Tasman Geosciences
Brandon Bruns
Jim Dawe
Brian Humphrey
Mike Lindstrom

Third Place
United Launch Alliance
Danny Collins
Clint Winterling
Bob Wernke
Burhan Muzaffar

Last Place
Combat Veterans
Mike Lovett
Matt Spang
Fred Hinton

Men’s Long Drive
Bill Stahlin

Women’s Long Drive
Vivi Gloriod

Closest to the Pin
Tad Polumbus

Putting Contest
Len Jenkins

The Home Front Cares primarily provides emergency and responsive financial aid to Colorado service members, veterans and military families. The vision: That the THFC emergency financial bridge provides hope for a brighter future to Colorado service members, veterans and their families. The organization provides emergency financial grants to pay essential life expenses like rent and utilities.THFC is unique among nonprofits as it acts quickly–grants are often the “last save” that can keep a veteran from homelessness, or reconnect utilities for a military family whose power is already turned off. Since 2003, THFC has raised more than $7.5 million to help thousands of Colorado veterans and military families. Currently, some 98 percent of THFC clients are veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and have served in harm’s way, while the others remain on active duty in Colorado. Clients come from all corners of the state, with more than 25 percent from metro Denver. Last year, THFC provided grants to about 375 military and veteran families, and provided referral services for more than 1,000 others, helping them find the financial, emotional and other counseling or aid they need.

The Home Front Cares receives no government funds and relies solely on donations to operate. For more information, please visit http://www.thehomefrontcares.org/.