The fifth in a series of annual tournaments to support Virginia Veteran and Family Support (VVFS) was held September 22 at Piankatank River Golf Club, Hartfield, hosted by the Knights of Columbus Fr. John Boddie Assembly 3349.
The field of 80 golfers began by standing for the national anthem, then taking to the course for the noon shotgun start under ideal playing conditions, reported Gary Richardson. The festivities ended with food, drink, fellowship and presentation of awards at the Steamboat Restaurant.
“Today we were blessed with great weather, a strong player turnout, many loyal sponsors and donors, a wonderful golf course and hardworking volunteers—all of which helped make this edition of our program a huge success,” said tournament director Al Langer.
“To see the community respond this way for our veterans and families is truly inspiring. As always, Buzz Lambert’s PRGC team—the pro shop, superintendent, crew and restaurant staff—stepped up and delivered a superb performance,” said Langer.
VVFS is part of the State of Virginia Department of Veterans Services. The agency coordinates housing, behavioral health, rehabilitative and other supportive services for Virginia veterans and their families in need. The all-volunteer Virginia Veterans Services Foundation receives private contributions on behalf of VVFS to augment public funding, said Richardson.
Assembly 3349 is the local patriotic Fourth Degree Order of The Knights of Columbus, with members from the Church of the Visitation, Topping, and the Church of Francis de Sales, Mathews, he said. Through these five golf tournaments, the Assembly has raised approximately $35,000 for Virginia Veteran and Family Support.
Flight A winners were first, Joel Vedelli, David Harris, Branch Meanley, Michele Meanley; second, Greg Hunter, Dave Keller, Dave Watkins, Tom Lukenic; third, Garland Lowe, Kelly Lowe, Sue Deis, Tom Houston.
Flight B winners were first, Bob Scherrer; Charlie Butch Hart, Al Langer, Gary Richardson; second, Rob Leitzel, George Cummings, Ken Gottschall, Mike Reed; third, Joe Cronin, Larry Espiritu, Steve Raschke, Sandy Matson.
Flight C winners were first, Ann Padgett, Jim Padgett, Beverly Hudgins, Lynne Richardson; second, Bruce Cargill, Pete Hall, Scott Kalbrenner, Bill Cawthorn; third, Dave Marchant, Joe Sychterz, Frank Lohr, Jim Turner.
Bart Reiten and Michele Meanley hit longest drives; Ann Padgett, most accurate drive, Steve Raschke, Jimmy Mears, Don DeLagrange, Tunie Dooley, closest to the pin.
