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Tee It Up for the Troops Thursday August 24 at Willow Creek Golf Course
 
RCTC alumnus Lynn Clarey contacted me to inform me about the details of an extraordinary event he and colleagues have planned to “honor, respect remember those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces.”

The Tee It Up for the Troops celebration will occur at Willow Creek Golf Course on Thursday August 24. The public, golfers, and observers are cordially invited to the day long ceremonies, commemorations, presentations and meals extending from 10:30 AM and past the 6:30 PM dinner hour and into the early evening.

Lynn’s dedication and communication skills are an integral part of the cause and event. The Sterling State Bank vice president of business management is a member of the national non-profit Tee It Up for the Troops organization that conducts fund raising events to provide services for combat injured “warriors, veterans and their families” to facilitate community reintegration and success.

This year’s event will feature the famed Patriot Parachute Jump Team of U.S. Navy Seals at 11:30 AM landing on the course; bag pipes, and the playing of the U.S. Armed Forces service songs.

This Eleventh Anniversary TIUFTT rally will feature noon hour presentations and ceremonies: VFW Post 1215 Color Guard, the singing of the National Anthem by Anthony Cook, the Invocation by Pastor Steven Schauder (Holy Cross Lutheran Church), Special Recognitions from emcee Dick Arians, acknowledgements of Blue Star Mothers who have sons and daughters in military service, Boy Scouts of America, and the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.

Mr. Frank Kottschade will offer special “Thank You” comments, along with local high school students form Lourdes, Mayo and John Marshall, and representatives from Adult Team Challenge, including those who will place American flags upon the beautiful grounds of Willow Creek Golf Course.

Also present, Brig. Gen. Scott Morcomb and his inspirational biography; Vietnam veterans and Congressional Medal of Honor Recipients Jim McCloughan and Ken Stumpf; and guest speaker Col. Mathew Vatter of the Minnesota National Guard.
Placement of the Wreath honors will be conducted by the parents of sons killed in action: Ken and Victoria Bruce (Spec. 4th Class Travis Bruce USA, Iraq); Dave and Kay Swenson (Cpl. Curtis Swenson USMC, Afghanistan); Randy and Jacqueline Carson (Sgt. Nicholas Dickhut, USA, Afghanistan); and Barry and Karla Erickson (Cpl. Caleb Erickson, USMC, Afghanistan).

Taps will be played by Gene Eiden. Tim Macken will release the Doves. The Rochester Caledonia Pipe Band will play Amazing Grace, and the Colors will be Retired.
Willow Creek general manager and golf professional Scott Rindahl will introduce the golf tournament format.

The social hour will commence at 5:30. Dinner at 6:30, with the Invocation by Bob Bardwell of Ironwood Christian Ranch. Emcee Dick Arians will introduce the silent and live auctions and raffle drawings. Medal of Honor Recipient Jim McCloughan will speak, and former Minnesota congressman and auctioneer Gil Gutknecht will conduct the program finale.

At end of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln described the importance of supporting the nation’s troops, and …” care for those who have borne the battle,” and their loved ones.

More information about the events and organization can be found at www.teeitupforthetroops.org. Minnesota chapter member Lynn Clarey can be reached for more information at 507.254.1104.

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