About 250 veterans golf for free at annual event
By SARAH SUTSCHEK - ssutschek@nwherald.com
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| Wayne Schneider of Barrington Hills waits to putt Tuesday at the third annual Veterans' Salute golf tournament hosted by Prairie Isle Golf Club in Prairie Grove. Schneider served more than 21 years in the Air Force and plans on coming back to the event next year. (Amanda Schwengel – aschwengel@nwherald.com) |
PRAIRIE GROVE – Starting just before 7 a.m. Tuesday, golfers teed off at Prairie Isle Golf Club about every eight minutes.
Every one of them was a veteran, and every one played for free.
Three years ago, inspired by her brother who was killed in Vietnam and her World War II veteran father, Patti Cunningham proposed that the course be free for vets on Veterans Day. Part owner Chris Newkirk took Cunningham, who is the beverage manager, up on the idea, and the Veterans’ Salute was created.
Held on the second Tuesday after Labor Day since 2007, more than 250 veterans attended. Not wanting to turn down a veteran despite the growing list, some golfers headed to Boone Creek Golf Club in Bull Valley.
Cunningham said she once had a Vietnam War vet give her a hug and cry after the event because he said he had never been thanked for his service.
“It’s pretty powerful,” Cunningham said. “Every person out there has served our country.”
Golfers also were served free food and offered free massages, and could win a pound of chocolate on the 15th hole.
Ken Hauser of Cary golfed for free for the second consecutive year. He served 8½ months in Vietnam, leaving his 6-week-old daughter behind.
“I think this is outstanding,” he said. “I really appreciate the effort that’s going into this.”
Hauser is the chaplain for the Lake County Marine Corps League Detachment 801.
Wayne Schneider of Barrington Hills served in the Air Force for 21½ years, 10 of which were in the reserves.
He usually golfs on Fridays but added an extra outing on the house.
“It’s the first time I’ve known about it, and I’ll be back,” Schneider said.
