BLUE BELL, Pa. — (April 24, 2008) – On June 18 of 2007, the members of Meadowlands Country Club in suburban Philadelphia did something that made news across the country. And it had nothing to do with a golf score, or the distance a golf ball was driven, or the number of rounds of golf that were played in a single day. Instead, it had to do with a united selfless act of thanks to those who put their life in harm’s way in service to their country.
The Meadowlands members hosted the inaugural Armed Forces Appreciation Day and the ripple effect was felt across the United States, as many other clubs and organizations followed suit by honoring members of the Armed Forces.
Now, Meadowlands CC will duplicate the effort by hosting the 2nd Armed Forces Appreciation Day on Monday, June 23.
In an effort to say a sincere thank you to the men and women who have served and continued to serve in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom the entire Meadowlands facility, located in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, will be opened to returning veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq campaigns. The effort will be coordinated by invitation only through the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove.
The first slots will go to those who have recently returned.
“This is something we had wanted to do for more than a year,” explained Richard Ochroch, golf chairman and one of the driving forces behind putting the effort together at Meadowlands. “We owe such a huge debt of gratitude to our troops, who are willing to give their lives in order to preserve our freedom. This is the least we can do to show how much we appreciate their efforts.”
Gil Benjamin, Meadowlands club secretary, coordinated the effort and was instrumental in bringing it back this year. “We turn the golf course over to those who want to play golf and turn the pool area over to their family members,” said Benjamin. “Our members staff the facility the entire day, flipping hamburgers and hot dogs, serving as caddies and helping to make our very special guests feel welcome. A number of the local businesses also helped with the day, providing goods and services.
“When we first planned the event, we had no idea it would have such far-reaching implications,” added Benjamin.
The story of the Armed Forces Appreciation Day was picked up by local and regional media, as well as by nationally syndicated talk show host Bill Bennett. In his Morning in America radio show, Bennett called the event at Meadowlands “a wonderful act of patriotism for those who display the ultimate act of patriotism.”
A total of 80 Meadowlands members worked the entire day of the event and more than 100 members of the military enjoyed their hospitality.
“The Meadowlands members went way above and beyond last year with this event. This is such a great opportunity for our young men and women to meet the community that supports them,” stated Captain Michael Remington, NASJRB Commanding Officer. “It’s a great morale boost for these military members and their families to know the sacrifices they make are appreciated and not taken lightly.”
For more information about Armed Forces Appreciation Day at Meadowlands CC, call TL Golf Services at 610-279-9220 or the Meadowlands pro shop at 215-646-5833.
Contact:
TL Golf Services
610-279-9220 or tleodora@aol.com