LAKEWOOD, Wash.( July 1, 2010) — Hole No. 3 at American Lake Veterans Golf Course, considered the course’s “signature” hole,” was dedicated as the “Medal of Honor” hole during a special event on June 25. The recognition honors recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration awarded by the United States government.
Two local Medal of Honor recipients were among participants at ceremonies last week to commemorate the special designation.
Army veteran Master Sgt. Wilburn K. Ross, a resident of DuPont, and Kent resident Lt. Col. Joe Jackson, a career officer in the United States Air Force, were honored at the dedication ceremonies. Ross was issued the Medal of Honor in 1945 for his extraordinary bravery while serving as a Private 2 (PV2) during repeated German assaults on his position near St. Jacques, France. Col. Jackson, a veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, distinguished himself as a pilot during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1969 for a dangerous extraction operation of comrades. Joining them was The Rev. Dr. Francis Jeffrey, National Chaplain Emeritus of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, who delivered the invocation and benediction.
Retired Maj. Gen. Edward L. Trobaugh, commander of the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne Division from 1983-1985, served as master of ceremonies. He credits retired Lt. Col. Bruce McKenty for his vision and leadership of the effort to dedicate the signature hole to Medal of Honor recipients. Both men serve on the board of directors for Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course, the facility’s fund-raising arm. McKenty also serves as manager of the course and as Northwest United States Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
All nine holes at American Lake Veterans Golf Course are dedicated to valorous military medals, with tee box markers denoting the specific award for those heroes who have served and sacrificed.
The Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the United States armed forces who distinguish themselves by their individual gallantry above and beyond the call of duty. Since the decoration’s inception in 1861, only 91 living Americans have received Medals of Honor from the President of the United States on behalf of Congress.
About American Lake Veterans Golf Course
American Lake Veterans Golf Course is the nation’s only golf course designed specifically for the rehabilitation of wounded and disabled veterans. The facility is operated, maintained and managed by more than 160 volunteers.
ALVGC is situated on 377 acres in Lakewood, Washington, near Tacoma and Seattle, and nearby Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) and VA Puget Sound Health Care System, American Lake Division.
In 2004, volunteers established the Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, to assist with improvements, repairs, care and maintenance of the course. Largely through their efforts, an 8,400-square- foot Rehabilitation and Training Center was built and opened earlier this year.
The “Friends” recently launched a campaign to expand the course from nine holes to 18. Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus, Nicklaus Design, donated design services, a gift valued at $500,000. The group hopes to raise $3 million to cover construction costs of the “new nine” and enhancements to improve accessibility of the original nine holes.
Nicklaus and other supporters of ALVGC say it could become a prototype that can be replicated across the country. Among its benefits, it provides a much-needed mental and physical rehabilitation and recreational outlet where the wounded and disabled warriors can regain hope, strength and confidence in a positive, therapeutic and accepting social environment.
Contact:
American Lake Veterans Golf Course
(253) 589-1998
http://alvetsgolfcourse.com
