Operation birdie

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As a golfer and being employed in the industry, I think this a wonderful way for these athletes and the people who match their gifts to show support for the families of our fallen warriors.

Operation Birdie Benefits Children of Fallen Special Ops Troops
http://www.defenselink.mil/news/Jun2005/20050607_1621.html

{EXCERPT} American Forces Press Service

TAMPA, Fla., June 7, 2005 - Two Ladies Professional Golf Association
pros and longtime friends have teamed up to support the Special
Operations Warrior Foundation through the Operation Birdie program.

Started three years ago by Catherine Cartwright, with Angela Jerman
joining this year, Operation Birdie supports the foundation's college
scholarship programs for the children of fallen special operations
personnel. By donating $25 per birdie and receiving matching pledges
from supporters, Cartwright raised nearly $25,000 for the foundation
last year.

"Our country's freedom is so fragile and men and women die all the
time defending it," said Cartwright. "The Special Operations Warrior
Foundation gives the families a little more comfort knowing their
children's futures are more secure."

Last year, Cartwright donated nearly $25,000 to the foundation through
Operation Birdie, said SOWF's Edie Rosenthal, adding "and this young
lady just turned 22 years old." Cartwright turned professional in 2001
soon after high school graduation and earned conditional status on the
LPGA Tour for 2002.

"I believe in this foundation because I think everyone should have a
chance to follow his or her dreams," said Cartwright. "Operation
Birdie is an opportunity to salute the men and women in uniform who
are in harm's way around the world and to let their families know
their sacrifices and their children won't be forgotten."

Jerman too has pledged $25 for every birdie and $50 for every eagle
throughout the 2005 LGPA tournaments. Jerman, who lives in Columbus,
Ga., knows military family life from her father's service career.

Jerman said she is joining Cartwright because she feels that giving
back to those soldiers who protect and serve our country is a
wonderful way to demonstrate how important their job is and how much
it is appreciated.

"This is something I am very passionate about," explained Jerman, who
has a bachelor's degree in business marketing. "I hope we can raise
awareness among the millions of Americans who are golf enthusiasts
about the Warrior Foundation and the great work they do providing
college educations to children who have lost so much."

"We're deeply appreciative of Catherine Cartwright's and Angela
Jerman's generosity and support to the Special Operations Warrior
Foundation, which comes at a critical time of need for the special
operations community," said foundation president John Carney. "Today
there are more than 550 children across the country in the Warrior
Foundation family. With everyone's help and support the SOWF is here
to serve families of special operations troops and future
generations."

"Going to college would not have been possible without the support of
the Special Operations Warrior Foundation," explained Jessica
Patterson, who is a junior attending Rutgers University in New Jersey
and recently met with Cartwright and Jerman at the ShopRite LPGA
Classic in Galloway Township, N.J. Patterson's father, Air Force
Special Operations Capt. Thomas Patterson, was killed during a
training accident in 1981.

"These two ladies are the epitome of being first-class athletes. It
says volumes about their character that they are willing to honor our
fallen troops and help raise awareness and funds for the children they
left behind. I am truly grateful," Patterson said.

"Catherine and Angela are wonderful role models for both the children
in the Warrior Family who have suffered a great loss and for those
among us who will not let that loss be forgotten," added Carney.

The foundation, a nonprofit organization since 1980, provides college
scholarship grants, not loans, as well as family and financial
counseling to the children surviving special operations personnel
killed in an operational mission or training accident. The grants
cover all costs - tuition, books, fee and room and books.

(From a Special Operations Warrior Foundation press release.)

Related Sites:

Special Operations Warrior Foundation [
http://www.specialops.org

America Supports You [
http://www.americasupportsyou.mil/

[Snowden]

What a wonderful idea! Knowing zilch about golf puts me at somewhat of a disadvantage with really understand this, but my brother loves it so I'll copy this and send it to him. He may want to help.

When I say zilch, I mean I have only a vague idea what a "birdie" is - other than very, very good.

[sfga6970]

Very quick explantion. Par is what the course rates as the score that you should get on any given hole. Example, if the par for the hole is five and you get the ball into the cup in 5 strokes, that is par. If you sink the ball in 4 strokes, that is a "birdie" and if it only takes you 3 strokes that is an "eagle" - 2 under par for the hole. It's really quite simple to understand, but hard to do.

[Snowden]

Originally Posted by sfga6970

Very quick explantion. Par is what the course rates as the score that you should get on any given hole. Example, if the par for the hole is five and you get the ball into the cup in 5 strokes, that is par. If you sink the ball in 4 strokes, that is a "birdie" and if it only takes you 3 strokes that is an "eagle" - 2 under par for the hole. It's really quite simple to understand, but hard to do.

Oh, yes; it is simple to understand. How does one know what is "par" for a particular hole? Are they all pretty much the same distance apart? I know there are obstacles of various types.

I always wanted to play golf; it seemed like a most pleasant way to spend some time. Bob finds it boring, so we never tried it together. He gave his clubs away years ago - when the boys were very young.

[sfga6970]

As Mark Twain said once, "Golf is a good walk spoiled". the length of the hole determines the par. They are customarily par 3,4 or 5 and a typical standard size course is ysually par 72 for the 18 holes combined.

Well, we have strayed far enough from the main topic so let's get back to talking about Operation Birdie.

[Snowden]

Originally Posted by sfga6970

As Mark Twain said once, "Golf is a good walk spoiled". the length of the hole determines the par. They are customarily par 3,4 or 5 and a typical standard size course is ysually par 72 for the 18 holes combined.

Well, we have strayed far enough from the main topic so let's get back to talking about Operation Birdie.

Thanks for the explanations though; I now have some understanding of the sport.

The foundation, a nonprofit organization since 1980, provides college
scholarship grants, not loans, as well as family and financial
counseling to the children surviving special operations personnel
killed in an operational mission or training accident. The grants
cover all costs - tuition, books, fee and room and books.

This operation is most worthy. I'm glad somebody thought it up and got it going. The children of our fighting men deserve the best we, as a people, can help with. An education seems the least we can offer.