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Event SPOTLIGHT: Rochester Minnesota

The Tee It Up for the Troops Rochester, Minnesota event is one of many Tee It Up for the Troops golf tournaments held across the nation each year. In terms of money raised to support our mission, this event is the second largest golf tournament in Minnesota and ranks in the top 10 nation-wide. Over the past 11 years, this event held at Willow Creek Golf Course, has raised more than $550,000 for veterans and military service organizations and has established itself as one of the strongest charity golf events that brings together the Rochester Minnesota and surrounding community it serves.

On August 23, 2018, 180 golfers including 36 military members, filled the Willow Creek Golf Course to honor, remember, respect and support all who serve(d) in the Armed Forces for this great nation. The opening ceremony kicked off the event paying tribute to seven World War II veterans as well as two Medal of Honor recipients who have now visited the event for two consecutive years. Four local Gold Star families were also honored during the ceremony that paid tribute to their sons who were killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“There is huge support for our troops and the Rochester tournament,” said event chairman Lynn Clarey. “We usually have a waiting list of golfers and sponsors who want to be a part of this event. What is really exciting about this annual event is seeing the local military impact from the money raised.”

In addition to making a difference for Veterans across the United States, this tournament also made a different to Minnesota veterans with a generous donation to the Believet Canine Service Partners Organization in Northfield, Minnesota. Believet provides highly trained service dogs, free of charge, to disabled veterans, helping them to lead a more productive, independent life. Tee It Up for the Troops-Rochester’s donation will feed eight dogs in training through Believet Canine Service Partners to be service dogs for disabled veterans for one year!

This event also proudly donated to many other local veteran support organizations including:Operation Hometown Gratitude, Ironwood Springs Christian Ranch’s Operation Welcome Home,   Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, Salvation Army for Homeless Veterans, Seasons  Hospice Veterans Fund, andBells for Eternity.

Thank you Tee It Up for the Troops-Rochester organizers, volunteers, sponsors and supporters for your support of the Tee It Up for the Troops mission to honor, remember, respect and support all those who serve(d) in the Armed Forces of the United States and for helping our heroes!

Photo to left: US troops stationed in Afghanistan were grateful to receive care packages from students at Rochester High School in partnership with Operation Hometown Gratitude. A grant from the Tee It Up for the Troops – Rochester Minnesota event was used to pay for the postage costs to ship the packages.

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Tee It Up for the Troops Rochester MN event hosts two Medal of Honor Recipients

Rochester, Minnesota- The 11th annual Tee It Up for the Troops event held at the Willow Creek Golf Course in Rochester, MN was honored to host two very special guests at their event this year. Those guests of honor were Kenneth Stumpf and James McCloughan, both of whom are Medal of Honor recipients!

The Medal of Honor is the nations highest medal awarded to a member of the armed forces for their extreme valor in combat.  This medal can only be awarded by the President of the United States. The very first medal of honor was given out in 1861 to a Sailor named, Jacob Parrot, for his role in the American civil war for his role in the Great locomotive chase.

Kenneth Stumpf, United States Army, was awarded the medal of honor for his valiant actions in Vietnam.  His platoon came under fire after approaching a village armed with a Vietnamese rifle group. He saved three men wounded in the first attack and lead his platoon’s attacks on the enemy’s bunkers. For the relentless spirit of aggressiveness, intrepidity, and ultimate concern for the lives of his men he deservingly was awarded the medal of honor.

James McCloughan, United States Army, was awarded the medal of honor this year by President Trump, for his valiant actions in Vietnam.  James was an Army medic who saved the lives of 10 men during a 2-day battle in Nui Yong Hill.  He refused an order to evacuate and instead stayed to continue lifesaving efforts.  He would receive two purple hearts for the wounds he received during that battle.

The Medal of Honor has been awarded to 3,400 recipients, of which only 72 are still here with us today. It was a great honor for all of those in attendance to have the chance to meet them, shake their hands and thank them for their great service to this country!