FORT BRAGG, N.C. —Soldiers of the 30th Engineer Battalion conducted their first ever golf tournament to help build camaraderie at the Anderson Creek Golf Course in Spring Lake, N.C., June 28.
The contest was designed to help strengthen bonds and serve as the final culminating event for Lt. Col. Jared Ware, 30th Engineer battalion commander, before his upcoming change of command.
“This event was just a good way to wrap up the third quarter and give Soldiers a chance to hang out and get to know each other on a personal level in a stress-free environment,” said Ware.
The tournament was also a way to raise money for the unit through the Warrior Golf Company.
“Warrior Golf Company makes custom golf clubs, accessories and provides charity golf tournaments to people all over the world, said Ken Eckenroth, Raleigh manager and retired professional golfer. “I enjoy doing these events for the military especially, because it gives me an opportunity to give back. In these tournaments we speed up play, help raise money for the unit, and giveaway up to $150 in merchandise to those who donate.”
Every team that donated $10 per member was awarded prizes such as a free golf clubs from the Warrior Golf Company.
“I think it is amazing that we’re doing an event like this for the unit,” said Sgt. Matthew Bryant, S-3 land and ammunition noncommissioned officer, 30th Engineer Battalion. “We should do this more often.”
The tournament began as team members loaded their carts and started the course. For some, this was their first time ever playing golf like 2nd Lt. Brandon Goble, 3rd platoon leader, 100th Engineer Company, 30th Engineer Battalion.
“It’s good to get away from the office, not worry about rank and just talk with each other,” Goble said.
Each team took their time playing all 18 holes and then gathered at the pavilion for lunch with family members and the announcement of the winning team.
“The winning team is Bryant, Moore, Sellers and Steffen, yelled 1st Sgt. Bryan Otero, acting battalion command sergeant major.
The team was awarded a certificate of achievement, a unit coin and golf balls.
“I’m excited we won,” said Pfc. Bryant Bowersox, geospatial engineer. “This was a good recreational event and a great morale builder.”
There was also a raffle where various members of the unit won items such as a coffee mugs, golf gloves, golf balls, footballs signed by the Carolina Panthers, and a unit t-shirt.
“This was great, you can tell the Soldiers really enjoyed themselves,” said Ware. “This was a great venue and we definitely hope to do it again next year.”