CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — Soldiers of the 34th Red Bull Infantry Division deployed to Contingency Operating Base Basra were able to connect with their children in Minnesota through golf and a video teleconference Aug. 2.
Select Soldiers began their day on COB Basra with a chipping contest. A chip is a golf shot used as an approach to the green, usually made with a shortened swing.
"It was challenging," said Lt. Col. Matt Vatter, Multi-National Division — South chief of future operations. "It's a little less green here and a little drier. The rocks make it a little more difficult."
The competition was set up with two pieces of white tape arched around a square. Soldiers tried to chip the ball into the box for three points. The next outer tape was worth two points with the first worth one.
These 20 Soldiers competed for Minnesota memorabilia, including a paperweight and a hockey puck. Vatter won the competition with six points. Six other Soldiers were tied for second with five points. A chip-off determined the second and third place finishers, Capt. John Donovan and Sgt. Joseph Novak, respectively.
Their children in Minnesota began their day, hours later, with miniature golf and a chance to speak with their loved ones through a video teleconference.
Tee It Up for the Troops partnered with the Mall of America in Minneapolis to support Child Heroes of Military Personnel with a free family fun day at the mall. Families who attended had the chance to play miniature golf and received free rides at the Nickelodeon Universe, gift books to stores in the mall and movie passes.
The VTC was the main attraction, with five concurrent VTCs set up for families to interact between Iraq and Minnesota.
"Evidently, the base in Basra is closing down the entire Internet café to support this event," said Greg Scott, one of the coordinators for the event. "Volunteers and technicians will be stationed all over the place on both sides [of the Atlantic] to ensure it all runs smoothly, and companies around the world have donated significant time, equipment, expertise and money."
Approximately 40 Soldiers attended the VTC from 5-9 p.m. to communicate with their families.
Spc. Zachary Tate, 34th Infantry Division operations specialist from Minneapolis, was one Soldier who was very thankful for this opportunity. This was his first opportunity to see his son, now six months old, since he deployed.
"The VTC was nice. It was nice to be able to actually see my son," said Tate. "I'm glad they gave us the opportunity to do this."
Tate said he was grateful to Tee It Up for the Troops.
"It really, really made my day," he said. "Thanks a million for the opportunity. I really appreciated it."
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