Golf tourney

U.S. Air Force Captain Christopher Maxey, from the 28th Communications Squadron, participates in the 28th Bomb Wing First Sergeants Association annual golf tournament at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Aug. 3, 2007. The tournament raised $1,700 which will be used for various Ellsworth enlisted functions, awards, and charities. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Michael B. Keller)(Released)

Golf tourney

U.S. Air Force Major Debra Jackson, 28th Communications Squadron Commander, searches for her ball during the 28th Bomb Wing First Sergeants Association annual golf tournament at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Aug. 3, 2007. The tournament raised $1,700 which will be used for various Ellsworth enlisted functions, awards, and charities. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Michael B. Keller)(Released)

Fore!

U.S. Air Force Major Marlys May, First Lieutenant Darrin Eckles, and Captain Christopher Maxey, right to left from the 28th Communications Squadron, participate in the 28th Bomb Wing First Sergeants Association annual golf tournament at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Aug. 3, 2007. The tournament raised $1,700 which will be used for various Ellsworth enlisted functions, awards, and charities. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Michael B. Keller)(Released)

Golf tourney

28th Security Forces Squadron personnel participate in the 28th Bomb Wing First Sergeants Association annual golf tournament at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Aug. 3, 2007. The tournament raised $1,700 which will be used for various Ellsworth enlisted functions, awards, and charities. (U.S. Air Force photo by SSgt Michael B. Keller)(Released)

First sergeants host 'Diamond in the Rough' golf tourney

Published Aug. 9, 2007
By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson and Staff Sgt. Michael Keller
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs and 28th Communications Squadron

ELLSWORTH AFB, S.D. -- The 28th Bomb Wing "diamond wearers" provided a venue for Airmen to enjoy the great outdoors and work on their chip shot with the Diamond in the Rough golf tournament, held at Whispering Winds golf course here Aug. 3.

The overall event winners were: Senior Master Sgt. Jim Winkels, Master Sgt. Paul Day and Staff Sgt. James Collingsworth, all from the 28th Maintenance Squadron, and Staff Sgt. Dallas Mahoe, 28th Operations Support Squadron.

While the tournament allowed for both fun and relaxation, it also raised $1,700 for local, on-base charitable organizations. "This tournament funds items such as scholarships, gifts to Airmen leadership School award graduates and Airmen appreciation lunches," said Master Sgt. Chris Morgan, 28th Mission Support Squadron first sergeant.

Other "shirts" echoed these same sentiments and also cited another benefit of the tournament.

"Recreation is part of a good, balanced lifestyle," said Senior Master Sgt. Sam Abernathy, 28th Logistics Readiness Squadron first sergeant. "My troops definitely work hard and should be allowed some time to relax as well."

In addition to allowing Airmen to focus on developing proper swing technique, the tournament also gave way to some "lighthearted banter" between the golfers.

Tech. Sgt. Steve Cenov, 28th Security Forces Squadron, let fly a shot that sliced to the right and ended up in the trees well away from the green. "This isn't my fault," he said. "I don't know anything about golf."

Other members of Ellsworth's law and order team weren't so sure and echoes of improper golf technique and feeding the local squirrel population flew along with the ball.

While the tournament may have been seen by some as a breeding ground for good-natured verbal jabs between golfers, the bottom line is what the event did for Ellsworth's enlisted corps.

"I'm glad everyone had a good time," said Chief Master Sgt. John Gillette, 28th Bomb Wing command chief. "Colonel Vander Hamm and I know how hard our Airmen work and it's a good thing when we can find a way to let them have some fun too.

"All that said, this tournament was a double-pronged way to benefit our enlisted tier. We played golf and we generated some funds for enlisted programs. Many thanks to our shirts for setting this up."