H2H Golf Classic set for Oct. 7
Photo by Noel St. John

H2H Golf Classic set for Oct. 7

Each fall, The American Legion invites golfers to Andrews Air Force Base near Washington for its Annual Heroes to Hometowns Golf Classic - a charity golf tournament that helps send the children of slain troops to college. This year's golf classic, which takes place Oct. 7, will again raise money for the Legion's Legacy Scholarship Fund - a donation-driven fund that awards college scholarships to the children of servicemembers who have died on active duty since Sept. 11, 2001. Last year, more than $33,000 was given to the fund, nearly doubling the amount raised at the inaugural Heroes to Hometowns Golf Classic in 2008.

Players are charged a $90 registration fee, which includes a continental breakfast, bag lunch, green fees, early dinner buffet and a golf cart. Participants are paired in threesomes and foursomes with wounded warriors from nearby Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

The tournament offers various sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals. All donation amounts include the option to play in the tournament and receive the same provisions provided to all players.

In addition to providing charitable contributions, the tournament gives wounded warriors the opportunity to network with potential employers who participate in the event. On hand are members of The American Legion's Small Business Task Force, various corporate executives and Legion leadership.

Last year, 72 players - two more than the course's official capacity - participated. A foursome from the Department of Virginia won, and National Commander Clarence Hill teamed with patients from Walter Reed. The tournament even drew praise from Rep. David Loebsack, D-Iowa, who spoke highly of it during an address to the House. "This golf classic is just one more example of the incredible work that The American Legion does on behalf of our veterans and military families," Loebsack said.

Registry for the Third Annual American Legion Heroes to Hometowns Golf Classic will be available on Legion.org later this summer. In the meantime, players and donors can contact the Legion's Economic Division at econ@legion.org or (202) 861-2700.