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Golf Tourney Raises Funds For Troops

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By GEOFF FOX

gfox@tampatrib.com

Published: March 25, 2009

TRINITY - Despite unexpected rain and persistent wind, more than 80 golfers wielded their sticks Monday at Fox Hollow Golf Club to raise money for military families.

The event drew golfers from as far away as Connecticut, Massachusetts and Texas, and included a Coast Guard flyover and a bagpiper.

"Last year, one of our sister courses invited me to an Operation Homefront" fundraiser, said Donny Alston, an assistant golf professional at Fox Hollow. "I was so moved by it that I wanted to do the same thing here. I brought the idea to my boss and got the go-ahead."

Many of the golfers had served in the military. Eyeing a group about to hit the links, Alston, who served five years in the Army, said, "These are all my brothers."

Alston said the club hoped to raise $5,000. He didn't have a final amount Tuesday, but he said the event exceeded expectations.

The event benefits Operation Homefront, which offers money and moral support to military families "and to wounded warriors when they return home," according to the organization's Web site. Some of Monday's proceeds also will benefit a local Disabled American Veterans chapter.

"Disabled vets are just heroes," said Connecticut native Sal Murgo, who served in the Marines from 1957 to 1960. "They gave us the freedom of speech."

His friend Al Fusco of Trinity good-naturedly teased Murgo about serving in the Philippines.

"I'm not a vet, but I'd do anything to help the armed forces," Fusco said between wisecracks.

In moments, Murgo and Fusco were rolling toward the greens. There was still a slight drizzle, but no one seemed to mind.

Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 779-4613.

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