Posted on 06/21/2008 7:55:36 AM PDT by PurpleMan
Over the past two years, Estes, 43, has conducted a free golf clinic for the [catastrophically wounded] soldiers every Saturday morning in the spring. A section of the range is cordoned off for use by the men and women who make the 30-minute trip from Walter Reed. Every week, in a more formal group session, Estes focuses on a different aspect of the game: bunker shots, chipping, putting, the driver. But he and other staff members also offer individual instruction for anyone who asks.
Somehow, Estes manages to find a way to get them to make contact with the golf ball, sometimes sitting on a golf cart designed for disabled players. He rarely asks them how they were hurt, but as he gets to know participants better, he hears most of their stories and says he remains awed by their courage in dealing with their disabilities while trying to regain some sense of normalcy.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
"We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee." --Marian Wright Edelman
(Note: I thought I posted this earlier. Didn't see in in my account though.)
Olney ping
Just read a great article regarding helping vets in the June edition of “Southland Golf” here in Los Angeles. Article is on page 19 and 20. as a rookie golfer and an ex-vet, I will be upgrading my clubs later in the year to TaylorMade, as they are the ones helping sponsor this great scheme. Well done TaylorMade!
As the WOT in Iraq improves, I guess WaPo can't ignore what's happening and is finally running some good news stories.
Two things, The Golf Park is actually a covered & heated driving range and is a good member of the Olney Chamber of Commerce. But nearly all golfers start somewhere. Watching the wounded Vets learn how to hit the balls was great. Gives them something to look forward to.
You are on the Olney ping list. If you want off or on this list, please FReepmail us.
[Mr] T [Mr] & [Mrs] T
PING.....*smiles*
Dang, sorry I missed it this year. Thanks for the ping and I’m glad the WaPo did a story on it!!!
God Bless Mr. Estes and the folks helping him.
I believe this is a regular occurance because I’ve heard Olney people talking about it. I’ll have to check on it.
[Mr] T
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