Last modified Wed., April 09, 2008 - 05:07 PM
Originally created Thursday, April 10, 2008

USO hosts annual golf tournament

By Kaylee LaRocque, Editor

NAS Jax Executive Officer Capt. Steve Holmes checks in as USO Representative Gary Keroack finds his name on the list for the fifth annual Bob P. Coonan Memorial Golf Tournament April 3 at the NAS Jax Golf Course. Photos by Kaylee LaRocque

The Greater Jacksonville Area USO held its fifth annual Bob P. Coonan Memorial USO Golf Tournament April 3, to honor former USO Executive Director Bob Coonan, who passed away in February 2003 after battling cancer.

The event raised almost $35,000 for the USO as dozens of active and retired military personnel and members of the community competed in the event.

Formerly called the Annual Charity Golf Tournament, the USO changed the name to honor Coonan. Coonan, a retired Navy captain, served his last tour on active duty as NAS Jacksonville's executive officer.

Ronald Mathews putts during the putting contest held before the golf tournament.

"We are out here today to honor my precessor, retired Navy Capt. Bob Coonan, we renamed this tournament five years ago and it's a great opportunity to say thanks to him for his service and sacrifice to the military and the USO. It's also a great opportunity for the community to raise much needed funds for Operation USO," said Greater Jacksonville Area Executive Director K.C. McCarthy.

"I'm out here today to participate in the annual tournament to support USO. The USO is a huge supporter of our military and had been since its birth. So we are going to try to raise as much money as we possibly can," said Rear Adm. Michael Vitale, commander, Navy Region Southeast.

Taking first place gross with a score of 50 was Jim McMurry, Joe Simon, Len Loving and Mike Atter. Taking first place with a net score of 57 was Terry Miller, Chris Linton, Fred Major and Chuck Ayars.

Michelle Miller sings the national anthem to kick off the annual golf tournament.

Placing second with a net score of 58 was Lucas Honda. Al Gallups, 70, won the longest drive competition on Red No. 5. Paul Ratcliff won the putting contest.

Other participants received many prizes donated by businesses throughout the community.

"The Greater Jacksonville Area USO Council would like to thank the NAS Jacksonville Golf Course, NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. and the many volunteers for all the support they provided. We are looking forward to next year's tournament," McCarthy said.

Those interested in playing next year should mark their calendars for April 2, 2009. For more information, call 778-2821.

A group of golfers display their patriotism during the national anthem at the beginning of the golf tournament.

The winning team proudy accepts their individual $100 gift certificates to the NAS Jax Golf Pro Shop from Greater Area Jacksonville USO Executive Director K.C. McCarthy after the tournament. From left, Mike Atter, Len Loving, Jim McMurray, McCarthy and Joe Simon. Photo courtesy of the USO