GOLF CLUBS FOR SOLDIERS

Senator Carl L. Marcellino today announced that working with the NYS Parks Department he has received a donation of over 200 golf clubs for Marines deployed in Afghanistan.

“When our nation is at war, our brave and dedicated soldiers answer the call to duty without hesitation. These men and women who have taken up arms to secure and defend our homeland have demonstrated time and time again their courage, heroism and commitment to defending our freedoms. They are an inspiration to all of us and deserving of lasting respect and recognition. This is just a small way to tell them that they are not forgotten and that we care,” said Senator Marcellino.

The idea unfolded when Tom Page a Syosset resident and Marine Corp veteran contacted Senator Marcellino and asked his assistance in collecting golf clubs and balls. Mr. Page was in communication with Sergeant Major Angela Maness, who requested the equipment to set up a driving range at Camp Dwyer, a U.S. Marine Corps base in Afghanistan. 

Senator Marcellino contacted Commissioner Carol Ash who quickly sprang into action for this worthy endeavor, and began getting donations from across the State. All donations were shipped to Bethpage State Park and will now be sent overseas.

“Having served in combat in Viet Nam, I am well aware of how disconnected our service personnel can get under such conditions, and how greatly appreciated anything that hints of home, and gives a momentary distraction from the daily stress of combat readiness, let alone actual combat, really is,” said Tom Page  

Golf clubs for the troops were donated by Chenango Valley and Battle Island golf courses in the Central Region, Soaring Eagles, Bonavista, Pinnacle and Springbrook Greens golf courses in the Fingerlakes region, Dinsmore golf course in the Taconic region and Bethpage State Park in the Long Island region.

 “Commissioner Ash and Long Island Regional Director Ron Foley should be commended for their outstanding work for our soldiers,” concluded Senator Marcellino.

Photo  From Left to right:

From the Huntington Detachment, Marine Corp League, William Wingate, Paymaster, Joseph Harbin, Jr. Vice Commandant, Long Island Regional Parks Director Ron Foley, Marine Corp Veteran Tom Page and daughters Jacqueline, Jenna, Senator Carl Marcellino, Lou Raio, Quartermaster and Brent Whiteman, Chaplain of the Huntington Detachment, Marine Corp League.