3rd Annual Chenega Invitational Golf Tournament raises over $20,000 to support Aid for Wounded Soldiers By Helen Hilos, Chenega Federal Systems |
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Given the disgruntling state of the current economy, CFS is incredibly grateful to all of the sponsors and contributors who made this event possible. Some of the donated items included a signed Redskins football by Washington Redskins player Ladell Betts, a signed soccer ball by the DC United soccer team, two airline tickets to anywhere in the continental United States, art pieces varying from paintings to photographs, and handcrafted jewelry sets made specifically for this charitable event. Raffle prizes were also donated in the form of gift certificates, golf products, and special passes for a fun day of golf.
While the success of the tournament was inspiring, nothing empowered the event’s participants quite as much as the special guest of the day, Marine Sgt. Steven Kiernan. Kiernan participated in the tournament as a golfer, teaming up with Mr. Frank Lasch, Chairman of Azalea Charities, who introduced Kiernan at the event’s closing ceremonies. As Kiernan slowly rose from his chair to a standing ovation, the prosthetic legs he walked on to make his way to the front of the room seemed to say just as much as Mr. Lasch himself. “Marine Sgt. Steven Kiernan was deployed to Fallujah, Iraq,” said Mr. Lasch, fighting back tears, “when he suffered life altering injuries that caused him to lose both of his legs in May 2008.”
Mr. Lasch revealed that a specially developed home is being built for Kiernan and his girlfriend, and that Azalea will be donating $5,000 towards furnishing the home. Kiernan currently resides at Walter Reed where he receives physical therapy and rehab. Chenega Federal Systems is honored to have had Kiernan as a special guest and to share in his extraordinary story.
Chenega Federal Systems will continue to support the community through charitable events and looks forward to next year’s 4th Annual Chenega Invitational.
