MARINE CORPS AIR GROUND COMBAT CENTER TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. -- Combat Center residents played through 18 holes of golf in support of the 3rd Annual Toys for Tots Golf Tournament Nov. 18 at Desert Winds Golf Course.
The weather was clear without a cloud in the sky and only a light breeze in the air – it was a good day for golf.
“The turnout was pretty good,” said Fred Bryant, coordinator for the tournament and Installation and Logistics Directorate, Exercise Support Division deputy. “The weather was perfect and the breeze didn’t pick up until noon. I’m happy with our outcome.
“We got lots of toys and that is what it’s about, getting the toys for the kids,” said Bryant. “Golf is secondary.”
Marines from the Reserve Support Unit collected toys from each golfer and sold raffle tickets for prizes donated from the local community. Some of the raffle prizes included golfing packages at local golf resorts, golf equipment and gift certificates to local restaurants.
“It was excellent,” said Lindsay Armstrong, RSU administration clerk and one of the Marines collecting toys for the event. “I didn’t think we’d get this many toys.”
Vinoo Ramdat, Toys for Tots assistant coordinator, was also pleased with the turnout of golfers who brought toys.
“It was a good turnout with an overabundance of toys,” said Ramdat. “It’s nice the Marine Corps and the community can come together like this.”
Through the tournament, Installation and Logistics Directorate raised more than $900 for Toys for Tots and golfers donated more than 100 toys.
“This is the initial event of the season for Toys for Tots,” said Mark D. Bodde, RSU assistant officer-in-charge. “It’s nice to play golf on a Friday, and it helps the kids in the community.
“We’re maximizing the toys we put into the hands of children,” Bodde continued. “Other than the message of hope, it brings the community together.”
Before kicking off the tournament, Michael M. Weber, I & L director, stressed to all golfers the importance of the day by saying, “We’re really here for Toys for Tots.”
Then the golfers were off to enjoy the clear weather and pleasant greens of the course.
“I came today to play golf for Toys for Tots, enjoy myself, have fun and be with a group of friends,” said Mark Ziobro, a golfer in the tournament.
Libbie Bodde, Mark Bodde’s wife, was also on the course playing in the tournament.
“I came here to support RSU and Toys for Tots, and enjoy a beautiful day with friends,” she said.
By the end of the day, regardless of how the golfers’ games went, most of the teams enjoyed themselves.
“Our game went well, not that we won, but it was fun,” said Rogelio Zamora, ESD.
After the games, every player received lunch prepared by Cisco Harris, executive chef for Duffer’s Retreat at Desert Winds, which the base guide mentions is “one of the best places to get a quick, delicious lunch or hearty snack.”
“To us, I & L mean ‘I need lunch,’ so we’ll be serving the best tri-tip you’ve had on this planet,” said Harris, who spent two hours preparing the steaks.
Gary Liddell, Center Magazine Area officer-in-charge, took longest drive for the men and Libbie Bodde drove away with longest drive for the women. Gwynn Saddler won the putting competition.
The first place team consisted of long-drive champion Liddell, Jim Sanderson, I & L resource manager; Yong Yun, 7th Marine Regiment embark officer; and Jimmy D. Mashburn, 7th Marines sergeant major.
So far, the Marine Corps has given toys to more than 158.8 million children through its 57 years of devotion to helping needy children have a better Christmas.
Volunteers are still needed to ensure Toys for Tots is a successful campaign. The Toys for Tots Hotline starts in December, and coordinators need volunteers. The RSU warehouse staff also needs volunteers to unload, sort and package the toys.
Marine volunteers are also needed to wear dress blues at toy collection barrels at various locations around the community.
For more information or to become a volunteer, contact Gunnery Sgt. Mario Morones at 830-6861 or e-mail mario.morones@usmc.mil.