At the #1 golf course in upstate New York, the Desmond Doss Foundation and host Ray Halbritter, welcomed 88 golfers to our key fundraising event. The Desmond Doss Inaugural Golf Tournament in 2020. Wonderfully 40 + of the golfers were 1st Responders and Veterans funded by patron sponsors across America to play at Atunyote Golf Course as guests of our foundation. Our golfers were treated to breakfast, swag bags, 18 holes of golf, a lunch – all culminating with dinner & a trophy presentation – on the pristine Augusta-like grounds of the Oneida Nation. At the Trophy presentation Chairman of the DDMGT, Jeffrey Cordone was master of ceremonies with Founder & President Charles Knapp & Chairman of the Board Gabe Videla joining via Zoom. The golfers were visibly touched when the trailer from the documentary, “The Conscientious Objector” played.
After the Eastern Air Defense Honor Guard posted the colors and the Star-Spangled Banner was sung a cappella by Alden Smith, Retired Mayor of Rome, NY, an exquisite gourmet dinner was served.
Near the conclusion of the trophy ceremony, as dessert was presented under elegant white gazebos. Golfers were gifted with an Honor and Remember flag, a Doss challenge coin, and a blue ray of “The Conscientious Objector”. Many of the 40+ Veterans and 1st responders declared to the Chairman of the DDMGT Jeffrey Cordone & his wife Taryl, “this has been one of the best days of my life… I so admire Desmond Doss…thank you to the Doss Foundation for honoring our service today…”
