FORT CAVAZOS, Texas — Soldiers drove, chipped and putted their way through the 13th annual Ben Hogan Foundation Classic Golf Scramble, hosted jointly by the Ben Hogan Foundation and Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, April 25 at The Courses of Clear Creek.

Over 200 people participated in the free, three-person scramble, receiving swags bag, free breakfast and lunch, playing games for prizes between holes, and having raffle giveaways.

“Ben Hogan paused for two years in his professional (golf) career and enlisted in the Army in World War II,” said Lt. Gen. Kevin D. Admiral, commanding general of III Armored Corps and Fort Cavazos, in remarks during the opening ceremony, “and for those two years, he continued to be dedicated to our nation. His determination of perseverance is what has driven this foundation for the last 50 years and the 13 years that they’ve been supporting us here at Fort Cavazos.”

Following Admiral, Chad Cruson, executive director of the Ben Hogan Foundation, spoke about the foundation’s joy in hosting the scramble.

“We’re very thrilled and honored to be here for (the scramble) and, hopefully, the 14th year will be just as great on the weather,” he said. “This is a great way for us to thank you for your service, give you a day to, hopefully, have a blast and enjoy some golf and camaraderie.”

After the ceremony, the golfers jumped in their carts and sped off, with teams starting from both the back and front halves of the course.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Timothy Scott, 36th Engineer Brigade, said this was his second time playing in the scramble.

“It’s one of the greatest things ever put on,” Scott said. “… It’s just amazing how (the foundation) comes out here, they take care of all the Soldiers. It’s one of the greatest days for morale and welfare you can have.

“We’ve got good food out here,” he added. “We’ve got good camaraderie. It’s going to be a good day.”

Golf is a sport great for socializing, Scott expressed.

“It’s my opportunity to hang out with my battle buddies and my friends and my colleagues,” he said, “and take that time off, shut the brain off and just have fun. You get to maybe mess with a few people about their bad shot, they give you (the same) back and then you hit a good one and that’s what keeps you coming back.”

For the volunteers, the scramble is a way to say thanks and give back.

“The Soldiers do a lot for us,” said Tracy Thomas, volunteer and president and CEO of the Cleburne Chamber of Commerce. “That’s why we are free, and because of them, we’re able to do what we do. And when we come out here, we’re able to give back. That’s the biggest thing, is to give back to them and say, ‘Thank you.’”

Retired Master Sgt. Chuck McPhilomy, golf operations and tournament manager for the Courses of Clear Creek, said the volunteers did an excellent job.

“They were here at 5 o’ clock this morning,” McPhilomy said. “By 7 o’ clock, just about everything was completely set up … By the time the Soldiers came out here, it was ready for them and that takes a lot of coordination and a lot of help. Some of the volunteers have been doing it for years and they know what we need (and) what needs to be done.”

“Having events like this — this is a very high operational tempo installation — it gives people a chance to detach from their busy schedules and come out, just relax and enjoy a day,” said Staff Sgt. Tyler Tamberelli, 418th Contract Support Brigade. “… That’s beyond important for the welfare of Soldiers.”

Click here for B-roll of the 13th annual Ben Hogan Foundation Classic Golf Scramble