Golf for a Great Cause: MOAA Tournament Supports Military Families

Golf for a Great Cause: MOAA Tournament Supports Military Families
Golfers take part in the MOAA Charities Golf Classic at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Potomac, Md., on May 20. (Photos by Mike Morones/MOAA)

By MOAA Staff

 

More than 100 golfers took part in the 20th Annual MOAA Charities Golf Classic on Monday at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, Md. – the third time the elite course has hosted the event. 

 

“It’s the sign of a great event – we’re already looking forward to coming back,” said MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), after his round. “We can’t thank our hosts at TPC Potomac enough, alongside our tremendous sponsors, for another successful year.” 

 

Golfers can save the date for the 21st annual tournament – May 19, 2025. Until then, this year’s trophy belongs to a Notre Dame alum squad that included father-son duo Kevin and Quinn Dolan, Tom Torter, and Kelly.   

 

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The winning team, from left: Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), Quinn and Kevin Dolan, and Tom Torter.

 

The team had some pep in their step, bolstered by two eagles and finishing 17 under par on the challenging course. But the mission of the day – raising money for MOAA Charities and supporting efforts like crisis relief grants and scholarships – was the real highlight, both Dolans agreed. 

 

“The fact that you’ve got the quality of people here that you do and raising the enormous numbers. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of it?” Kevin Dolan said.  

 

“We are looking forward to coming back,” Quinn Dolan added.  

 

[MORE PHOTOS: MOAA Charities Golf Classic Photo Gallery]

 

The tournament raised $200,000, thanks in no small part to participating sponsors led by Gold Star participants Korea-US Alliance Foundation (KUSAF), Korea Defense Veterans Association (KDVA), A.C.E. Express, Inc., and Patriots Culture & Arts Committee. 

 

“KDVA is so thankful for the opportunity to support MOAA Charities and all the great work it does, not just for officers but the entire joint force,” said Col. Steve Lee, USA (Ret), senior vice president of KDVA and a Life Member of MOAA.   

 

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MOAA leaders pose with KDVA representatives during the May 20 tournament. From left: MOAA Board Chairman Gen. Gary L. North, USAF (Ret); Maj. Gen. Shin, Kyoung Soo (Ret); Jong-Wook (JW) Kim, MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), and Michael Garritty.

 

Other sponsors included: 

  • Association Member Benefits Advisors (AMBA) (Premier Platinum Sponsor) 
  • VOYA Financial (Patriot Sponsor) 
  • Express Scripts (Player Recognition Sponsor) 
  • AAFES, Humana Military, Goldman Sachs, and BetterUp (On-Course Sponsors) 
  • United Concordia, James G Elliott, State Street Global Advisors, Aplusify, and Togetherwork/Fonteva (Tournament Recognition Sponsors) 
  • New England Center & Home for Veterans, New York Life, and Quad (Event Recognition Sponsors) 

 

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MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), center, poses with representatives of Association Member Benefits Advisors at the May 20 event. From left: Dave Shidler, Omarr Guerrero, Mark Krum, Mike Clark, and Graham Fuller.

 

Funds from the tournament will support the work of MOAA Charities, which includes educational assistance for uniformed services families via the MOAA Scholarship Fund and a series of programs to support the wider uniformed services community, including transition assistance and crisis relief, via The MOAA Foundation. 

 

[RELATED: MOAA Charities] 

 

HOPE on the Course 

The charities weren’t the only beneficiaries from Monday’s event, which hosted golfers through the PGA HOPE Program. Short for Helping Our Patriots Everywhere, the charitable effort from PGA of America works to support servicemembers and veterans’ emotional and physical well-being by introducing them to the game of golf. 

 

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From left, MOAA President and CEO Lt. Gen. Brian T. Kelly, USAF (Ret), poses with PGA HOPE golfers Lt. Aaron Shadow, USN; former Cpl. Johsua Davis, USMC; Capt. Jennifer Woods, USAF; Sgt. Keniel Martinez, USA (Ret), and Talton Cherry, junior golf director for the PGA's Middle Atlantic Section.

 

The tournament gave these golfers a chance to play at a club that’s served as a regular PGA Tour stop. A special thank you to the following companies who sponsored each HOPE golfer to play in the tournament: Delta Dental, The Hartford, HighRoad Solutions, Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA), PODS, and Jim O’Brien. 

 

“It was absolutely amazing,” said PGA Hope golfer Capt. Jennifer Woods, a civil engineer officer in the Air Force who also served 15 years in the Army. “All the people have been so welcoming, and the course is beautiful.”  

 

MOAA staffers said they looked forward to continuing the relationship with PGA HOPE as the tournament continues to grow in future years.  

 

“Start to finish, it’s been a great experience for everyone on the course,” said Amanda Centers, MOAA’s vice president of Development. “That allows us to keep the event moving forward, and that keeps MOAA Charities moving forward and supporting our entire uniformed services community.” 

 

Golf Tournament Winners 

  • First-Place Team:Kevin and Quinn Dolan, Tom Torter, and Lt. Gen. Kelly. 
  • Second-Place Team: Greg Miller, Mark Tindall, Rich Goodwyn, and Ben Langis 
  • Third-Place Team: Brian Lubitz, TJ Grady, Tim Ogden, and Dave Cuthbert 
  • Closest to the Hole: Kelly Smith 
  • Ladies’ Long Drive:Jennifer Woods 
  • Men’s Long Drive: Quinn Dolan 
  • Closer ... Closer to the Pin: Ryan Jewison 
  • Do You Know Your Woods: Bobby Altman 
  • Mean Greens: Kelly Smith 

 

Grand Prize Winners 

  • Korean Air Tickets Winner: Jennifer Woods 
  • Italy Cruise Winner: Tim Ogden 

 

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