The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
The USO of Northern Ohio’s largest annual fundraiser was hosted at Sweetbriar Golf Course last Friday. The event was made more significant because it fell on 9/11. Pictured are Jim Frank, Holly Frank, Dave Canzone and Steve Budinsky of Evergreen National Indemnity Co.
Falling on Sept. 11, the 2015 USO of Northern Ohio Golf Outing took place at Sweetbriar Golf Course in Avon Lake last Friday. The event coincided with the anniversary of our nation’s saddest day in recent history – the attack on New York City’s World Trade Center, the Pentagon and in the air over Pennsylvania in 2001. It reminded all that the well-being of our servicemen the world over remains a national priority.
That is the function of the USO – to make sure help goes to those who need it the most: troops serving in combat, their families, our wounded warriors and their families, and families of the fallen.
Yes, the day was fun. It was sunny and the course play great with camaraderie followed by a clambake. But a display of Field Hospital 256 on the Sweetbriar grounds made a poignant point as a life-like mannequin played the part of a wounded soldier. It gave visitors a glimpse at the challenges troops in the field may encounter during any enemy exchange, and underscored the need for support from folks back home.
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- Field Hospital 256 presented a mock combat tent where life in action can be seen.
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- With this year’s USONO Golf Outing falling on September 11, opening ceremonies that included the Pledge of Allegiance, TAPS, a 21 gun salute, moments of silence and bell ringing were especially meaningful.
This golf outing is the USO of Northern Ohio’s major fundraiser to raise money to support the programs and recreational activities the USO of Northern Ohio provides to the active military and their families. Since 1941, the USO of Northern Ohio has served as a non-profit organization that receives no direct government funds, but relies solely on the generosity of corporations, organizations, and the American people. The mission of the USO of Northern Ohio is to lift the spirits of our local troops and their families by enhancing the quality of life with recreational programs and services that boost the morale of our active military serving in and from the 29 northernmost counties of the great state of Ohio.
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- Coast Guard helicopter landing at Sweetbriar made for a dramatic military presence.
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- Community representatives and military leaders were on hand welcome participants to the USONO Golf Outing hosted at Sweetbriar Golf Course, Friday, September 11. “Serving our neighbors who are serving our Country.”
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- Avon Lake Police Color Guard with Mayor Greg Zilka.
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- Proud of our Nation’s colors.
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- Life on the front was brought to life by this display of WWII Airborne memorabilia.
Fashion Show Adds Fun to USO Fundraiser
The first “USO Fashion Show & Clambake” benefiting the USO of Northern Ohio took the runway at Sweetbriar on Sept. 11. The show featured the coolest fall fashions from Blackbird Fly Boutique and Cleveland Fray. Blackbird Fly Boutique is an independent retailer located in Ohio City offering a wide selection of clothing and accessories. Cleveland Fray is an independent resale shop that carries a wide variety of gently used clothing as well as gently used and new accessories. USO of Northern Ohio Volunteers and Military/Spouses/Daughters/Sons will model the designs. Hair styles and makeup were provided by Posh A Salon located in Sheffield Village. The models will stroll through the room with music provided by Abracadabra It’s Music.
