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Recap: Cuffs and Trucks Golf Tournament

Tournament benefited the Justin Norton Memorial Scholarship

Gary Warnock, stepfather of Justin Norton and Sheriff John Snaza pose at the Cuffs and Trucks Golf Tournament/Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament Aug. 11.

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Golfers streamed into the Tahoma Valley Golf Course in Yelm Aug. 11 looking forward to a round of 18 holes. The sky was overcast and it was a bit chilly, but that did not stop these golfers from rising early. This was no ordinary day of golf. Throughout the year, these golfers had registered to play in the 5th annual Cuffs and Trucks Golf Tournament. The event helps raise money for scholarships at Yelm and Rainier High Schools in memory of fallen Soldiers Sgt. Justin Norton of Rainier and Staff Sgt. Abraham Twitchell and Cpl. Sean Collins of Yelm.

In previous years, the tournament solely benefited the Justin Norton Memorial Scholarship and was known as the Justin Norton Golf Tournament. But this year, Norton's mother and stepfather, Gary and Chris Warnock, wanted to include Twitchell and Collins as well, so this year's event was renamed the Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament.

"As a parent, it is humbling to see the outpouring of support we receive during this charity event," said Gary, who took part in the tournament. "It means a lot to Chris and (me) to see our communities, friends and family come together and show their support for these heroes and their families."

Bill DeVore of the Yelm Police Department originally began the fundraising event as a basketball tournament. Five years ago, the event transformed into the golf tournament, and it has proven to be very successful and well received within the community. Twenty six local sponsors, including Steele Clayton of State Farm Insurance and Filipino Phil with his array of spicy mustards were at this year's Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament showing their support.

"As business owners, we get buried trying to make it through the day, but to take time out of our day to help a great cause like this means the world to me," Clayton said.

Also lending support was retired Lt. Col. Rob Mendel and his wife, Sue. Their home is right along the Tahoma Valley Golf Course, and each year during the tournament they open their back yard to golfers and offer breakfast and refreshments.

"We are pleased we can do something to help out and give back to the community," Mendel said. "We are happy to do anything we can to help out this great cause that supports Soldiers from the local area."

There was a different sponsor at 16 of the tournament's 18 holes; each offered participants a variety of items, such as grilled hot dogs, snacks, chips or water. Sponsors also had their own raffle items, such as iPads and gift baskets, that golfers could win.

Each year, DeVore hopes to get 22 four-man teams to sign up and raise $6,000 to go toward the three scholarships.  This year, 24 teams signed up to pledge their support.

At the end of the tournament, golfers were invited to enjoy a buffet-style lunch sponsored by The Bunkhouse of Yelm. After lunch, raffle prizes were handed out to their lucky winners. 

All of the Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament participants, golfers and sponsors were members of the surrounding local communities. Participants included those in education, law enforcement and local firefighters.

"I like being able to do something within the community that gives back and honors these three young men that passed away," DeVore said. "It makes me happy to see so many people out here today. There is a sense of pride seeing people come together for this and enjoying themselves."  

Planning for next year's event has already begun. Those interested in sponsoring the event or taking part in the tournament are welcome to contact DeVore at 360.701.9888.

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