Defenders of Freedom Tee It Up Fore The Troops 2012 - Relaxing after a great day of golf

After a fantastic day of golf, meeting new friends, reacquainting with old friends, lots of laughts and several amazing feats by the Wounded and Veteran Soldiers, we gathered in the bar at the Westin to relive the day over a few adult beverages.

Mike "Mongo" Denton, Jodi Sorenson, Jon Hill, Jamie Averitt, Adam Delaney & Kevin Rice.  What a dangerous group!  Jamie and Jodi are volunteers at the DFW USO and have been for MANY years.  I love those ladies!

Jamie and me showing some love to Jody Thompson - one of our awesome Veteran golfers.

Jamie, Brandon & Jodi

Jamie, please don't fee the animals (with Mike Denton) 

Anthony and Brandon hammin' it up for the camera

Adam Delaney, one of the awesome guys from US Bank, Mike Denton and Jamie (mugging for the camera)

Donna being held for ransom.  She wanted/needed to go home but the guys love her so much they didn't want her to leave.  This photo was emailed to Donna's husband.

When Donna's husband (who was sound asleep given the hour of the night these were taken) didn't respond with ransom money, things got serious!

Note the hands around Donna's neck

They finally released Donna to go home but not before lots of hugs and "thank yous"

Kevin Rice thanking Donna Cranston for the opportunity to be at the golf outing this year.

The last of us finally crawled into bed around 03:00.  Long day.  Short night.  TOTALLY worth it!

One more event to write about - our VIP tour of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

Defenders of Freedom's 2012 Tee It Up Fore The Troops Man Cave Night

UPDATED in red below with information I just received and wanted to have in this post.

Sunday night, May 6, 2012 was "opening night" for Defenders of Freedom's annual Tee It Up Fore The Troops event.  For the past three years Joe and Teresa Losole have hosted a welcome party at Joe's "Man Cave" for the Wounded and Active Duty Veterans attending the golf event held the following day.

The Veteran golfers arrive on Sunday each year.  Around 3:30 the Veteran golfers board a luxury coach provided free of charge by Dan Dipert for the ride to Losole's house.  Thank you Dan Dipert!

Dan Dipert bus parked in front of the Losole's house

Each year for the past three years Joe and Teresa, along with several of their neighbors, have outdone themselves for the "Man Cave" event.

Teresa and Joe (from 2011)

Teresa, Joe, some of their neighbors and friends are always eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bus each year.  Their welcome is always so genuine and warm.  Teresa and Joe completely open their home and "Man Cave" to all of us.

Teresa waiting to greet the troops

The whole neighborhood gets involved and (although I didn't get a photo) the entire street has American flags lining the street on both sides leading up to Teresa and Joe's house.  The flags also line Joe and Teresa's driveway.  Very festive and so patriotic!

Joe and Teresa's flag lined driveway

As the Veteran golfers exit the bus they are always met with hand shakes, hugs and gratitude.

Joe greeting Chris Fierro

Teresa Greeting Brandon Bunten

Joe and Teresa greeting more of their guests.

The evening starts off with getting to know each other over cocktails.  This year Joe and Teresa really out did themselves with a bartender, micro brewed beer (donated by Humperdinks and brewed by Coty Bell), margaritas and concoctions such as a Sangria swirl (my favorite) which is a margarita with a, duh, swirl of Sangria.  YUMMY!

THE BAR!!!

Everyone (The Losoles, their friends and neighbors, Donna Cranston - founder of Defenders of Freedom, her board members, volunteers and, of course the Veterans) spend an hour or two relaxing and getting to know each other better.  All of this is done around the pool, in the back yard and in the two story "Man Cave".  The upstairs of the "Man Cave" has a pool table, shuffleboard and Foosball.  It's pretty darn amazing and TONS of fun!

Veterans and loved ones chilling in the pool

Steve Howard, a friend of Teresa and Joe's provided energy drinks and cigars for the Veterans.  Both were a huge hit as was everything else these great Americans did for the Veteran's that night.

Veterans and supporters relaxing in the back yard

Linda Robinson (Board Member of Defenders of Freedom & USO Volunteer Coordinator at DFW) and Donna Cranston (Founder of Defenders of Freedom) upstairs at the "Man Cave" with two of the Veterans

Jamie (Defenders of Freedom volunteer and 6 year USO Volunteer at DFW) playing Foosball with Brandon upstairs at the "Man Cave"

Jody Thompson - Veteran - shooting pool upstairs at the "Man Cave"

After "happy hour" a delicious meal of beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, smoked chicken (all prepared by the Losole's friends John and Jeannie Stricklin), potato salad (provided by Bob and Evelyn Hays) and beans was served.  If anyone went away hungry it was their own fault. 

Dinner is served!

Then there is desert.  Whether you have room or not it is a must!  The Losole's have a sweet eighty three year old neighbor, Ms Pat Barber, who makes Banana Pudding each year - from scratch.  Some years she makes other deserts, too.  The Banana Pudding is to die for.  Along with the pudding this year we also had Texas Sheet Cake made by Lori and cookies decorated and assembled in the shape of the US flag made by Kate Roberson.  I hate that I didn't get photos of any of those items.  They were all enjoyed immensely.  Kate's husband, Allen, was a key player in helping the Losole's pull this incredible event together.  We are so grateful for everyone who pulls together to make this event so memorable for everyone who attends.

Photo of flag made by Kate Roberson from individual cookies

Each year Joe and Teresa invite at least one "special guest" to the event.  This year they out did themselves on that aspect, too.  Ninety one year old WWII Veteran Ernest J Deeds and his wife Lois joined us.  Mr. Deeds landed on and fought for Omaha Beach during WWII.  I never tire of watching the "youngsters" when they are around our older Veterans.  Mr. Doug Grogan (retired WWII Army Veteran and his wife Barbara also took the time to come visit with us.  It is so touching from the perspective of both sides.

We were also blessed to have Viet Nam Veterans Robert Jorgensen and his wife Sharon as well as Robert Howard with us.

SFC Kevin Rice (right) meeting one of the "older" Veterans

"Young Guns" shaking the hand of and thanking Mr. Deeds for his service and example

Mr. Deeds and five of the "Young Guns".  SO much respect!

I have so many other great photos from this event that I didn't share here simply due to this post already being so long.  Each year this event is always so relaxing, entertaining, enjoyable and inspiring.  The faces of the Veterans may change from year to year but the atmosphere and camaraderie are always the same.  It is beyond a privilege and a pleasure to be allowed to be a part of this.  I am grateful to Joe, Teresa and their friends for making this such a special time.  I am equally grateful to Donna Cranston for allowing me to be a part of this.  And this is just the beginning.  We have two more posts to go.  One of the golf outing and one of the VIP tour of Cowboys Stadium.  Stand by for those in the coming days.

Special thanks, again, to our hosts Joe and Teresa Losole as well as to Mr. Deeds, Ms. Barber, Steve Howard, Humperdinks, Coty Bell, Kate and Allen Robinson, Bob & Evelyn Hays, John & Jeannie Strickland and Dan Dipert Coaches for making this event so darn special and fun.

Defenders of Freedom's "Tee It Up FORE The Troops" Golf Outing Day 1 - Greeting the Inbound R&R flight, meeting the Wounded Warriors, Man Cave and a WWII Veteran

I can never express how grateful I am to Donna Cranston of Defenders of Freedom for allowing me to participate, as a volunteer, in their 6th Annual Tee It Up FORE The Troops golf outing this past Sunday and Monday.  Everytime I think I have been allowed to be a part of an event or an occassion with our Wounded Warriors that is the best ever I find myself smack dab in the middle of another one that words and pictures cannot possibly discribe.  Maybe they could but I'm not a writer so it's not possible for me to "write" and explain the emotions, inspiration, joy and love that I get from our Wounded and from all of the sponsors and volunteers

Due to the kindness of a retiree from Delta Air Lines I flew to DFW airport on Sunday via a buddy pass.  I was given the last boarding pass for the flight but it didn't matter.  I was ON the flight.

Jamie, one of the incredible USO Girls and a very dear friend, met me at my arrival gate.  We hopped on the airport tram and over to the concourse where the BEST USO in the states is located to stash my bag.  We found out that the inbound R&R flight had been delayd for several hours and was only minutes from arriving.  I'd been to the DFW airport and had the privilege of working the outbound flight in the past but I'd never gotten to witness the welcome for the inbound flight.  What a bonus.  So....through security, on the tram and over to the concourse for the inbound.  Got there with minutes to spare. 

I'd heard about the welcome but to experience it is unbelievable.  A few other ladies who volunteer for Defenders of Freedom and at the USO were in the concourse.  As the Soldiers began to disembark and walk down an elevated glass enclosed hallway to customs the ladies began to clap. 

One by one people in the concourse began to look up and clap and yell and whistle.  As the Soldiers continued on down the glass enclosed walkway the applause started up along the way.  I had a huge lump in my throat and my eyes began to leak.  God Bless America!

We waved up to the Soldiers and they waved back down to us - smiles from ear to ear.  Ahhhhhhhh!

After the last one walked by we skeedaddled over out of security and to the area where they exit customs.  There were already two lines formed for them to walk through.  Most of the people in the line were wearing either Vietnam or WWII gear.  Took my breath away. 

Donna Cranston pointed out a group of Irving, TX fire fighters.  She said they are there EVERY day, too. 

Here they come!

Families who live in the area where there to grab their loved ones.  Yeah, I had tears, too.

As each man or woman got to the end of the lines of greeters Donna and another lady had connecting flight information and would direct them to the specific waiting bus outside that would take them to their flights HOME.

Just past the end of the line of greeters and before the exit doors to the outside were two tables set up and "manned" by Girl Scouts.  They had stacks and stacks of cookies to hand to the Soldiers

I tip my hat to those who are at the DFW airport EVERY SINGLE day to welcome our military personnel home on R&R.  I wish I could be there with them more.

Jamie and I went back through security and hopped back on the train to meet the first of several flights that Wounded Warriors coming in for the event were on.  Found them.  Introduced ourselves.  Went with them to baggage claim.  Hopped the airport shuttle buses and off to the Grand Hyatt hotel in the airport.  Got those guys checked in and headed back through security onto the tram, to another gate, collected more Wounded Warriors, baggage claim, airport bus, hotel check in, repeat, repeat, repeat, repeat. 

Checking in at the Grand Hyatt - the staff was FANTASTIC!

Jamie helping Chris "guard" his golf clubs while waiting to check in at the hotel.  NOTE:  The day after Chris returned home his car caught on fire while he and his wife were in it.  They both, thankfully, escaped the car in time but the car and all contents - including Chris's golf clubs were a total loss.  If anyone has a set to donate to Chris let me know!

After we met the last flight assigned to us we dashed out to Jamies vehicle and pulled around behind the Dan Dipert bus that had the Wounded Warriors on it.  We followed the bus to the home of Teresa and Joe who had volunteered to host a dinner that night.  Their home is lovely as are they.

Arriving at Teresa and Joe's house for dinner the night before the golf tournament

Heading into Joe's "Man Cave" - a two story building that ANY man would love to have behind his house!

From downstairs in the "Man Cave" looking upstairs

A view looking down from the upstairs of the "Man Cave"

Pool

Shuffle board

Fooseball

Relaxing out by the pool

Donna thanking our hosts and everyone for coming

WWII Veteran Ernest J. Deeds and his delightful wife, Lois joined us for the evening.  What an honor to have them with us.

Teresa reading the events of the day Ernest J. Deeds lead his men onto Omaha Beach.  He was wounded as he ran up the beach.  She read about his men, his recovery and his awards.  Not many dry eyes in the house.  When Teresa was done a huge line formed to thank him.  So touching.

They guys leaning on the upstairs rail while Teresa read to us about Ernest J. Deeds

Our hostess, Teresa, Lois and Ernest Deeds and our host Joe.

An amazing evening all the way around.  Teresa told me about one of their neighbors who is retired and learned of the event.  She, the neighbor, came over one day with a home made Italian cream cheese cake (which I can attest to as being DELICIOUS).  A day or two later she came with a second cake.  Then the day of the party she arrived with a third cake AND a home made banana pudding (which I can attest to as being DELICIOUS).  I even heard one of the Soldiers, PJ, tell Teresa it was the BEST!

So a wonderful night with incredible Americans.  A delicious BBQ feat (Texas style), free flowing and never ending beer from the kegorator, laughs, jokes, hugs and the company of a WWII hero.  Seems impossible to find the words to thank Teresa and Joe for their hospitality.  Everyone had such a grand time.  How can life be any better?

I don't think I even remember my head hitting the pillow that night.  Maybe because I was floating on air?

A thank you to Dan Dipert for providing the transportation, too!