Falcon Open benefits Wisconsin Airmen

115th Fighter Wing members Darin Trautner, left, and Brandon Lutz, take a moment to pose with University of Wisconsin mascot Bucky Badger prior to the start of the 2013 Falcon Open charity golf tournament at Bridges Golf Course in Madison, Wis. June 7. Proceeds from the event raised over $7000 to assist local Air National Guard Airmen and their families in times of need.

Falcon Open organizers recognize contributors

Key organizers of the 2013 Falcon Open golf tournament, Chief Master Sgt. Tom Cunningham, left, Chief Master Sgt. Brad Thompson, Center, and Master Sgt. Tim Hein, recognize Tom Palmtag of Wisconsin Distributers, a representative from one of more than 75 local businesses and individuals whose contributions helped to make the event possible. Proceeds from the tournament raised over $7000 to assist local Air National Guard Airmen and their families in times of need.

Charity golf outing 'CARES' for Airmen

Published July 9, 2013
By Senior Airman Ryan Roth
115th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MADISON, Wis. -- Nearly 90 golfers came together to swing their clubs at the Falcon Open, a charity golf outing at the Bridges Golf Course in Madison, June 7 and raised over $7,000 to assist employees of the 115th Fighter Wing, Joint Force Headquarters, Volk Field Combat Readiness Training Center and their families in times of need.

The Falcon Open first adopted the non-profit organization Caring Assistance and Relief Effort Services in 1993 to help raise funds with which to provide financial aid to Airmen and their families.

"CARES has provided support to Airmen who have gone through difficult situations including a job loss, mortgage problems, furnace repair bills, medical bills and even a family member's house that burned down," said Chief Master Sgt. Bradley Thompson, 115th Fighter Wing command post superintendent.

CARES has had an impact over the years because of its ability to be responsive by providing immediate financial aid with no expectation of repayment.

"The program is near and dear to the hearts of the 115th Fighter Wing Airmen," said Master Sgt. Tim Hein, CARES president. "Each fundraising event is successful because Wing members give generously."

Approximately 60 percent of the funds raised will go directly to the CARES program, the other 40 percent is donated to the Airman and Family Readiness Program that will provide direct support of this year's Family Day event.

The Falcon Open Golf Committee received assistance from 10 volunteers that supported
various activities.

"The Falcon Open is a prime example of taking care of the Airman," said Thompson. "It is a true wingman's program, a program the member's families can turn to in a time of need."