Donations make annual golf tourney success Published June 25, 2009 By Senior Airman R. J. BIERMANN 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Donators contributed more than $7,500 in support of the base's annual Airman's Golf Tournament and Fundraiser that took place June 12 at Falcon Dunes Golf Course. "Overall, the tournament was a huge success," said 1st Lt. Brian Reese, 56th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist and lead project officer for the tournament. "We wanted to raise money for some of the main organizations on base, especially those that provide the greatest benefit for our Airmen." According to Airman 1st Class Michael Banks, 56th CONS contracts manager, who played a large part in organizing the event and gathering donations, most of the donators were strictly set on contributing financially to Luke's nonprofit organizations rather than teeing off with some of Luke's own. In previous years no donations were solicited or received, so the project leaders took some simple steps to gather supporters. "We drafted a letter for potential donors explaining what the various organizations do for Luke," Lieutenant Reese said. "What was nice is we piled all these organizations together in one letter with brief descriptions of how the money will provide a direct benefit for our Airmen." The money went to the Airman's Fund, Company Grade Officers Council, Luke Empowering Airmen Decisions organization, Focus 56 and Top 3. "This money can be used in several ways," said Chief Master Sgt. Randy Raper, 56th Fighter Wing command chief upon receiving a $3,500 check for the Airman's Fund. "If we have an event that costs a lot per ticket, this will allow the lower ranking Airmen to attend at a reasonable price. If we have an Airman who has a death in the family and needs some financial help, we can chip in to help there also." The chief was also part of the winning team, which included Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Martinez, 56th Operations Group superintendent, Tech. Sgt. Craig Mills, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron Mobility Section NCO-incharge, and Joey Reynolds. The four competed against 17 other four-person teams. "I'd just like to say 'thank-you' to the men and women of the 56th FW, tenant units, and community leaders that provided an overwhelming amount of financial support for the tournament," Lieutenant Reese said. "These things don't go unnoticed and it's nice to know we have a tremendous amount of support for the people and mission of the 56th Fighter Wing."