June 26, 2009

Charlotte, NC--  A capacity turnout of 288 military veterans and active duty military personnel (including National Guard and Reserves) have signed-up to play in the 4th annual Veterans & Reservists Golf Classic at The Tradition Public Golf Course, 3800 Prosperity Church Road, on Wednesday, July 1, 2009

This event is traditionally held the week of July 4th.  It features a FREE round of golf and lunch for those qualified to play.

Major General Charles H. Swannack, Jr (US Army, retired) will be keynote speaker at the luncheon at 1pm. He is a former commander of the Army's 82nd Airborne Division.  MG Swannack personally led the division during combat operations from Kuwait to Baghdad and later oversaw civil-military operations in western Iraq. He also served for six months as the Deputy Commander, XVIII Airborne Corps and Fort Bragg, where he helped prepare units for deployment to Iraq.

Registration is now closed for the classic, which is presented by Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Mecklenburg County Veterans Services Office to show appreciation to men and women who are serving or have served in the armed forces. 

Robert Anderson of Park and Recreation and Bob Weeks of Veterans Service Office will be available for interviews and to assist media on site.

The Classic will feature a "shotgun start" of golf groups all over the course at 8am and 2pm. Before that, a military color guard presentation will welcome golfers to the event at 7:15 am.  Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Director Jim Garges will also make welcoming remarks.

Lunch for all registered players will be provided through a partnership with Texas Land & Cattle Steak House's University and Concord locations.