By Brett Smith, American Legion 2008 adjutant
The American Legion is a nonprofit organization with a history dating back more than a century. The mission of the American Legion is to advocate for veterans and their families, support youth organizations and promote patriotism, service and pride in our community.
The American Legion Post 2008 was established in 2007 and named in honor of SPC Dane R. Balcon of Falcon. After graduating from Sand Creek High School, Dane enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas to do what he dreamed of since childhood — serving his country. Dane deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in July 2007 and was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 5, 2007.
Are you a golfer? The American Legion Dane R. Balcon Post 2008 will be hosting its 16th annual golf tournament on July 19 at the Antler Creek Golf Course in Falcon. All proceeds from this tournament are used to support and assist veterans, veteran families, School District 49 student college scholarships, and veteran and youth programs in the Falcon and surrounding area. Our primary sponsor this year is The Colorado Independent Automobile Dealers Association.
We are seeking players for our golf tournament to support our Post. Individual golfers can sign up for $125 per person or as a foursome for $500. If you are a veteran with a financial hardship and would like to play, there are a limited number of sponsored spots due to generous support from Unbridled, Nunn and Bryan Construction companies.
Not a golfer but you want to support your local American Legion Post? We offer several sponsorship opportunities that include sponsoring a hole with your business logo and information for $300; veteran team sponsorship for $500; breakfast sponsorship $1,000 (includes one golf team); and other donations of gifts and raffle items; nothing is too big or too small; we also have volunteer opportunities to assist with the tournament.
The following businesses and individuals have made it possible for the American Legion Dane R. Balcon Post 2008 to support veterans, families, youth programs, student scholarships and community organizations: Kevin Koenke State Farm Insurance and hole sponsors — the Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce, Joe Marzullo Realty, John Graham Homes, Tire King, Falcon Dental, Tender Care Veterinary, The Purple Toad, Black Forest Brewery, Patterson Custom Diesel, Security Service Federal Credit Union, Master Tech Automotive, Floor Craft, The Platinum Group, Red Nolan Auto Group, and the Colorado Institute of Sports Medicine, as well as donations from Guadalajara, Red’s American Grill, Bamboo Gardens, Ban Sushi, Sanora’s, Oasis Liquor, Falcon Liquor Outlet, The Color Studio, My Day Spa, Triple Crown and Century Casinos, Magnum Shooting Center, Patriot’s Liquor, The Rib and Chop House, Home Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Scheels.
Last year, 88 golfers played in the tournament, and the Post netted $20,000 for veteran and youth programs, school scholarships and much more.
If you would like more information, contact: Brett Smith, Golf Tournament Director, at greenberetgolfer@gmail.com
