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The Columbia Group Hosts Third Consecutive Charity Golf Tournament With the support of more than 20 corporate sponsors and 20 individual donors, The Columbia Group (TCG), a defense contracting company headquartered in Washington, DC, exceeded its 2010 goal of raising $40,000 to benefit the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) and the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund (IMSFF). A tradition for 15 years, this is the third year The Columbia Group has organized the tournament to benefit both charities.  The fundraising campaign that culminated at the “2010 Annual Charity Golf Tournament for Military Family Relief,” conducted on Friday, June 25th, generated more than $46,000. We must honor the sacrifice of the men and women in uniform by making sure our veterans get the support they need and deserve,” which is why Rod Buck, President of The Columbia Group, said his company continues to host this fundraising event.  “Our tournament raises money for NMCRS and IMSFF, which are two well known, privately funded, non-profit organizations that support Marines and Sailors and their families.” In accepting a $20,000 check from Rod Buck, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society President, Admiral Steve Abbot, USN (Ret) said, “A great day for golf and an even better day for the Marines and Sailors who will benefit from the generosity of the sponsors, donors and participants.  Special thanks to The Columbia Group for hosting this special event, now in its third year.” As a Company, we strive to support organizations that provide assistance to the men and women of our military, as well as their families, in ways that really make a difference – particularly in the areas of healthcare and education, and the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society is dedicated to those same principles,” said Bill Hoover, President and CEO of AMERICAN SYSTEMS.  “Our war fighters at home and abroad are the finest in the world, and I’m proud that our employee-owners have the opportunity to give back to those who sacrifice so much for us.” Rear Admiral Dave Hart, USN (Ret), L-3 Communications, Global Security & Engineering Solutions, echoed that sentiment.  He said, “While playing golf any given Friday in the summer is always welcome, ‘playing’ to help our wounded Sailors and Marines raises the event to a level in which we take extraordinary pride in the service of these young Americans and their singular courage in dealing with their lives ahead as wounded warriors. Great show!” More than 190 players, consisting of members of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, government civilians and contractors came out to enjoy a round of golf on the East and South courses of Joint Base Andrews Naval Air Facility Washington.  Injured Marines from National Naval Medical Center Bethesda and Walter Reed Army Medical Center also had the opportunity to play in the tournament and attend the luncheon, during which former Marine Corps Commandant General Al Gray, USMC (Ret), and Admiral Abbot rightfully dedicated this tournament to them. Return to the Society's "News" page