Veterans Share a 'Great Day' at Free Golf Outing

Marine Corps veterans David Rebec and Steve Stelter hadn't seen each other in seven years.

But when Rebec heard about the veterans golf outing scheduled for Sept. 7 at in Oak Forest, he gave Stelter a call.

"I asked him, 'Do you like to golf? ... Why don't you come out here and let me kick your butt around the golf course?'" Rebec said, laughing.

Rebec and Stelter were two of nearly 150 returning veterans who enjoyed a free round of golf Tuesday, courtesy of the , MillerCoors and Hayes Beer Distributing. (Stelter claims he beat Rebec.)

Kevin Werner of Hayes Distributing Miller approached Oak Forest Veterans Commission Chairman Craig Miller about its “save your caps” program (the company donates money based on the amount of beer bottle caps and pull tabs people sent in). For this outing, Miller donated $5,000, and Hayes Distributing matched it.

The result was priceless.

"They're thanking us for putting it on, while we're trying to thank them (the veterans)," said Joe Koce, organizer and volunteer for the event.

The veterans ranged in age from 21 to 90 years old, and they came from the U.S. Coast Guard, the Army, the Navy and the Marines. They served in Afghanistan, Korea and Vietnam. Some have stayed in touch, and others have drifted apart. But all seemed to appreciate a chance to catch up, kick back and tee off.

One group of Marines that served together in 2004 reunited on the links. Caleb Hansen, Patrick Kaplis, Tony Baffes and Gilbert Rivera may have moved apart, but a chance to connect with other veterans brought them back to the south suburbs. The group finished 1-over par.

"It's nice to see them do more for the returning veterans, and it's nice to be around them," Kaplis said of the veterans who served in Vietnam. "Those are the guys we look up to."

Werner, special events coordinator for Hayes, was thrilled with the turnout, and with the ease with which the event came together.

"I'm not a golfer, I've never run an outing," he said. "I had no idea what I was talking about."

Werner turned to Miller, who looked to Oak Forest Mayor Hank Kuspa. Kuspa jumped at the idea.

"It was an honor to do something to thank all the veterans who have served," Kuspa said near the close of the event. "All we saw were smiling faces."

On the course just before sunset, several vets were wrapping up their rounds.

Friends Ed Springer and Jim Lehnert have spent most of their lives as friends, on and off the links, and in and out of the Marine Corps. (Springer even introduced Lehnert to his wife nearly 50 years ago).

"I've been out of the military for 53 years, and this is the first one of these gatherings I've been to," Springer said. "Free golf is nice, but it's not about that. It's about honoring the veterans. The free golf is minimalized.

"I'm glad we're here."

Air Force veteran Jacob Pochron agreed.

"This is one of the finest outings I've ever been to," he said. "'Mr. Miller' and his crew put on a wonderful show."

The veterans left with baskets full of prizes, and an assortment of other goodies, including a Miller windbreaker, golf balls, passes to Brookfield Zoo and more. Fifty local businesses pitched in with sponsorships and prizes.

"Today was a tremendous day,” veteran Larry Bromley said. "I wish we'd do it every year."

Koce and Kuspa hope to bring back the event in future years.

"It's a giant hug fest," Koce said. "It's just such a good feeling to give back. It's amazing.

"It's been a great day."