By Eleanor Sevigny
Published July 1, 2021 in The Burg
On May 25, 2006 Private First Class Caleb A. Lufkin of Knoxville died at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C. Lufkin had sustained an injury from an IED while in Iraq. Lufkin was survived by many family members including his mother, Marcy Gorsline; father, Tammy Lufkin; and brothers Taylor and Lance Lufkin. As members of a Gold Star family Taylor and Lance know the true cost of freedom.
This year Lance and Taylor are giving back to the soldiers who like their brother Caleb have paid the price for freedom. The Lufkin Brothers are doing this by hosting Fore for Freedom a Golf Outing at Oak Run Golf Course.
The proceeds of the golf outing will go to The Wounded Warrior Project. The Wounded Warrior Project is a charity and veterans service organization that offers a variety of programs and services for veterans who were wounded following September 11, 2001.
“Our goal is to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project and to shine more light on the sacrifices military members make for our freedom.” stated Taylor.
“Currently we have 13 teams registered. We need 17 more teams to register to complete our goal.” added Lance.
This will be the first time the Lufkins host this event.
“We are hoping to make it an annual event.” explained Taylor.
When asked how they started the event both brothers answered differently, but their core reason is the same. They enjoy golf and they wanted to raise money to help our military service members.
For Lance, “Donating to the Wounded Warrior Project is a great way to say thank you to disabled veterans.”
While for Taylor it’s about, “what I can do to help military members who have paid the price for freedom.”
The sponsors for Fore for Freedom range from independent donations and small businesses to the Chicago Cubs. All sponsors will be thanked at the outing.
Taylor would like the community to know, “Come on out and participate! If you can’t come, find another way to make a difference in our community. Smile at people. Hold a door open for someone. You never know who will need that act of kindness and how much better you can make their day by doing that small act. Fore for Freedom is my way of trying to make the world a better place.”
Lance added, “I would like to thank the community for always being there for our family. You were there for us when Caleb died and you are here for us now. Thank you.”
Fore for Freedom will be on Saturday July 10 at Oak Run Golf Course. The cost is $280 a team to register with a total of 4 people per team ($70 per person). Sign in is at 7:30 a.m. shortly followed by tee time at 8:00 a.m. Each person who registers will get a goodie bag that will include a t-shirt, tees, golf balls, and a Big Catz BBQ meal ticket. After the golf outing is over at Oak Run everyone will go to Big Catz for dinner. In addition to the golf outing there will also be a 50/50 raffle and a silent auction.
“You can sign up for Fore for Freedom by calling Oak Run Golf Course 879-2582. The last day to signup is July 3rd. If you are unable to participate in the golf outing, you can donate directly to the Wounded Warrior Project or send donations to Taylor at 106 Kellogg Street Knoxville, Illinois 61448.” stated Lance.
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