AT&T National Salutes Military Officers, Sends Care Packages

NEWTOWN SQUARE–It was more than just golf at the AT&T National at this year. Amongst the sponsors and concession stands, two large pavilions were set up in dedication to Amerca's heroes–military officers.

The Operation USO Care Package pavilion was stationed just east of the main entrance, where golf pros and fans can stuff care packages together which will be sent overseas next week, according to Director Jonathan H. Cannon.

Their goal: sending 7,000 care packages to military officers overseas. By mid-afternoon Thursday, Cannon had estimated about 250 already made.

"We're very hopeful," said Cannon. "We're looking like we'll be able to make it."

Cannon said it was one of their major sponsors, Lockheed Martin, who helped connect them to AT&T National.

"We're very thankful to be here," said Cannon. "And to bring awareness is great."

From sunscreen lotion, shampoo, and deodorant to beef jerky, peanuts and AT&T phone cards, the care packages are stuffed with necessary items that an officer may need overseas as well as little reminders of home.

Some of the highlights was seeing Tiger Woods stuff a few care packages, which was "pretty cool," said Cannon, as well as the Philly Phanatic doing a few.

On the opposite side of that pavilion stood another pavilion, "We Salute Our Heroes Tribute Wall," a new feature at the tournament, where people were encouraged to write messages to military officers.

Pieces of the wall will be broken up and sent to various areas in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. areas. For Philadelphia, it will be the airport, "so that military officers can be immediately welcomed with this when they arrive home," said Joanne Rashbaun, a volunteer at the tribute wall this year.

With hardly any space to write by Thursday, Rashbaun said a handful of the golf pros had left notes and messages, among the pictures and messages from fans, on the wall for the heroes.

Some of the messages from the pros:

"Guys, thank you for all you do and the sacrifices you all make. Your friend always!!" - Tiger Woods.

"God bless you all; all the best!" - K.J. Choi

"For all the work you do away from family and friends, doing the right thing to the bitter end...As we travel from coast to coast and you travel across the world...Just a note to let you know we are thinking if you from the PGA show!! All our very best."  - Billy Mayfair and Family

And a few others from fans near and far:

"This nation will remain the land of the free, only so long as it remains the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis

"Thank you for all your sacrifice and for upholding our country's honor." - Marty McCarthey, St. Davids

"A simple thank you doesn't seem to be enough for all that you do for our country and our people. Safe wishes, love and positivity is always being sent your way. So...thank you!" - The Nealin Family