Local VFW hosts Fifth Annual Veterans Golf Tournament
One hundred golfers honor 80th anniversary of D-Day while supporting Black Mountain Post 9157
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
September 13, 2024
A hundred golfers met at the Black Mountain Golf Course, Sept 13, for an annual fundraiser supporting Black Mountain VFW Post 9157.
As the Veterans Golf Tournament returned for its fifth year, participants honored the 80th anniversary of D-Day, while supporting the nonprofit organization’s mission to serve the local Veteran community.
The 2024 captain’s choice tournament marked the fundraiser’s fifth year, according to Post Commander David Hana, who added that his branch was in the midst of a capital campaign to maintain and improve the Black Mountain branch. The post, which includes 89 members, is renovating its 80-year old building on Cragmont Road.
“We recently constructed a new entrance, and we plan to establish a Hall of Heroes when people walk in,” the Marine Veteran said. “That will celebrate the honor and tradition of the past, present and future members of the post.”
Post 9157 was established by area veterans in 1948 and introduced its Purple Heart Pub in 2019. Members launched the annual golf tournament to support the organization’s growing needs.
“Our post reports to the Department of N.C. VFW, which reports to the regional department and then the federal,” Hana said. “Anything you hear on the news about Veterans’ rights, or anything related to Veterans, comes out of local organizations like ours.”
Members of the Black Mountain post opened the tournament with a ceremony commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day and the 125th year of the national VFW organization. Following a bagpipe performance of “Amazing Grace,” Pisgah Brewing Co. owner David Quinn played the national anthem on the electric guitar.
“As the nation’s oldest combat veterans organization, the VFW has created an enduring legacy in the lives of veterans and their families,” Hana told the crowd.
The tournament included silent auction, with prizes ranging from an autographed Fran Tarkenton football, hockey sticks autographed by the Carolina Hurricanes and an American flag Afghan blanket knitted by a member of the Black Mountain post. All proceeds benefitted VFW Post 9157.
“We really appreciate everyone who came out and showed their support today,” Hana said. “I know it means a lot to our Veterans to feel that kind of appreciation from the community.”
Photos of the Fifth Annual Veterans Golf Tournament support Black Mountain VFW Post 9157 can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.