Operation Support Military Golf Partners with Industry Organizations
Non-Profit Raises Funds for “Reviving the Golf Courses that Revitalize Our Heroes”™
January 15, 2018 (JACKSONVILLE, Florida) – Operation Support Military Golf (OSMG) – the non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance service members’ morale, welfare, and recreation by improving golf courses and associated facilities at bases worldwide – today announces that it has partnered with leading golf industry associations.
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, American Society of Golf Course Architects and Golf Course Builders Association of America have pledged their proud support of OSMG.
OSMG was created to serve those who have, do and will serve our nation by ensuring their Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) is not forgotten. Positive MWR is an integral component in the well-being and quality of life of our service members and their families.
There are 145 military base golf facilities located in 40 states and 11 overseas countries. In many cases, overseas golf courses are service members’ only safe and cost-efficient means of outdoor recreation, relaxation from work stress, and separation from their families.
Stateside military golf courses are provided zero government funding to operate and overseas courses receive minimal funding. They are required to be entirely self-sufficient. OSMG was founded to help fill this “non-essential” items void.
As a groundbreaking, global, military supportive, 501(c)(3) non-profit, OSMG’s goal is to provide a $1 million infusion to each military golf facility. Helping increase accessibility for our wounded and aging veterans, reducing golf facilities maintenance costs through modernized equipment, and increasing overall visual enjoyment are just some of the specific benefits from the upgrades.
“Having these organizations unite for OSMG shows that they understand how important recreation and wellness programs are for service members’ morale in general, and specifically through golf, with its camaraderie, competition, exercise, and outdoor activity,” says OSMG Founder Jennifer Poth. “Many military base golf courses are falling into great disrepair due to longstanding budget constraints, and OSMG raises funds and in-kind donations for revitalization work that would not otherwise occur.”
Military courses are spread throughout Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine bases. OSMG strives to rotate through the services, one base at a time, to equitably support each. The first revitalization is underway at Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Fla., the city where OSMG is based. To date, most support for the renovation has come from in-kind contributions including that of Arnold Palmer Design Company and MacCurrach Golf Construction, Inc.
For more information about OSMG, email contact@operation-smg.org, or call (904) 626-4374.
About Operation Support Military Golf
OSMG was founded by Jennifer Poth, stemming from her lifelong desire to serve in the United States Armed Services. However, being born with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, also known as an Adrenal Disorder, prevented Poth’s life goal. Her father, Lt. Col. John E. Poth, USAF Ret., works with Jennifer at OSMG and inspired her to follow in his footsteps. Lt. Col. Poth introduced Jennifer to golf by the age of five. While she couldn’t join a military branch, OSMG provided her a different way to serve those who serve.
Military base courses serve active duty and reserve personnel as a means of R&R with family, friends and their units; medically retired (e.g. wounded service members), as positive outdoor activity throughout their physical and mental recovery and adjustment process; retired veterans, after an honorable career; future generations of service-members, especially in the recruitment process; and families of all the above, by providing service members the knowledge that their dependents have a safe environment to learn and play a game that teaches positive, life-long lessons, such as the values of integrity and tradition. This is especially important during deployments or as a means of reintegration upon their return.
Media Contact
Dan Shepherd
Dan Shepherd Public Relations
703.403.5317, dtshep11@gmail.com
