Day 1: Reaching out overseas

One of the most commendable events going on at the tournament this week is taking place between holes 15 and 17. The XTO Military Zone has been set up by one of the biggest energy companies that is part of the energy boom in the Barnet Shale XTO. Outside the tent you'll find flags from all the different branches of our military while inside you'll find a tribute to all our men and women defending our country.

Hawk Electronics has set up a very special service at the tent. Cells phones have been set up by the electronics company for international calls so family members of soldiers fighting abroad and veterans can call their loved ones for free. Diane Hernandez and Jeff Jarred both employees of Hawk Electronics recalled a special moment that happened yesterday during the Pro-Am where a man was able to call and talk with his daughter over in Iraq whom he had not spoken to in over a month. "Its cool to see from our point of view working here all the vets coming in and just having conversations with perfect strangers", Hernandez said. The spot has been a popular stop for our veterans throughout the tournament. "The older vets will come in and talk your ear off but its great to hear all the stories they have", said Jarred.

The tent is a great stop not just for our soldiers but for the everyday fan. The air conditioned tent is a nice break from our local Fort Worth heat and Hawk Electronics, along with their international phones, has a big screen TV with a Wii set up for anyone to play! I caught Corporal Anderson of the National Guard practicing his golf swing with some of the Hawk Electronics employees during a rousing game of Wii golf. Corporal Anderson said he hadn't been out on the course yet as the tent was his first stop but said, "I might be buying me a Wii now." I of course decided to try out my virtual golf swing but ended up shanking a ball into the water hazard on my first shot.

Maybe I'll just stick to the real thing.

Hawkeye Ace
Out!