Par for a Purpose: Funding the Future of STEM

More than 140 golfers competed in the annual AFCEA Educational Foundation Golf Tournament at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington, Virginia, on September 29. Once again, the tournament raised $40,000 to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) scholarships and teacher grants—matching last year's impactful contribution. 

The overcast skies kept the temperatures comfortable, making for ideal playing conditions. Spirits were high, swings were strong and the event was a hole-in-one for STEM education.

The AFCEA International Educational Foundation, in conjunction with AFCEA chapters worldwide, provides more than $2 million in scholarships and grants per year. It exists to ensure tomorrow’s workforce has the necessary technical skills to be competitive in the fast-paced, ever-changing global security arena.

“A huge thank you to everyone who teed off with us at our annual charity golf tournament! Whether you were sinking birdies or just avoiding bogeys, your generosity was a hole-in-one. All puns aside, every participant, sponsor and staff member not only made the tournament possible, but made it a tremendous and most appreciative success," said Lt. Gen. Susan S. Lawrence, USA (Ret.), president and CEO of AFCEA International. “Because of our generous supporters, AFCEA's Educational Foundation is able to play a vital role in advancing STEM education, helping students and educators access the resources they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce. You didn’t just play the course—you changed the course for tomorrow’s leaders. Fore-ever grateful!”

This year's winners were: 

First place (score: 52) 

• Reggie Gillis 

• Kevin Dilland 

• Steve Galing 

Second place (score: 54) 

• Terry Benedict 

• Mike Yang 

• Chris Malta 

• Dan Wilson 

Third place (score: 54) 

• Brendan Pastor 

• John Durastanti 

• Terry Tuttle 

• Mike O’Hanlon

Closest to Pin—Women: Carla Rivera 

Closest to Pin—Men: Jason Henham 

Long Drive—Women: Kathy Cowles 

Long Drive—Men: Ben Bujnowski

Off the course, the attendees were able to bid on a number of generous prizes. The winners include: 

Bourbon basket: Palmer Sims 

Bourbon glasses: Kevin Curry 

50/50 contest: Maj. Theron “TJ” Brower 

Photography Raffle: Brittany Cardenas, Mike Black, Tim Reyna, Terry Tuttle (won two) and Gretchen Gunning