Wayside tourney benefits vets

Local veterans and members of the community took to the golf course Saturday to raise money for the Montana Wounded Warriors. The Wayside Scramble tournament was held at the River's Bend Golf Course in Thompson Falls. After the Tournament, the golfers met at the Wayside Bar and Grill in Trout Creek. A check was presented to Kristi Taylor, secretary/treasurer and representative from Montana Wounded Warriors; the total amount has not been registered yet.

Marine Veteran, Jim Kuffel had a "great time on the course in the beautiful weather." Kuffel lives in Missoula but has come to Thompson Falls to golf at the River's Bend about 5 times. "It's a beautiful course and it was great to golf with good friends." Kuffel spent one tour overseas from 1969 to 1970. Kuffel also recognized that an organization like Montana Wounded Warriors has the opportunity to assist veterans in getting the help they need and deserve, and was glad that the proceeds of the golf tournament would go to them.

Scott Garr also enjoyed the day's golf in Thompson Falls. Garr grew up in Montana and spent one extended tour overseas from 1966 to 1968 with the 101st Airborne as an Army Ranger. "A lot of veterans support the Montana Wounded Warriors and the work they do," Garr said, "but there is a certain sense of guilt for veterans that have returned home when their friends may not have." Garr received two purple hearts during his service and it was important for him that people recognize the struggles that those returning from war are facing even if they aren't visible.

Brandon Damaskos and Dylan Beckman won Low Gross. Ray Lynn and Chris Lynn won Low Net. The Wayside Scramble Tournament was made possible by the 29 community sponsors that came together.