By Craig G. Biscone

On June 25, three United States Marines, Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Bedard, Sergeant Jon McDonald and Sergeant Fred Volz, stationed at the U.S. Marine Corps Base in Garden City, participated in the Third Annual Golf Outing hosted by the Law Offices of David J. Sutton, P.C. at the Cherry Valley Club. The Marines had recently returned from a tour of duty in Iraq and enjoyed a well deserved day of relaxation. While there were no winners in the $95,000 hole in one contest, Mr. Sutton and his clients made a $1,000 donation to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. For additional information, visit www.semperfifund.org. The Marine Base located on Stewart Avenue is very receptive to invitations from local community organizations. Many of these Marines are from other parts of the United States and are temporarily stationed in Garden City while they await re-deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan. Each year, Attorney David J. Sutton hosts an outing at the Cherry Valley Club to thank his valued clients for their patronage and fellow attorneys who act as co-counsel to his litigation practice for their support. This year, Mr. Sutton elected to do something special and extend three invitations to U.S. Marines stationed at the Garden City Base.

On a spectacular and surprisingly rain-free Thursday, June 25, three Marines who recently returned from tours of duty in Iraq enjoyed a well deserved day of "R and R." The honored guests at the Third Annual Golf Outing hosted by the Law Offices of David J. Sutton, P.C were Chief Warrant Officer Kevin Bedard, Sergeant Jon McDonald and Sergeant Fred Volz.

As an attorney that concentrates in real estate, zoning and land use matters, I was invited to the outing as co-counsel to and friend of our host. As the son of Lance Corporal Frank Biscone, a retired U.S. Marine that was one of 72 Honor Guards aboard the 520 sailor Navy Battleship USS New Jersey, it was particularly thrilling for me to play my round with Sergeant Fred Volz who had served several tours in Iraq. His stories about day to day life overseas were both enlightening and fascinating.

I was honored to dine with Chief Warrant Officer Bedard, Sergeant McDonald and my golf partner Sergeant Volz at the conclusion of the outing and speak about our day as well as hear more about their lives as Marines and their service to our country. I was so proud of my fellow golfers as many of them would walk up to say thank you and otherwise express appreciation to these fine young men.

There were no winners in the $95,000 hole in one contest, but several talented golfers were awarded prizes for closest to the hole, longest drive and similar feats. One of the winners took his prize envelope, walked up to our table and donated it to the Marines. As if scripted, which it surely was not, each and every additional prize winner followed suit and soon there was a pile of donated gift certificates on our table. The prizes that were donated back by the guests were converted by Mr. Sutton to a one thousand dollar donation to Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.

I took an afternoon away from my law practice expecting a nice round of golf and a good meal at the Cherry Valley Club. In retrospect, I received much more than I had bargained for. The experience was nothing less than inspiring and reinforced the great respect and admiration that I have for the individuals in our armed forces that selflessly make great sacrifices for our great country and way of life.

For more information about the Injured Marine Semper Fi and find ways that you can help, please visit their web site at www.semperfifund.org. The local Marine Base located on Stewart Avenue is quite receptive to invitations from local community organizations. Many of these Marines are from other parts of the United States and are temporarily stationed in Garden City while they await re-deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan. Please take Mr. Sutton's lead and join us in finding ways to express our gratitude and give back to those who give so much to us. Semper Fi.