Tiger Woods & the Military

[TracGunny]

Woods visits troops near Dubai March 5, 2004
By William Walker
PGATOUR.COM Managing Editor

George Washington, America's first President, would have been proud of Tiger Woods on this day.

Woods was flown by military jet to the Navy carrier the USS George Washington, stationed near Dubai, and met with American troops on duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Woods is in the region for the United Arab Emirates' Dubai Desert Classic. And it's been quite a trip. He hit golf balls off a giant helicopter pad earlier in the week, and ended the week by lifting the spirits of hundreds of troops stationed with the Carrier Air Wing (CVW 7) and the USS George Washington (CVN 73) at sea.

Woods and his Orlando neighbor and close friend Mark O'Meara shook hands with troops and toured the flight operations deck, then were given personalized tours of the F-18 Hornet from the Strike Fighter Squadron and the F-14 Tomcat from Fighter Squadron 11 Red Rippers.

In return, both Woods and O'Meara ripped some drives off a golf mat, aiming out the ship's hangar bay doors. Hundreds of troops watched as the golf balls sailed out to sea and disappeared.

Tiger Woods on the Navy carrier -- the USS George Washington. (Courtesy U.S. Navy) "I wanted to come here because I was raised in the military, with my father being in the Army, and I understand the sacrifices he made for our country," Woods told the troops. "And I understand all the sacrifices you are making for our country, and I wanted to honor that. I want to do whatever I can to make you guys realize how thankful we are for all the jobs you guys are doing for us."

O'Meara added: "We travel a lot playing golf, but we can only do that because of what you all are doing for us. We don't take that for granted. We know the sacrifices you are making out here, and we really appreciate it."

Both players signed autographs for the troops before being jetted back to their golf base at the Dubai Desert Classic.

"This was a real special treat for me," said Navy 1st Class officer Ernest Rash. "I have been a Tiger Woods fan since he was playing college golf. For him to take the time to visit us is awesome. I even got an autograph for my son back home."

Woods also donated three of his Nike drivers, while O'Meara donated three Titleist putters. The players' golf clubs will be auctioned off with proceeds going to the George Washington Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Fund.

Woods' father Earl is a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Army, who did two tours of duty in Vietnam with the Green Berets. He named his son Eldrick 'Tiger' Woods, and Tiger is a reference to Earl Woods' old friend and former Vietnamese soldier Vuong Dang Phong, known by the name 'Tiger,' who was killed in the conflict.

Both Tiger Woods and his father have often told the stories of how the toughness his father learned serving in the Army became a major part of Earl Woods' golf lessons with his young son, helping make the superstar as tough-minded and focused as he is today on the PGA TOUR.

http://www.pgatour.com/story/7145901

Notebook: Woods supports troops

Tiger Woods has assumed the mantle from golf's senior statesmen like Arnold Palmer. When Woods speaks on a subject, they are the words of golf royalty.

So it was with great anticipation that the golf world awaited Woods' views on the war in Iraq, which were delivered Thursday on his website, www.tigerwoods.com.

His comments are poignant because Eldrick "Tiger" Woods got his infamous moniker from a Vietnamese soldier who fought alongside his father during the war in that country.

"I have great respect for the men and women fighting overseas to protect our way of life in Iraq and other parts of the world. As the son of an Army officer, I understand the strength, courage and discipline required to successfully carry out their missions in hostile environments and feel tremendous pride they are representing us," Woods wrote.

"Obviously, no one likes war. Our Congress and President tried hard to avoid the use of force, but ultimately decided it was the best course of action. I like the assertiveness shown by President Bush and think we owe it to our political and military leaders, along with our brave soldiers, to be as supportive as possible during these difficult and trying times. I just wanted to take this opportunity to let our forces know that I am thinking about you and wishing you and your families the best."

http://www.pgatour.com/u/ce/multi/0,1977,6278545,00.html

[TracGunny]

Monday, April 12, 2004
Story last updated at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 12, 2004

From green jackets to Green Berets: Tiger Woods arrives for training at Fort Bragg

By EMERY P. DALESIO
Associated Press Writer

FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Fresh from the land of green jackets, Tiger Woods arrived at the home of the Green Berets on Monday for a visit aimed at giving the world's top golfer some of the Army training his father got during the Vietnam War.

Woods - who finished 22nd in last weekend's Masters - arrived by private jet and his privileged life isn't likely to be replaced by "You're In the Army Now." He's expected to get a sanitized version of real Special Forces training.

"I don't know how rough they're going to train him," retired Army Sgt. Maj. Dwight Nixon said Monday. "They probably won't train him quite as hard, but they'll give him something."

Nixon, 45, was making the turn at Bragg's Stryker Golf Course, dressed in tan rain gear against the drizzle and chilly temperatures.

While Nixon got a dose of Woods' everyday life, Woods was getting ready for a taste of Nixon's former career.

The golfer was issued a green-brown-almond-black camouflaged uniform with his name on it, Bragg spokesman Lt. Col. Bill Buckner said. He also received an orientation to the post, the Army and the Special Forces.

Woods did not make himself available for questions Monday, and his representatives have said he wants his Bragg experience to be private. He is scheduled to meet with reporters Friday, when he gives a golf clinic and demonstration at Stryker.

Woods is scheduled to watch Green Berets handle their weapons and sweep through an urban assault course before getting a chance to try it for himself, Buckner said.

But no one should expect the 28-year-old star will be plopped in the middle of a wilderness and challenged to survive on his own for days, as real Green Berets must.

And his visit to Bragg bears no resemblance to heavyweight boxer Riddick Bowe's 1997 effort to survive Marine boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., Buckner said.

"He's not going to have a drill sergeant barking up and down at him and yelling at him to get in line," Buckner said "He's going to get some exposure and experience with how Special Forces operators conduct business."

While some Army grunts rolled their eyes Monday as they discussed the special treatment for the golfer who earns close to $90 million a year, more were complimentary of his attempt to connect with his father's military experience.

Earl Woods first trained at Fort Bragg in 1963 following a tour in Vietnam, and he was assigned to a Special Forces unit here before leaving for another tour in 1970.

David Pugh, who tries to play a daily round at Stryker, was pleased that Woods was in town.

"He's giving something back to the community," said Pugh, 73, a retired public school teacher and coach who was playing in Nixon's threesome. "I wish more golfers would give more back."

Woods will close his weeklong visit to Bragg with a visit to Stryker. He'll do an hour of personal coaching for eight youngsters from the post, chosen from about 200 who competed for a spot. Another 76 children between 7-17 years old will attend a clinic with four local golf pros alongside Woods.

The youth clinic will be followed by a skills exhibition for about 4,300 soldiers, students and invited guests, some of whom won tickets in a lottery, Buckner said.

Stryker, which opened on the Army post in 1948, was designed by Donald Ross, regarded by many as the top course architect of the last century.

Clarence Gainor, a member at Stryker, was a Green Beret in Vietnam a bit earlier than Earl Woods. He predicted son Tiger will come through his military experience in fine form.

"He's in good shape and he's young. It won't hurt him."

Copyright Associated Press.
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/apnews/stories/041204/D81TEFBG0.shtml

[vision836]

I'm sure his girlfriend won't be to far away. He needs to get rid off her so he can play decent golf. Personally I feel what he 's doing is a joke. Next year, him and Garth Brookes Can play baseball together, oh and don't forget M Jordan too.