VFW Post 1963’s 2023 Golf League culminated with a festive luncheon on Oct. 19 at Post 1963’s Sea Isle City meeting hall, where 101 golfers enjoyed a meal, an awards ceremony and camaraderie.
At the start of the ceremony, former Post 1963 Commander Mark Lloyd was presented with the 2023 Jack Shimpf Unsung Hero Award for Outstanding League Contributions. It was one of the highest honors presented during the event.
Jack Shimpf, who was not on hand to personally present the award that bears his name, is a U.S. Army Airborne veteran and Silver Star recipient. He served in the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1966 before returning to Vietnam in 1970 as a civilian working with the U.S. Veterans Administration.
Also during the awards ceremony, Frank Gaull, Joe Stoltenberg and Bill Woodman each received trophies for sinking a hole in one. Harry McCann received a prize for scoring an eagle. Other players received prizes for each birdie he or she shot.
Additionally, the league’s top five male and female players each received cash prizes. Joe Foell and Sylvia Grasis were declared this year’s top players in the male and female divisions, respectively.
According to Terry Moore, who serves as chairman of the league’s board, 2023 was a very successful year.
“On a scale of one to ten, this year was a ten-plus for our league. In fact, it was probably the best year we ever had,” said Moore, who is also a member of Post 1963’s Auxiliary. “The weather cooperated, new friends were made, and the 120 players who participated in the league enjoyed themselves week after week.”
Moore noted that the golf league has been popular among the players since it first began 21 years ago. He said that the biggest benefit is the support it brings to the VFW.
“We always should remember our veterans,” he said.
Moore attributed the golf league’s success to its founder, veteran Gene Purcel.
“We all owe a great deal of thanks to Gene, who we call ‘Mr. Birdie’ because each year at the luncheon he flaps his arms and dances as he distributes the birdie awards to the players. We are fortunate to have Gene and several other founding members still active in the league,” Moore said.
In addition to the proceeds from the annual Golf League benefiting VFW Post 1963 and its Auxiliary, each week participants donate nonperishable food items to the Sea Isle City United Methodist Food Cupboard, making the league a worthwhile event on many levels.
VFW Post 1963’s annual golf league is open to VFW members and nonmembers alike. Next year’s golf league will take place from April to October at The Pines at Clermont Golf Club. For information, email tjmteeitup@aol.com.
To learn more about VFW Post 1963 and its Auxiliary, go to www.vfwpost1963.com or call 609-263-1711.
To view a collection of photos from Post 1963’s 2023 Golf Luncheon and Awards Ceremony, go to www.VisitSICNJ.com and click the “Photo Gallery” link on the home page.
