185 Marines return from Afghanistan in style at the Jersey Shore

It was a special day earlier this week for the Military and those there to welcome home our heroes from Afghanistan.

The Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club held their 11th Annual “Honor Day” Military Event on Thursday in support of the brave men and women who stand in defense of our country’s freedom and the freedoms we have as Americans.

Eagle Oaks Honor Day, raised over $225,000.00 through fundraising, a charity golf outing and gala dinner, proceeds benefited Hope For The Warrior, a national non-profit that provides a full cycle of care through its programs to restore self, family and hope to post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen across the country.

“We know that freedom is not free,” Domenic Gatto, Chairman and President of Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club said. “It is our privilege and honor to host a well-deserved day of fun and relaxation for these courageous and brave men and women who so valiantly and selflessly serve our country. Our members are proud and honored to share their club for the day.”

This year Eagle Oaks hosted 285 active duty service personnel representing all five branches of the military, 185 of whom were US Marine Corps members just returning back from Afghanistan.

Things began in style on Thursday as Honor Day kicked off with a Black Hawk helicopter landing on the driving range, followed by the All Veterans Group Parachute Team jumping into the crowd on the golf course.

Our heroes were treated to a day in the country club, relaxing and dining on gourmet food and playing golf on a championship caliber golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller.

“We owe much to the brave men and women who fight for our country’s freedom, and it was an honor to have them with us at Eagle Oaks on this special day," Joe Cary, Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club member and Managing Director of Key Banc Capital Markets said.

There were nearly 300 students from local schools in attendance who toured military displays that highlight various state of the art military technologies and took part in some hands on interaction and learning.

The day concluded on Thursday with a ceremony that featured an honor roll of Eagle Oaks friends and family before welcoming in military to the cheers of over 500 invited guests, filling the ballroom dance floor to the background music of “Proud To Be An American.”

Special guest Colonel Joshe Raitz made they keynote speech.

Those wishing to donate may visit hopeforthewarriors.org/honorday.