“if we can’t raise $250,000 by December, the golf course will close”

courtesy AFRH Golf

Ed. Note: We had an interesting discussion about the golf course back in 2009.

“Dear PoPville,

The DOD pulled funding on the golf course on the Armed Forces Retirement Home and told its veteran residents and associate members that if we can’t raise $250,000 by December 2016, the golf course will close.

A group of veteran residents and associate members have banned together to try to raise the funds. Our hope is if we can reach this $250,000 goal in December we can open the course up to more members next season.”

The Washington Post reported:

“But the 128-acre oasis is losing money and senior Defense Department officials are debating whether to stop funding it, according to Eric Pahon, a Pentagon spokesman.”

The new AFRH Golf website says:

“Until last year (2015), Golf Course maintenance operations were funded by the AFRH Trust Fund. This is no longer possible. By law, the AFRH, as a government entity, cannot solicit donation… But WE can!

Therefore, we Residents and associated members, through our AFRH-W Golf Club, are seeking donations to continue golf operations throughout the 2017 season while a permanent solution is in the process of being formulated. Without sufficient funds to guarantee the maintenance contract for the 2017 season, our golf course will close permanently after September 30, 2016- terminating our working plans and new membership drives that can support the golf course for the future.

We must produce at least $250,000 by December 15, 2016 to ensure the 2017 golf season.

Your contributions will directly impact all the men and women veterans of our Home, and will be deeply appreciated.”