Charity golf tourney to honor Hohnstine’s legacy
For Col. D. Lyle Hohnstine, honoring his country and caring for his family were his first true loves. Close behind was his passion for the game of golf. The decorated soldier was a 25-year veteran of the U.S. Army, and although originally from New Jersey, he and his family found comfort and tranquility in their home in Sussex County, Del.
After the retired colonel passed away from a battle with cancer in January of this year, the Col. D. Lyle Memorial Foundation was established by his wife, Elsepeth, to exalt his contributions throughout his life, and this Saturday, June 13, the 501(c)3 charitable foundation will present its first annual fundraiser for military support organizations by hosting a golf tournament at Bear Trap Dunes in Ocean View. It was one of Lyle Hohnstine’s last wishes. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Wounded Warrior Project and Operation Homefront, two organizations aimed at assisting families of those serving in the armed forces.
Even in its first year, the Col. D. Lyle Hohnstine Memorial Foundation has surpassed its goal of 100 golfers and non-golfers willing to come out and have fun in effort to contribute to the cause. By Tuesday, June 9, 110 entrants had signed up.
Hohnstine loved the game, enjoyed playing at Bear Trap and was even a founding member of the Basyside Golf Club in West Fenwick Island. He played regularly and participated in tournaments, but his favorite aspect of the sport was surrounding himself with fun and friends.
“The response has been a lot better than we anticipated,” said Walter Curran, treasurer of the foundation. “We also have 24 tee-sign sponsors and other donors.”
Born in June of 1951, Hohnstine grew up in Short Hills, N.J., and attended Millburn High. He met his sweetheart, the then-Elspeth Gardam, at church in 1967, and they were married in 1974, following his graduation from the United States Military Academy. He attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Va., earned his master’s degree in logistics management from the Florida Institute of Technology, and attended Army War College in Carlisle, Pa.
Hohnstine joined the Quartermaster Corps and served with postings around the world, including Operation Just Cause and the first invasion of Iraq. His military decorations and recognition include, among others, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2nd Award), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon and Overseas Service Ribbon (4th Award).
Hohnstine’s generosity and compassion defined him as an individual, and the love he had for his friends and family distinguished him as a hero. In keeping with his ideals, this weekend’s golf tournament promotes fun and good fellowship.
The morning will begin with coffee and a prompt 8:30 a.m. shotgun start. The format will be a “shamble,” wherein each player hits their drive and the foursome select the best drive and play from that point. From there, each player plays their own ball through the green. Gross scores and net scores will be tallied and handicaps applied in accordance with the golf pro.
Prizes will be awarded for the best gross, best net, closest to the pin and longest drive. The prize ceremony will take place at the luncheon, scheduled to be held after the round.
Individual tickets, which include the round of golf and lunch, cost $125, and there are sponsorship opportunities available, as well. Non-golfers can join the luncheon for $25. A 50/50 drawing and raffles for other prizes will be available throughout the day. Partners or foursomes wishing to play together may indicate so on the registration forms. Checks and donations can be made payable to Col. D. Lyle Hohnstine Foundation.
For more information about the tournament, including registration forms, visit www.lylememorialfoundation.com.
While registration for the tournament closed earlier this week, those interested can contact Walter Curran at (215) 620-1049 or e-mail him at wcurran@holtlogistics.com about availability. “If we have an opening,” he said, “we’ll do what we can to get people out there.”
For more information about the beneficiaries of the event, visit their Web sites at www.woundedwarriorproject.org and www.operationhomefront.org.
Curran noted that the golf tournament will definitely become an annual one, and the foundation is kicking around other ideas for fundraisers throughout the season. “There are a few more events we’d like to hold,” said Curran. “For now, we’re going to see how it goes.”
