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The Kalona News

As they finished up their final round of golf for the week at Blue Top Ridge, Charles Powell of Jacksonville, Fla., and Don Houk of Columbus, Ohio, shared a handshake. The two veterans had just spent the week in Iowa as part of the National Disabled Veterans 25th TEE Tournament.

“I just love getting out and swinging with the guys,” Powell said.

He said with every era of veteran out on the course, veterans from World War II to veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have the ability to bond and tell stories.

“It’s outstanding meeting my fellow soldiers and talking about old times,” Powell said.

The National Disabled Veterans TEE Tournament is celebrating its 25th anniversary with 270 veterans from around the United States traveling to the Iowa City area to take part in a week of golfing and other activities. The event is hosted by the Iowa City Veterans Affairs office and locally by the Kalona Golf Club, Blue Top Ridge at Riverside Casino & Golf Resort and the Washington Country Club host golfers.

Houk, who turns 90 years old later this week and donned a World War II veterans hat, is now in his fifth year of participating in the TEE tournament. He said it allows him to keep his physical strength up and is the only golfing he still participates in.

The group of three were each paired with volunteer. They helped guide the blind veterans to line up their shots and describe what lies ahead during the round of golf.

The TEE tournament also has a close Kalona connection. According to the Veterans Affairs website for the tournament, Eldon Miller, a Kalona native, has participated in all 25 of the events. The site notes that the tournament has expanded from 36 participants the opening year to more than 200 per year.