The Desmond Doss Foundation has partnered with the Oneida Indian Nation for its first annual Desmond Doss Memorial Golf Tournament. Established in 2018, the Foundation serves to honor WWII Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Desmond Doss Sr. is committed to continuing his legacy and unique character values through youth education and outreach to Veterans and First Responders. Doss’ life and service was captured in the 2016 film “Hacksaw Ridge.
Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (September 10, 2020) – Continuing its longstanding and strong support for U.S. military servicemembers, the Oneida Indian Nation is proud to host the 2020 inaugural Desmond Doss Memorial Golf Tournament on September 14th.
Organized by the Desmond Doss Foundation, and working in partnership with outstanding veterans support organizations Clear Path for Veterans and PGA Hope, the golf tournament will raise funding for the Foundation, as well as honor the memories of Desmond Doss and other servicemembers who have put their lives on the line in defense of the United States.
“The Oneida Indian Nation is honored to host the Desmond Doss Foundation’s inaugural Memorial Golf Tournament,” said Ray Halbritter, Oneida Indian Nation Representative and Turning Stone Enterprises CEO. “The Foundation celebrates and promotes noble ideals such as honor, integrity, strength and peace. In this way, the event was a natural fit for us to host because we share those same ideals, as well as a commitment to service and country.”
Oneida Indian Nation’s history of service and support for the U.S. military dates back to the Revolutionary War, when the Oneida Indian Nation allied itself with George Washington and fought alongside American patriots for independence. Oneida members have enlisted in the U.S. military in times of war and peace and have proudly served in every conflict since the United States’ inception.
Teeing off for 18 holes at Turning Stone’s Atunyote golf course, attendees of the Desmond Doss Memorial Golf Tournament will compete for sponsorship trophies, prizes, gifts, and more. The Foundation has also invited local Upstate New York veterans to participate in a day of golf. Later in the evening, attendees will attend a memorial dinner service followed by a screening of “The Conscientious Objector” – a film documenting the remarkable life and service of WWII veteran Desmond Doss.
“The Memorial Golf Tournament will be an exciting annual tournament that travels around the country like the USA Open, and we are proud to partner with the Oneida Indian Nation on our inaugural event,” said Gabe Videla, Chairman, Desmond Doss Foundation. “We hope to use this event as a way to support and express our commitment to our veterans, and to continue promoting the values embodied by Desmond Doss.”
While the player field is full, those interested in supporting the 2020 Desmond Doss Memorial Golf Tournament can become a patron sponsor of a local First Responder or Veteran. Additional information can be found on the Desmond Doss Foundation’s website, here: https://www.desmonddossfoundation.org/ddmgt/
About the Oneida Indian Nation
The Oneida Indian Nation is a federally recognized Indian nation in Central New York. A founding member of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (also known as the Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy), the Oneida Indian Nation sided with the Americans in the Revolutionary War and was thanked by Congress and President George Washington for its loyalty and assistance. Today, the Oneida Indian Nation consists of about 1,000 enrolled Members, most of them living in Central New York. The Nation’s enterprises, which employ more than 4,750 people, include Turning Stone Resort Casino, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, Maple Leaf Markets, SāvOn Convenience stores, RV Park and three marinas. Proceeds from these enterprises are used to rebuild the Nation’s economic base and provide essential services, including housing, health care, and education incentives and programs, to its Members.
