Badger women's golf participating in national program
By: Tia Martin
MADISON, WIS.- The Wisconsin women's golf team is participating in something unique this season. For 2019-20, the team has chosen to participate in the Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program. Established in 2007, Folds of Honor is an organization committed to providing scholarships to families of fallen and wounded veterans.
The Badgers feel strongly about backing the cause and especially appreciate the emphasis that it puts on higher education and providing the opportunity to families.
"Having the opportunity to support families and individuals who have given so much and sacrificed so much for our way of life and the freedoms that we are so fortunate to live with, it's an amazing cause and it's something that we are really honored to support and be a part of," head coach Todd Oehrlein said. "It's a fantastic program and we're excited with how it ties directly to an educational mission in supporting the families. Everything that the Folds of Honor stands for is something that we hope other people will support as they follow along with us this year."
The Folds of Honor Military Tribute Program matches a team with a military veteran, usually someone who has fallen or was wounded while serving. In partnership with the Golf Coaches' Association of America and the Women's Golf Coaches Association, the team receives a golf bag in which the veteran's name, rank and branch are displayed. The players rotate in carrying the bag from tournament to tournament. Once the golf season ends, the bag will be auctioned off and all proceeds will go towards Folds of Honor scholarships.
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Folds of Honor golf bag honoring Staff Sergeant John "Jack" Hall
The team is honoring John "Jack" M. Hall, a native of Madison. Hall is a graduate of Madison West High School and U.S. Army veteran.
Born on Jan. 3, 1924, Hall enlisted into the Army on Dec. 7, 1942 at the age of 17 and headed to basic training in Salinas, Kansas. He departed the United States in November of 1943 from Hampton Roads, Virginia, and headed for Casablanca, Morocco, aboard an unescorted luxury liner with 15,000 troops. After seven days at sea, the liner arrived in Morocco where he spent three days on a train headed for Oran, Algeria, before catching a ship to the Naples, Italy, replacement depot where he was assigned to the 36th Division out of Texas.
From Jan. 6, 1944 to June 6, 1944, Hall served in combat until Rome was captured. Shortly following that, he was a part of the invasion of Southern France at Frejus on Aug. 15, 1944. On Aug. 28, 1944, Hall destroyed an enemy roadblock in Allex, France. This action resulted in him being awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.
On Sept. 17, 1944 Hall was shot by an enemy sniper in the chest below his right shoulder while near Redden, France. He was discharged a year later in September of 1945 and returned to Madison in October of 1945.
Along with the Distinguished Service Cross, Hall was also awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor.Â
"There is so much more to the game of golf than just the game itself and we are reminded of that when we carry Sergeant Hall's bag," said senior Tess Hackworthy. "We are inspired by the sacrifices Sergeant Hall and all other veterans have made for our country. Carrying the bag makes us feel stronger. No golf shot, hole or course is nearly as tough as the conditions that veterans have been faced with."
Players and coaches for Wisconsin had the chance to meet with Hall earlier this fall. He came out to University Ridge to talk to the team.
"Hearing his stories and feeling his emotions as he spoke has impacted our team," added Hackworthy. "It's special to have the opportunity to honor the sacrifices that he has made for our country."
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Members of the golf team and Hall pose with the golf bag at University Ridge
Emotions ran strong among the team. Eloise Healey, who carried the bag earlier this season, felt a connection on a deeper level. "Being able to meet Jack as a team was really emotional and powerful, giving us a chance to reflect on how fortunate we are. Listening to Jack's stories and seeing the great attitude he has towards life was special."
Oehrlein added "Having had the opportunity to meet Jack and spend time with him, to hear some of his stories from World War II and what he went through adds some perspective to our lives. That was something that was really special and really unique and we'll cherish that forever."
In addition to honoring Hall, the Badgers are enthusiastic to learn from their Folds of Honor experience. They hope that others will also be able to benefit from their involvement.
For the Badgers and Folds of Honor, carrying the bag this season helps Wisconsin women's golf realize the importance of family and history. The team hopes their participation in this incredible program will help others where it matters most.
