Used golf clubs give a lift to Iowa soldiers

Through a golfer’s eyes, Iraq is pretty much one big sand trap. That’s why it seemed so natural for the mother of an Iowa golfer who’s serving in Iraq to start sending her son and other troops golf clubs and golf balls to practice with in their downtime. Cindy Yerington of West Liberty says Operation Sand Wedge was a success. Yerington says the West Liberty golf course eliminated all of its sand traps so members donated all of their sand wedges to be sent overseas, along with “a whole bunch of golf balls.” She sent a total of 160 clubs to a number of soldiers with Iowa ties who are all in Iraq. Each one got about a dozen sand wedges to share with his company. Yerington’s son, Army Sergeant Corey Johnston, is on his second tour of Iraq. She says the clubs were a real hole-in-one as the soldiers were thrilled to get them. Yerington and others in the West Liberty area have been collecting all sorts of morale-building items to send to Iowa-based troops who are on active duty in Iraq, not just golf clubs. She says the variety of donated treats for troops has included lollipops, squirt guns and even inflatable swimming pools. Other items on the list: frisbees, phone cards, licorice, hygiene items and anything that might bring a smile to the face of a soldier. West Liberty schoolkids are collecting money to cover postage costs of the on-going project. Donations can be sent to “Treats for Troops” in care of West Liberty State Bank, 101 East Fourth Street, West Liberty, IA 52776, or call Yerington at (319) 627-4227.