Golf balls clear water, big sand trap, hit Iraq troops

Local man's gift gives military folks break from war

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photo by EMILY BARNES Dave Whitaker, in front of his White Plains home, shows the golf balls that he has collected to send to servicemen and -women in Iraq. E-Mail This Article | Print This Story

One man's hobby turned into an act of kindness.

David Whitaker of White Plains collected more than 1,000 golf balls to send to troops in Iraq.

Whitaker said he knew he wanted to do something to help.

"Regardless of what your government affiliation is, I still think we need to support the people over there," he said.

Whitaker's State Farm Insurance colleague Kevin Voight served two tours in Afghanistan and Baghdad so Whitaker asked what he could send to the troops. Voight said one of the favorite pastimes over there is driving golf balls.

Whitaker who had already been collecting golf balls while playing at the Country Club at Woodmore in Mitchellville, continued collecting, but now with a purpose.

Whitaker said he hopes the golf balls will help some troops get their minds off of what they are there to do, if only for a little while.

Four years and hundreds of golf balls later, Whitaker was ready to send his care package to the troops.

Dan Krause, another agent with State Farm, offered to pay for shipping the packages, which were shipped overseas Thursday in order to arrive by Memorial Day.

Whitaker said he threw in golfing gloves and tees for the troops and "a few pink balls for the ladies."

He recalled being in Vietnam and receiving packages from the states.

Whitaker said whoever got to the package first would open it and share all the gifts. He said no matter what was sent, troops were appreciative of the support.

He said he looks forward to hearing from troops who might get an opportunity to drive a few of his found balls.

gphillips@somdnews.com