This past June, many supporters came together on the golf course in the name of Brian R. Bill for a yearly Memorial Golf Tournament. The golf tournament benefits the Brian R. Bill Memorial Scholarship at Norwich University, which is where Brian Bill graduated in 2001.
Brian R. Bill was a Navy SEAL who lost his life in the line of duty in 2011. He grew up always wanting to become a Navy SEAL and achieved that dream in 2003, after being in the Navy for two years. Brian was an athletic and capable outdoorsman who was committed to serving his country. After joining the Navy, Brian went on to become a highly decorated soldier, receiving many commendations and awards. In 2011, the helicopter carrying Brian, 16 additional Navy SEALs, and 21 others was shot down from the sky by an enemy grenade. Brian lost his life that day but continues to be remembered and honored for his service to our country in many ways.
Brian R. Bill’s 2001 Norwich University classmates established this Memorial Golf Tournament in 2012 as a way to honor their fallen friend. Not only has it been an event with which to remember Brian but it also has been a significant contributing factor for the Brian R. Bill Memorial Scholarship at Norwich University. The tournament consists of the golf itself, a dinner and a silent auction. Each year there has been a keynote speaker who addresses the attendees and this year that speaker was, Captain Richard Phillips. Captain Phillips (pictured above alongside me) was the captain of the MV Maersk Alabama which was hijacked by Somali pirates while en route to its destination in April of 2009.
The Brian R. Bill Memorial Scholarship gets awarded to students within the corp of cadets at Norwich University. The university offers special designation to students who are the sons or daughters of Navy SEALs. Each year the organizers set a goal for the amount they wish to raise for the scholarship and this year they were able to raise 159% of that goal.
Many past Norwich University alumni, including myself, have attended this golf tournament in honor of Brian R. Bill. Precision Financial Services has been a sponsor of this event for many years.
If you would like to stay up to date on the tournament, follow their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BrianBillGolfTournament/.