PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH HONORS AMERICA'S WOUNDED WARRIORS;

DALLAS, Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- President George W. Bush today congratulated the wounded warriors who participated in the first-ever Warrior Open, presenting the Winner's Trophy to Corporal Chad E. Pfeifer, United States Army (Retired), currently of Scottsdale, Arizona. The Warrior Open is a two-day golf tournament that continues President Bush's efforts to honor the men and women of our nation's Armed Forces who have sacrificed to protect America's freedoms.

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The tournament, held at Las Colinas Country Club in the Dallas area, featured 20 members of the military who served their country honorably and were severely wounded during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. President Bush joined the veterans during a practice round on Sunday, and then watched them on the course during the two-day event.

"The purpose of the Warrior Open is to celebrate those who have served our country, and to remind our fellow citizens how fortunate we are to have men and women volunteer in the face of danger," said President Bush. "I knew I would be impressed by the courage of our warriors.  I will tell you this tournament has exceeded my expectations."

On April 12, 2007, while serving as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Corporal Chad Pfeifer's truck was hit with a pressure plate IED that resulted in the amputation of his left leg above the knee. While recuperating from his injury, Corporal Pfeifer picked up golf as a form of therapy and fell in love with the game. He is now pursuing a career in golf and is working his way through the PGA Apprentice Program in Scottsdale.

After receiving the inaugural Warrior Open trophy from President Bush, Pfeifer said, "This one being the first one, it's an honor to get it; but to all of our brothers and sisters who paid the ultimate sacrifice, this one's for them."

The tournament also recognized the many organizations that give their time, talent and resources to support the men and women of our military and their families. The organizations highlighted by the Bush Center include: Hope For The Warriors®, Salute Military Golf Association, Semper Fi Fund, and the Troops First Foundation.

The tournament was made possible by many corporate donors, who were publicly thanked by President Bush during the opening ceremonies. "I want to thank Las Colinas, its members, the volunteers who are here; I thank the fans who have come out to support these troops," said Bush. "Laura and I thank ClubCorp, American Airlines, TaylorMade, Ewing Automotive Group, Omni Hotels and Briggs Equipment for sponsoring this tournament."

The Warrior Open is the second of two inaugural events, following the W100k, of the George W. Bush Presidential Center's Military Service Initiative emphasizing the importance of sports - like mountain biking and golf - to the rehabilitation process for many of those seriously injured on the front lines. Each of the 20 wounded warriors participating in the tournament played with amazing courage and admirable ability on the course.

About the Military Service Initiative:

Inspired by the courage of those who have volunteered to wear our nation's uniform, the Bush Institute's Military Service Initiative honors the U.S. servicemen and women and their families who sacrifice to defend our freedom. The Military Service Initiative helps improve the impact of organizations that give their time, talents and resources to support these brave men and women.

About the George W. Bush Institute:

The George W. Bush Institute seeks to improve the human condition through human freedom, educational reform, global health, and economic growth. In all its programming, the Institute integrates initiatives that empower women and support social enterprise as proven catalysts for change. The Bush Institute is the innovation policy arm of the George W. Bush Presidential Center, which includes the Presidential library, located on the campus of SMU in Dallas. For more information, please visit www.bushcenter.com.

For more information about the George W. Bush Presidential Center,

please visit: www.bushcenter.com

SOURCE The George W. Bush Presidential Center