CONTRIBUTED

K2 Solutions Inc. recently hosted its third annual Special Operations Warrior Foun-dation (SOWF) Golf Tournament at the Country Club of North Carolina, which raised more than $135,000.

The charity provides scholarship grants to the children and families of Special Operations war fighters killed or injured in the line of military or training duty. K2 has hosted this 10-year-old tournament for three consecutive years, resulting in the donation of more than $250,000, which translates to full college tuition for three children.

This annual tournament signifies one of the major charitable events conducted by K2 in support of its military and local community, a news release said.

"With more than half of K2's employee base made up of Special Operations veterans and family members of Special Operations force soldiers, there is no greater beneficiary of our efforts than family members of those who make the ultimate sacrifice," said Lane Kjellsen, K2's founder and majority owner.

"K2 is a company established on the premise of continued service to our country whose proximity and relationship with Fort Bragg and its hub of Special Operations units lends itself to this significant fundraising effort spearheaded by the full force of K2 personnel and resources."

Highlights of this year's tournament included the testimonial of Kathy Fernandez, a widow of Special Operations Master Sgt. Andy Fernandez, who was killed in the line of duty in April 2003. He sacrificed his life during a firefight with Baath Republicans to save the other members of his unit, the news release said.

Tragically, he left behind a 16-month old son, Will, who attended the tournament as a special guest. Will, who celebrates his 10th birthday this year, will receive a full college scholarship grant - something his mother thought she would never be able to provide.

In addition to the Fernandez family, numerous other Special Operations veterans as well as SOWF board members Andy Anderson and Dick Davis participated in the tournament to celebrate the Foundation and help raise this substantial amount of funds.

"An increased Special Operations Forces presence around the globe requires us to be forever vigilant in supporting and protecting those who are left behind," said Dave Whitmire, K2's president and CEO.

"K2 is proud to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice these war fighters make by helping to facilitate programs and causes like the SOWF that contribute to the well-being of their families."

This year's tournament was held Sept. 7 and will return to CCNC next year. Sponsors and participants were provided a full breakfast and dinner, along with golf on the Dogwood course.

K2 thanked the staff and members of the host facility for their support of the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Anyone needing more information on next year's tournament can visit www.k2si.com.

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation was founded in 1980 to provide a college education to every child who has lost a parent while serving in Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations during an operational or training mission.

The SOWF provides a full college education, including tuition, books, fees, room and board, and a computer and printer. The SOWF also provide immediate financial assistance to the families of severely wounded special operations warriors.

Founded in 2003, K2 is a defense contractor with facilities and offices in Southern Pines, Derby and Jacksonville; Albany, Ga.; Twentynine Palms, Calif.; and Virginia. With 285 employees currently, K2 provides a variety of services to the Department of Defense and commercial and public safety entities.