Bridgestone Invitational to honor U.S. military members and families

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AKRON, Ohio -- On the heels of the recent Fourth of July holiday, officials with the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational announced several Birdies for the Brave military outreach activities for this year's event in Akron, OH, August 3-7 at Firestone Country Club.

To show appreciation to the courageous men and women of the military and their families, the Bridgestone Invitational invites all active duty, retired and Reserve military members and their dependents to attend the tournament all week free of charge, with a valid military ID. Lockheed Martin is sponsoring this complimentary admission program, and tickets can be downloaded at the following websites:

• Visit birdiesforthebrave.org and click on "Tickets"
• Visit bridgestoneinvitational.com and click on "Tickets"

In addition, the Bridgestone Invitational will once again feature a Birdies for the Brave Patriots' Outpost, a hospitality tent for all military and their dependents, located adjacent to 14th green. The Birdies for the Brave Patriots' Outpost will be open Thursday, August 4, through Sunday, August 7, this year -- as opposed to only on Saturday as it was in years past -- and will offer complimentary food and beverage. On Saturday, August 6, the Bridgestone Invitational will host a Military Appreciation Ceremony at 10 a.m. thanks to support from PolyOne and Lockheed Martin.

"Our Birdies for the Brave initiatives are a small way that we can show our appreciation for the men and women of the United States military and their families," said Executive Director Don Padgett. "We salute the brave men and women who serve and recognize the sacrifice that they and their families make."

"We are pleased to once again provide this opportunity to these brave men and women who ensure our freedom each and every day," said Colleen Arthur, director of Lockheed Martin's operations in Akron.

Birdies for the Brave is a national military outreach initiative proudly supported by the PGA TOUR. Originally created by TOUR player Phil Mickelson and his wife, Amy, Birdies for the Brave includes rehabilitative golf clinics and special opportunities for wounded warriors; military appreciation activities during TOUR events; and fundraising events held at TPC clubs nationwide -- an effort that has raised more than $6.5 million for nine military homefront groups that provide critical programs and services for military men and women and their families.

Tickets to the Bridgestone Invitational can be purchased by visiting http://worldgolfchampionships.com/ or calling 330-644-2299.