Fairways for a Fallen Hero: Brian C. Smith and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty Champion Nate Bruckenthal's Legacy at 16th Annual Golf Tournament
While the specifics of the 16th annual event's fundraising beneficiaries aren't always widely publicized in detail beforehand, the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Golf Tournament has a history of supporting impactful organizations. Traditionally, proceeds from the tournament have often benefited the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to supporting Coast Guard service members and their families, particularly those within the Tactical Law Enforcement community where Nate served.
The Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation (CGTLE Foundation), also known as the Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Association (CGTLEA), is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) of the U.S. Coast Guard and their families. These DSF units include Tactical Law Enforcement Teams (TACLETs), Maritime Safety and Security Teams (MSSTs), Maritime Security Response Teams (MSRTs), and Port Security Units (PSUs).
Mission: The core mission of the CGTLE Foundation is to provide emergency financial support to the families of seriously injured or killed DSF members. They aim to rapidly dispense funds during catastrophic events to assist with immediate needs such as:
- Travel costs
- Lodging
- Living expenses
- Funeral arrangements
- Other extraordinary expenses that the service may not cover.
By providing this immediate financial assistance, the Foundation aims to relieve the burden on local unit members who might otherwise need to "pass the hat" and allows the families to focus on what matters most during a crisis. Their motto reflects this: "Team Before Self. We support Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement families during times of need. Together, we take care of our own."
The tournament typically features a day of golf, often in a scramble format to encourage participation from players of all skill levels. Beyond the competition on the greens, the event usually includes opportunities for attendees to connect, share memories of Nate, and participate in raffles or silent auctions to further contribute to the fundraising efforts.
The spirit of camaraderie, remembrance, and community support filled the air at the Miami Springs Country Club recently as the 16th Annual Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Golf Tournament teed off. This year's event held a special significance, proudly sponsored by Brian C. Smith of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty, further solidifying the local real estate leader's commitment to honoring a fallen hero and supporting a vital cause.
The 16th Annual Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Golf Tournament recently took place at the Miami Springs Country Club, continuing a tradition of remembrance and community support in honor of fallen United States Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Bruckenthal. This annual event serves as a poignant tribute to Nate, who tragically lost his life in action during the Iraq War on April 24, 2004.
For those unfamiliar, Nate Bruckenthal was a dedicated United States Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class who tragically lost his life in the line of duty while serving in the Iraq War. Every year, this golf tournament serves as a poignant tribute to his sacrifice, bringing together friends, family, fellow service members, and community members to celebrate his life and raise funds for causes close to his heart.
The Ultimate Sacrifice: On April 24, 2004, while conducting a security patrol near the Khawr al-Amaya Oil Terminal off the coast of Iraq, the rigid-hulled inflatable boat (RHIB) that Nate was aboard was attacked by a suicide bomber. Nate tragically lost his life in the explosion, along with two U.S. Navy sailors who were also on the vessel.
A Lasting Legacy of Heroism: Nate Bruckenthal's death was a profound loss for his family, his fellow Coast Guardsmen, and the nation. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal with a Combat "V" device for valor, the Purple Heart, and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal with the Combat "V" device. These honors recognized his bravery and selfless service in a combat zone.
Brian C. Smith, a respected name in the South Florida real estate market with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty, stepped up as a key sponsor for this year's tournament. This sponsorship underscores Smith's and his brokerage's deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by our military personnel and their families. It's a testament to their belief in giving back to the community and supporting initiatives that hold profound meaning.
The Miami Springs Country Club provided a picturesque backdrop for the day's events. Golfers of all skill levels took to the greens, not just for the love of the game, but for the shared purpose of honoring Nate's memory. The tournament fostered a sense of unity and purpose, with laughter and friendly competition echoing across the fairways.
Beyond the golf itself, the event featured opportunities for attendees to connect, share stories about Nate, and learn more about the beneficiaries of the funds raised. These tournaments often include raffles, silent auctions, and heartfelt speeches that further amplify the impact of the day.
Brian C. Smith's involvement as a sponsor undoubtedly added another layer of support and visibility to the event. His commitment highlights the important role local businesses and individuals play in keeping the memory of fallen heroes alive and supporting the causes they believed in. By aligning with the Nate Bruckenthal Memorial Golf Tournament, Smith and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty demonstrated a genuine dedication to community values and honoring those who have served our nation. It served as a powerful reminder of Nate Bruckenthal's bravery and sacrifice, while simultaneously bringing the community together for a day of camaraderie and fundraising. Brian C. Smith is a former Navy Officer who has moved over 15 times in the past 20 years. Thankfully, since 2010 he has been happy to call Miami home. He understands the emotions tied to finding a residence you will call home and will listen intently to make your dreams a reality whether you are looking for a primary home, vacation home, or investment property.
Prior to receiving his real estate license, Brian serviced primarily Spanish speaking mortgage brokers as an account executive at one of the nation’s largest wholesale lenders. As a degreed engineer with an MBA from the #1 marketing program per U.S. News & World Report- 2017, Brian uses the best tools available to create winning processes for marketing and selling real estate. Website Link https://www.briansmithsouthflorida.com/
The Coast Guard Tactical Law Enforcement Foundation is a crucial organization providing immediate and ongoing support to the dedicated men and women of the Coast Guard's Deployable Specialized Forces and their families. Their commitment ensures that these brave individuals and their loved ones are cared for during times of crisis and that the memory of fallen heroes like Nate Bruckenthal is honored through meaningful action. Link of Importance https://www.cgtle.org/
