"These people made the decision to subordinate their personal interests to this country."

For the Ponte Vedraspeak files, Jill Painter looks at the Northern Trust Open's millitary outreach efforts and shares this from the tour's David Pillsbury.

Military personnel can test their golf skills against Northern Trust Open tournament director Jerry West and some professionals in a mini-competition. There will be live music and dinner and plenty of golf all week. Active-duty, retired and reserve military members receive complimentary admission to the tournament at Riviera Country Club, along with members of their family. The military has its own tent called the "Patriot Post" at the 10th green.

"The tent is so neat," Pillsbury said. "We don't just bring them to the tournament. We treat them like they're big cats, like they're corporate guys. They've got their own tent. It's really cool. It's a day for the public, just by being there, to acknowledge them and say thank you.

"We did one (concert) at The Players Championship and when we do those, thousands of people stand up and the audience gives them a five-minute ovation. It gives you goosebumps. That is what the community is all about. These people made the decision to subordinate their personal interests to this country."

Subordinate: subtle but good!