SANTA BARBARA, Calif. -- High schooler David L. Brodeur did it all. As a dual-sport athlete in soccer and track and field, treasurer and president of the student council, a National Honor Society member, as well as winner of the Southern Worcester County League and District Class B individual championships, David swept the board. He went to university and had kids, Elizabeth and David Jr., with his wife of 11 years, Susan Williams. As a boy, he had always dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot.

Air Force Major David L. Brodeur died on April 27, 2011, serving his country.

Before his death, he graduated from pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base (AFB) and F-16 Fighter training from Luke AFB in Arizona. He was a senior pilot with more than 1,600 flight hours in fighter craft. Among his awards are the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Combat Action Medal.

David's sacrifice and bravery were recently honored in the Patriot All-American Golf Tournament by Andrew Reyes, a junior on the UC Santa Barbara golf team. Reyes competed in the tournament for a second time this December, where he and his competitors carried golf bags with the name of a first responder or veteran who lost their life on duty.

"For this tournament, you're playing for more than yourself, which for an individual tournament you never see, because you're normally just playing for your name," said Reyes.

The 54-hole event takes place at the Wigwam Golf Resort, near where Reyes was born in Glendale, Arizona.

"I had played in some smaller amateur tournaments out in Arizona before, so the Patriot was a huge step up. It's such a special event because all the players honor a fallen soldier, so it's very heavily military-focused, and that hits home for me because my mom is in the Air Force," said Reyes.

WHERE GOLF, FAMILY AND PATRIOTISM INTERSECT
Reyes expresses pride for his mother, Regina Reyes, for her 25 years of service in the military, as well as his grandfather, who also served in the Air Force as an interpreter. Regina is a colonel now, having risen through the ranks over the years, and the Reyes family has supported her career by relocating to different base locations.

"Moving at the beginning was tough, obviously, but I adjusted mainly through golf. I made a lot of connections through golf with kids my age," said Reyes.

Reyes was introduced to the sport at the young age of four after watching his father play and it has remained a consistent part of his life ever since.

"He would tell me this all the time, but every time that he'd go out with friends, I'd ask to join. So I went with him the first few times and just watched, and then I eventually started hitting balls," said Reyes.

Like David, Reyes was also a boy with a dream. Competing at the Drive, Chip and Putt contest at Augusta National at eight years old, Reyes set his sights on golf from the start, with hopes of becoming a professional golfer. His hard work and dedication have allowed him to excel throughout his golfing career. From being named All-State sophomore year of high school to playing in the White Sands tournament in the Bahamas, Reyes has continued to reach new milestones, leading him to take part in the competitive Patriot All-American Golf Tournament. As a collegiate golfer with impressive feats and a personal connection to the Folds of Honor through his mother, Reyes was one of the 159 players invited.

However, the tournament is more than just a chance for collegiate athletes like Reyes to showcase their skills. In addition to playing 18 holes for three days, the event emphasizes patriotism, commencing with an opening ceremony that features a military tribute, flyovers, and parachutists. The golfers also have the opportunity to visit Luke Air Force Base, the training center for our nation's F-35 fighter pilots and the same base where Major Brodeur was trained. During the tour, the players meet with the base commander, fighter pilots, and crew.

"Obviously, when you see the tournament from an outside view, you see the bags and you see the people carrying for the fallen soldiers. But that whole week we're getting a tour of the base, and we get to know more about the people we're carrying for, so there's a really heavy focus on honoring someone this week," said Reyes.

Reyes reflects on his own experience with David's name written on his golf bag. Major Brodeur's call sign was "Klepto."

"On the opening ceremony day, one of David's service members, who had submitted his name, came up to me and introduced himself. His call sign was Blade, and he told me the background of Klepto's story. It was really cool to meet the person who had worked with the soldier I was carrying and hear how much he means to everyone," said Reyes.

Reyes finished tied for 24th out of 84, placing in the top 25, and earning his World Amateur Golf Ranking, something he's been working toward for years.

"The biggest thing the tournament preaches to us is that a person dies twice, once when they pass, and then again when their name stops getting talked about," Reyes said, "For me, talking to David on the course and acknowledging that he was there helped get my mind off playing, because you get so in your head when you play and you're out there for so long."

While the tournament served as a deeply personal occasion for remembrance, it also held greater significance for Reyes, rooted in his identity, family, and national pride.

"Patriotism is definitely a massive part of my life with my mom. I've always had a great belief in being American, and I come from a very diverse background. At the tournament, we were given hats and jackets that we wore for the opening ceremony with the American flag on everything, and I think personally, that's really cool, because it's close to representing the Olympics. You're wearing the American flag on your body," said Reyes.

As Reyes continues his journey as a Gaucho and beyond, he recognizes that the opportunity to do what he loves is made possible by those who give their lives to serve our country.