War Veterans from two generations welcomed by Poppy Hills
By Ed Martinez
Iraq war veteran Sergeant First Class Stephen Henderson of Philadelphia PA requested a round of golf for himself, his father, father-in-law and groomsmen the morning of his wedding day Saturday April 26, 2008 on a Pebble Beach golf course. Stephen’s request was graciously acted upon by the Northern California Golf Association obtaining the lowest green fees possible from Poppy Hills Golf Course. Local community organizations representing 10 cities were given the opportunity to make contributions as a token of their communities’ gratitude for service to their country. The Monterey Peninsula Nisei Memorial Post 1629, Veterans of Foreign Wars responded immediately with a check representing the largest contribution by any organization.
Golf Pro Justin Williams, Poppy Hills’ staff and the NCGA’s Mark Fitch took time from their busy schedules to accommodate the group of veterans. The “Old Guys” in the group were veterans of the war that Baby Boomers faced in their youth, “Vietnam,” and were led by Lt. Colonel Richard Magno, retired (the groom’s father-in-law). The “Young Guys” were led by SFC Stephen Henderson, an Airborne Ranger who served 15 months in Iraq. The “Young Guys” had a great long game but trouble on the greens; the “Old Guys” had a good short game but had trouble navigating the trees down the fairways. All enjoyed their time at Poppy Hills immensely.
With tee times beginning at 7:30 a.m. the group was able to play 18 holes and return to the hotel to change into their dress blues (army formal attire) for the 4 p.m. wedding ceremony held at the Beach Resort Monterey. The bride was walked down the aisle by both parents and a salute was exchanged as the father-of-the bride presented his daughter to the groom. SFC Stephen Henderson and Theresa Magno exchanged vows responding uniquely with colorful “military synonyms” to “YES” and “I DO.” Stephen replied with “Roger” and “Airborne” while Theresa responded with “Hooah” (pronounced who-ah). Standing alongside Stephen were bestman SFC Daryl Demay and groomsmen SFC Darrell Caboluna, SFC Jonah Le’i, SFC Mark Wilder, SFC William Stanton.
Theresa, a graduate of New Mexico State University, is the youngest daughter of Arita J. Snyder Magno and Richard A. Magno. She is the great granddaughter of Angelo Siino, owner of the original Monterey Boat Works. The building is preserved and maintained by the Hopkins Marine Center and Stanford University. Her family’s legacy is preserved and displayed at the Maritime Museum of Monterey. Theresa worked for the Monterey Sports Center before accepting a position with the City of Morgan Hill where she is currently the recreation coordinator.