By Cary Snyder

Herald Staff Writer

In between his military service and pursuing a degree in wildlife ecology at the University of Maine, Sgt. David Veverka found time to squeeze in rounds of golf with his brothers and father.

The 25-year-old solider killed May 6 after a roadside blast tore through his convoy in Iraq was actually a natural at the game, Doug Veverka, one of his brothers, said.

“None of us were headed for the PGA Tour, but we always had a good time,” Doug Veverka said.

Providing a good time and raising money for scholarships that will benefit future high school graduates is the goal of the inaugural David Veverka Memorial Golf Scramble. The event is set for an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start Sept. 23 at the Hickory VFW Golf Course in Hermitage, and all money raised will go to the David Veverka Memorial Fund.

The fund, soon to be administered by The Shenango Valley Foundation, will pay for two $1,000 college scholarships. One will be given to a graduating student from Jamestown High, the sergeant’s alma mater. The second will be awarded to a student in Mercer or Crawford counties.

Ronald Veverka, David’s father, said family members wanted to extend the scholarship beyond Jamestown because other areas, specifically the Shenango Valley, have been very supportive since his son’s death.

Douglas Veverka said he and his other brother, Keith, and sister Sandy, plan to gather each year on May 6 at the sergeant’s grave site in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., to review the applicants and chose a scholarship winner. The ritual will serve as a way to remember and carry on what David stood for, Douglas Veverka said. One part of the scholarship application will involve writing an essay on a topic or value the sergeant cherished. Examples include environmental conversation, family, loyalty and duty and service.

The annual golf scramble is the main, but not the only fundraiser for the memorial scholarships. The Veverkas said Pizza Hut in Greenville plans to donate 15 percent of its receipts received between 4 and 8 p.m. Thursday to the fund, and waiters will also donate their tips during that time. Wal-Mart in Hempfield Twp. will then match that amount up to $1,000, they said.

The scramble will include door prizes, a Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle. Phil Godfrey Ford-Mercury has donated a 2007 Ford Focus as a prize for anyone who hits a hole-in-one on par-3 No. 4. The deadline to register for the scramble is Wednesday. The cost is $60 (golfer) and $240 (team).

The sergeant’s two brothers and father plan to participate in the event as a threesome, leaving an empty seat in the golf cart in the sergeant’s memory.

To register for the golf scramble, call any of the following people: Douglas Veverka, 814-382-1026; Ronald Veverka, 724-346-5448 or 724-301-0173; Carol Polley, 724-932-2658; or Lori Sherman, 724-588-0816.