Saturday marked the 13th annual playing of the Corey Goodnature Memorial Golf Tournament at Green Lea Golf Course.

It was a beautiful day as hundreds of Albert Lea residents and community members from the surrounding areas came out on Saturday afternoon to help celebrate and remember the life of Corey Goodnature. 

Goodnature was killed while on duty in Afghanistan when the helicopter he was piloting was shot down by enemy fire. 

This year, the tournament was set up in conjunction with Goodnature’s 30-year class reunion, drawing even more people to an already populous event. 

Before the start of the tournament, golfers and guests mingled with one another on the back patio, where grilled food was available and everyone could bid on items in the silent auction.

Corey’s father, Don, talked about the turnout and what it means to him to see so many people come year after year.

“It’s such a huge honor,” said Don Goodnature. “We can’t believe all the commitment we get from everybody. It’s just a big honor and a great way to remember Corey.”

At noon, everyone was called to the tee box on the 13th hole for the opening ceremony.

The ceremony included the presentation of the colors, a prayer by pastor Mary Nelson and the scholarship presentation, introducing the 2018 recipients.

This year 11 students were selected from the surrounding areas to receive a scholarship in the amount of $3,000.

Albert Lea had eight recipients selected including: Kali Citurs, Karlie Braun, Kayla Jensen, Brody Nielsen, Spencer Indrelie, Jake Johnsud, Josh  Englin and Ellie Aldrich, Alden-Conger had two recipients: Brett Neel and Sydney Chicos; and Glenville-Emmons had one: Nicole Alison.

Each recipient was asked to stand and give a short introduction of themselves including where they were attending college and what they were majoring in.

Since the scholarship has been started, more than $215,000 has been awarded to area students.

Following the tournament, everyone was treated to a meal , a live auction and music played under the tent.

Deb Goodnature, Corey’s mother, said none of it would be possible without the generous support they get from everyone in the community every year.

“Everyone always says, ‘It’s so great, everything you guys have done,’” she said. “But we didn’t do this, its an effort on everybody’s part. It speaks well of our community and how generous and giving everyone is. It’s just a great group of people.”