WCC held the Tenth Annual Dr. Thomas L. Barnes Veteran Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament on October 10, 2025, at the Wytheville Golf Club.
The WCC Educational Foundation and the Appalachian Warrior Foundation host the yearly event to raise funds for the “Dr. Thomas. L. Barnes Veterans Scholarship.” The 2025 tournament winners are First Place Team- Scotty Dove, Danny Suthers, Daniel Goode, and Don Goode; Second Place Team - Eric Fisher, Austin Fisher, Caleb Fisher, and Justin Miller; Third Place Team – Aaron Newberry, Patrick Walker, Ritchie Counts, and Stephen Reynolds. Fifteen teams teed off at 11 a.m. after opening remarks from Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President and Andrew Barnes, founder of Appalachian Warrior Foundation. Dean Sprinkle stated, “This tournament was started ten years ago thanks to Mr. Andrew Barnes and his desire to support fellow veterans attending WCC and to honor his father, and a great friend to WCC, Dr. Tom Barnes. Dr. Thomas L. Barnes served as the Dean of Students at Wytheville Community College from 1972-2004. Along with serving as the Dean, he was the Director of Veteran Affairs for Wytheville Community College. Dr. Barnes graduated in 1964 from Penn State University with his doctorate degree in education, afterward accepting the position at Wytheville Community College. Dr. Barnes served honorably in the United States Navy from (1964-2002) and retired as a Naval Captain holding many high-ranking positions at various duty stations around the world. Dr. Barnes led and managed various activities in Wytheville and surrounding county communities, along with serving as the president of the Lions Club. Dr. Barnes was a soldier, educator, and community leader, and the Appalachian Warrior Foundation Scholarship Fund set in his honor provides the same opportunities for other veterans. Dr. Barnes not only served our country honorably but also helped to educate others along the way.
Dr. Barnes was a dedicated proponent of higher education, and the AWF scholarship fund is a lasting symbol of his passion and generosity.
Andrew Barnes, Dr. Barnes’ son and founder of the Appalachian Warrior Foundation, thanked the Wytheville Community College Educational Foundation, the Wytheville Golf Club, the tournament sponsors and players. Mr. Barnes is a miliary veteran of the U.S. Navy Reserves and currently serves at Wells Fargo as Executive Director, Head of Military and Veteran Segment of Commercial Banking, and member of the Board of Directors for the Veteran Employee Resource Network. Wytheville Community College, Appalachian Warrior Foundation, and Wytheville Golf Club thanks the following tournament sponsors: Associate Sponsors: The Tulli Family and Nick Whited, LPC Green Sponsors: Deanna Bradberry, Somic America, Clarke Precision Machine, Jerry Hurt Family, Mike Pafford, Wythe Home Services, Col. David Barnes. Hole Sponsors: John Jones, Wytheville Office Supply, Clayton Horne, Anne Sluder, Richard & Nancy Underwood, True Blue Pharmacy, Roland Walters, Dr. Rhonda Catron-Wood, Bob & Susan Henderson, Lorraine Waddle, Dr. Dean Sprinkle & Janie Hardin, Doug Brown, Dr. Sherry Phelan, Petals of Wytheville, and Senior Home Share.
WCC Educational Foundation continues to accept and appreciate donations that will go directly to financial assistance for WCC students. For more information, contact the WCC Foundation Office at (276) 223-4771.
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