Injured veterans honored at Cindy Aoki Memorial Golf Tournament

Three central San Joaquin Valley veterans who were injured during Operation Enduring Freedom will be presented with Segways on Monday, Aug. 31 at the Cindy Aoki Memorial Golf Tournament at Fort Washington Golf and Country Club in Fresno.

Jerry Kerr, CEO of Segs4Vets, will present the motorized vehicles at 11 a.m. to Spc. Jeanna O’Brein-Paynter, Spc. Joshua Brubaker and Sgt. Antonio Tinajero.

Over the last four years, DAV Charities of Central California has raised funds for 14 central San Joaquin Valley veterans to receive Segways.

O’Brein-Paynter was injured in July 2007 when rotorwash sent a sheet of plywood into the back of her head, damaging her head and spinal cord.

Brubaker was injured on June 1, 2012 when he stepped on an improvised explosive device, resulting in the amputation of his legs.

Tinajero was injured on Dec. 11, 2011 when his vehicle was hit by an IED, resulting in severe internal and soft tissue damage.

“These three brave individuals risked their lives to protect our country,” said George Steese, president of DAV Charities of Central California. “We’re honored and utterly thrilled to be able to give something in return to such deserving people.”

Donations for the purchase of the Segways are made possible through the tournament, which will follow the Segway presentation.

This story was originally published August 19, 2015 at 10:42 PM with the headline "Injured veterans honored at Cindy Aoki Memorial Golf Tournament."