The 8th Annual Rafi's Amigos Golf Outing Raises $28,000 for JROTC Cadets

Successful Fundraiser: 8th Annual Rafi's Amigos Golf Outing

On June 6, 2025, the Beavercreek Golf Club hosted the 8th Annual Rafi's Amigos Golf Outing, a highly anticipated event that brought together golfers, sponsors, and community supporters for a day of competitive play with a noble cause. Despite an initial bout of rain, the weather cleared up, allowing 116 enthusiastic participants to enjoy the day while gathered for a shared philanthropic purpose.

The event, founded by Colonel Rafi Rodriguez (USAF Ret.) and directed by Dr. Jesse Steiner, is oriented towards generating funding for the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) cadets from the Greater Dayton area. This year, the golf outing raised an impressive total of $28,000, which will directly benefit local cadets by providing them with unparalleled opportunities to explore aviation through the AirCamp program. The event exemplifies a successful blend of sportsmanship and community service, reinforcing the commitment towards youth development.

AirCamp, co-founded by Lt. Gen. Dick Reynolds (USAF Ret.), aims to introduce students to STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—via hands-on experiences that are equally educational as they are thrilling. The funds raised from the golf outing will enable 40 area cadets, along with their instructors, to participate in the AirCamp in Greene County. The camp features engaging flying sessions with certified pilots, allowing cadets to delve into the practical applications of their STEM studies.

Insights from Leadership

Rodriguez, who runs Rodriguez Financial Strategies, LLC, emphasizes the profound impact such experiences can have on young lives. “This outing transcends just being a golf tournament,” he stated. “It’s about providing our JROTC cadets with experiences that pave the way for their futures.” By participating in AirCamp, cadets are immersed in aviation, leadership, and teamwork, ultimately inspiring them to aspire for greater heights.

Dr. Jesse Steiner explained how the funds will be allocated: “About $16,000 will be directed towards sending the 40 cadets from high schools in Bellbrook, Fairborn, and Beavercreek to the exclusive AirCamp. This year, we’re also thrilled to offer increased funding, with $6,000 available for two selected cadets from each participating school to attend a weeklong AirCamp. Additionally, $5,000 will be set aside for acquiring new equipment for our training modules.” This forward-thinking approach ensures that JROTC cadets not only gain exposure to aviation but are also equipped with modern tools for learning.

Contributions from community sponsors, particularly the presenting sponsor White-Allen Auto Group, helped anchor the event’s success. Steiner noted that residual funds will also be allocated for the “Girls in STEM” initiative, which underscores a commitment to promoting inclusivity within STEM education.